2024 Best of Business: Meetings & Events
Event av service provider
Gold | AV For You
When AV For You opened its 20+ years ago, it sought to provide clients with all the audio-visual services they would need for any size event. The Crystal company helps customers cross AV services off their task lists by providing quality, reliable technology at low prices. Clients turn to the firm for delivery, setup, operations, and pickup, whatever the event, from annual meetings and recognition dinners to in-house gatherings. Minnesota Meetings + Events magazine has named AV For You the Best Audio-Visual Provider seven times, while clients rave about its service that make their events stand out.
Silver | Heroic Productions
Bronze | EideCom
Décor & equipment rental
Gold | Après Event Décor & Tent Rental
Family-owned Après Event Décor & Tent Rental shines at providing robust rental services for events across the Upper Midwest. The Minnetonka company operates an 8,000-square-foot showroom where customers can browse its diverse offerings, including linens, china, tabletop décor, tents, and outdoor features. They also get inspiration from the Après gallery, where showcases of tablescapes provide options for event planners and individuals. Après offers extra touches to set the scene at events, such as draping, lighting, and lounge furniture. Built on a foundation of honesty and accountability, Après has scores of longtime employees who support the company’s mission to make events spectacular.
Gold | Linen Effects (tie)
Minneapolis-based Linen Effects goes beyond décor rental to help clients create dazzling events of all shapes and sizes. Launched in 1990 and now under new owners—event planners Jenna and Justin Cully—Linen Effects operates as a full-scale event design house. On top of providing all the latest décor, from furnishings to flatware, Linen Effects also offers wide-ranging services to help clients with event preparations. Customers select from self-serve with guidance as needed, curated service with an in-house expert by their side, and full-service event design and planning. A regular award winner, the firm won Minnesota Bride’s 2023 best rentals and décor category.
Silver | Girl Friday
Meeting & event venue – hotel
Gold | Hewing Hotel
When it comes to events, the Hewing Hotel is all about versatility and location. With its exposed timber and brick, the Minneapolis hotel exudes Warehouse District charm while providing a warm welcome to event and hotel guests. Event planners pick from numerous options, including the Andrews Ballroom, several smaller event spaces, Tullibee restaurant with private dining, and a rooftop lounge. Planning is seamless thanks to Hewing’s on-site catering and staff, so celebrations go off without a hitch. Plus, 124 hotel rooms can make an event all-inclusive. There’s a reason the Hewing is a four-time winner of this category since it opened in 2016.
Silver | Hilton Bloomington
Bronze | Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Meeting & event venue – non-hotel
Gold | International Market Square
International Market Square has been on the Minneapolis scene since 1915, beginning as a clothing factory. Since 1985 it has functioned as a design and event center, providing memorable spaces for gatherings, with an overall aesthetic of creativity. Event planners like the five-story atrium and glass roof that lets in natural light and the 50,000 square feet of meeting and banquet spaces for groups of any size. Add on-site D’Amico Catering, and planners know they will have a winning corporate event, fundraiser, or holiday party, ensuring smooth planning and execution.
Silver | West End Conference Center
Bronze | Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom
