We'd be remiss not to shout out our own branded space on the show floor. Pops of orange, yellow, and pink and a balloon arch could be spotted under a shimmery disco ball installation, providing the perfect photo backdrop for attendees.Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
The hybrid event was produced in partnership with akire productions and Hubilo. Attendees who couldn't make it to Minneapolis were able to watch every education session—including an event industry forecast with ALHI President and CEO Michael Dominguez—from the comfort of their own homes. (You can now watch the sessions on demand here.)
But, of course, there's something special about being with other like-minded professionals in person, with ample opportunities to network and share fun, memorable moments. There was no shortage of that at Connect Marketplace in Minneapolis. Keep scrolling to see some of the most creative booths, plus a handful of our favorite moments...
Fabrication company Britten was on site showing off past work, including this life-size branded golf ball made with CNC foam-sculpting technology. (We love oversize marketing props—just read our recent article about them here.) Planners could stop by to discuss Britten's print, hardware, foam, woodworking, and BoxPop products with its event and experiential marketing experts.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
On the show floor, Interactive Entertainment Group presented attendees with a chance to score big on its new mixed-reality sports simulator, Multiball. The simulator is equipped with high-precision sensors that accurately track each player’s spatial position and sense ball contact in real time. If planners are interested in bringing Multiball to one of their events, they can choose from more than 35 different games and customize the game to their event with branded graphics.
Photo: Courtesy of Interactive Entertainment Group
One of our favorite respites from the busy show floor was Graduate Hotels' lobby-inspired lounge. Standout touches included desks made out of books, floral wallpaper, and details that paid homage to some of the college towns where you can find the hotel brand.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Visit Detroit welcomed attendees to its booth by way of a timeline of the city's music milestone moments. They could then strut their stuff for a 360-degree camera set up in front of cool concert posters. Attendees could also enjoy a grid of Motown album covers and a live DJ.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Visit Tampa Bay pulled out all the stops this year for its Connect Marketplace booth. The DMO created a two-story booth reminiscent of a shipping container, making it dual-purpose for indoor or outdoor events. The colorful tile floor is a nod to a landmark restaurant in Tampa (dubbed the oldest in Florida) that was founded in 1905, The Columbia. Attendees could also get a glimpse at new developments coming online in the city.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
In the show's dedicated sports zone, Visit Duluth partnered with Corporate Curling to bring the latter's inflatable street curling to the floor. Planners can commission these inflatable sets for corporate events as prime team-building exercises.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions returned to Connect Marketplace, this time offering the perfect pick-me-up on the show floor: matcha lattes.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
It's not Connect Marketplace without the Reno Tahoe Puppy Lounge! Our furry friends returned this year, giving attendees the chance to cuddle with adoptable dogs of all ages. By the end of the show, seven dogs found new homes.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Meet Minneapolis was of course on site to promote its hometown. Attendees could interact with a five-foot-tall replica of one of the famous cloud shoes that Prince wore in his "Raspberry Beret" music video, created in partnership with Paisley Park. Throughout the show, attendees could also sample flavors from Minneapolis' different cultural districts at the booth, including Cubano sandwiches, bison meatballs, and beef sambusas.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
A booth design that stopped us in our tracks: Fielddrive's sustainability-themed booth. Attendees could interact with the event tech company's printable badges made with biodegradable paper and seating made out of cardboard.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Along with handing out branded water bottles and chatting with attendees about tournament and event housing, Team Travel Source displayed one of our favorite photo ops from the show.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Another can't-miss booth: Visit Houston's vibrant, out-of-this-world graffiti wall.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
We'd be remiss not to shout out our own branded space on the show floor. Pops of orange, yellow, and pink and a balloon arch could be spotted under a shimmery disco ball installation, providing the perfect photo backdrop for attendees.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Some of our other favorite moments...
We hoped our opening reception would make Prince proud. The event was an homage to the renowned singer and songwriter, who often embraced his Minneapolis roots throughout his career. Upon entering the reception—held both indoors and outdoors at Peavey Plaza, Orchestra Hall, and Brit's Pub—attendees could pose in front of this recreation of the famous star wall found at First Avenue, a storied and influential music club downtown that was featured in Purple Rain.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
We asked attendees to don their best purple duds...
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
...or '90s attire and party like it was 1999.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Throughout the night, eventgoers enjoyed food and beverage, live music, and photo ops.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
When not exploring the trade show floor's engaging booths, attendees were treated to specialized education at the Visit Sacramento Speaker Showcase. Here, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sat down for a "fireside chat" with Deesha Dyer, the former White House social secretary for the Obama administration. Watch her session here.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Of course, it's not Connect Marketplace without valuable one-on-one appointments.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
For two days, event profs were busy networking and closing deals.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Associated Luxury Hotels International President and CEO Michael Dominguez was on site to give an event industry forecast. His presentation touched on bleisure, bifurcated recovery, and why marketing efforts need to be put behind Boomers and Gen X. Watch his session here.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
Feeling the FOMO? Connect Marketplace heads to Milwaukee in 2024! Get more info here.
Photo: Thomas Bonano, SpotMyPhotos
