All 87 meeting rooms have been modernized with enhanced technology, sustainability features and contemporary design to elevate the meeting experience

Photo courtesy MCC

 

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has completed a $25 million renovation of all 87 of its meeting rooms, transforming more than 93,000 square feet of meeting space into more modern, comfortable and technologically advanced environments for event planners and attendees. The multi-year project reinforces the MCC’s commitment to delivering an exceptional meeting experience while ensuring the facility remains competitive in an evolving meetings and conventions industry.

 

“This transformative project will provide our clients with meeting spaces that reflect the expectations of today’s events,” said Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Convention Center. “From enhanced technology and sustainability features to improved comfort and design, these renovations position the Minneapolis Convention Center to better serve our clients and their attendees for years to come.”

 

The renovation blends functionality and style while prioritizing user experience, comfort and sustainability. Highlights include:

• Streamlined technology – Upgraded electrical, data, fiber and audio infrastructure provide consistent and reliable connectivity throughout every meeting room.

• Enhanced lighting – New linear LED fixtures with theatrical-grade controls allow for customized ambiance tailored to each event.

• Better airflow and comfort – New linear HVAC diffusers improve ventilation and temperature control.

• Warm and modern aesthetic – Bright, contemporary interiors feature wood wall accents, wood-grain metal doors and wood-grain metal ceiling tiles that create an inviting atmosphere.

• Sustainable and stylish acoustics – Acoustic wall panels are wrapped in Carnegie’s Xorel fabric, a 100% PVC-free material that is both durable and environmentally friendly.

The completed renovation is part of the MCC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining one of the nation’s premier convention facilities. The MCC continues to budget approximately $10-15 million annually in capital improvements to ensure it meets the evolving needs of meeting planners, exhibitors and attendees.

 

For photos of the renovated meeting rooms, go here.

 

Beyond its newly renovated meeting rooms, the MCC continues to elevate the attendee experience with new food and beverage offerings from Kelber Catering, the venue’s exclusive catering and concession partner. New concepts include:

The Collaborative Food Waste Effort Expands Its Footprint in the Hospitality Sector

Legends Global is the latest company to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a joint initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain. Legends Global joins other hospitality signatories, as well as a cohort of producers, manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators, and grocery retailers dedicated to cross-sector collaboration on high-impact solutions to food waste.

“Joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact is a proud and purposeful commitment for our team at Legends Global,” said Lindsay Arell, Chief Sustainability Officer for Legends Global. “We hold ourselves to a high standard in everything we do, and responsible food waste management at live events is a meaningful part of that. Working alongside signatories across the supply chain, we are proud to be part of a collective effort that will create real, lasting change for our industry and beyond.”

The Scale of Waste

According to the latest estimate from ReFED, approximately 29% of all food in the U.S. (70 million tons) goes unsold or uneaten each year. Food waste accounts for 114 billion lost meals annually, and its value is equivalent to 1.3% of U.S. GDP. In the foodservice sector, which hospitality fits within, 12.6 million tons go uneaten. However, there are segments of this sector that are making progress. In the latest U.S. Food Waste Pact Report, reporting foodservice signatories saw a 5.7% reduction in the food efficiency rate, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the business & industry segment. This resulted in a 4,000-ton reduction in waste and a $15.9 million decrease in the wholesale cost of surplus food.

Making Sustainability Matter

Through Legends Global Acts, the company is committed to advancing more sustainable food systems by increasing local sourcing, reducing food waste, and improving waste diversion across its operations, while creating lasting value for the communities it serves and the clients it supports. By joining the Pact, Legends Global will collaborate with industry peers and partners to share best practices, drive innovation, and accelerate progress toward these commitments, helping build a more circular, resilient, and community-focused food system.

“We’re very excited to welcome Legends Global as the Pact’s newest signatory,” said Sara Burnett, Executive Director at ReFED. “Tackling food waste at events serves to both divert food waste from the landfill and educate attendees about food waste reduction, and therefore has been a focus area for the Pact over the last year. Legend Global’s leadership in the space brings invaluable experience to our signatories, and we look forward to adding their voice to the conversation.”

For more information on Legends Global’s sustainability efforts, visit legendsglobal.com/community. To learn more about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit usfoodwastepact.org.

About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses and organizations to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through multi-stakeholder collaborative convenings, and test and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

Photo courtesy of FCCFA

New visitor experiences build on Ohio’s record-setting tourism economy and encourage convention attendees to explore more of the state

Every year, millions of visitors travel to Columbus for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and meetings. Beginning this summer, those visitors will be greeted with a new invitation: discover more of Ohio.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) and the Ohio Department of Development today announced a new destination marketing partnership designed to elevate Ohio tourism, strengthen statewide visitor promotion efforts and showcase the “Ohio, The Heart of It All” brand inside one of Ohio’s largest visitor gateways.

The announcement comes as Ohio celebrates another record year for tourism. Newly released data from TourismOhio shows the state welcomed a record 245 million visits in 2025, generating a record $58 billion in economic impact, supporting more than 447,000 jobs and producing $4.8 billion in state and local tax revenue. The new partnership builds on that momentum by inspiring visitors who are already in Ohio to extend their stay, explore new communities, and return for future trips.

Visitors to the convention center will now experience Ohio, The Heart of It All throughout the facility through immersive wallscapes, destination-focused digital displays, travel inspiration, and the official renaming of the convention center’s central ballroom as the Heart of It All Ballroom – placing Ohio’s signature tourism brand at the very heart of the convention center.

“The Greater Columbus Convention Center welcomes visitors from around the world and often one of the first places people experience when visiting Columbus and Ohio,” said Ken Paul, Executive Director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. “This partnership creates a unique opportunity to showcase the places, experiences and communities that define Ohio while enhancing the visitor experience inside one of the state’s most significant tourism assets.”

As the largest convention center in the state, more than one million visitors pass through the Greater Columbus Convention Center each year, serving as one of the region’s most important tourism and economic development assets. Through the new partnership, visitors will encounter Ohio-inspired storytelling, destination promotion and immersive branding designed to reinforce Ohio’s identity as a welcoming place to visit, work, and explore.

“Tourism is one of Ohio’s strongest economic engines, and every visitor represents an opportunity,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Greater Columbus Convention Center already brings people to our state. This partnership helps us inspire those visitors to stay a little longer, explore a little farther, and discover the communities, businesses, and experiences that make Ohio so special.”

The agreement establishes Ohio, The Heart of It All naming rights, advertising services, and coordinated destination marketing throughout the convention center. It also builds on an existing economic development agreement between the FCCFA and the State of Ohio by applying the value of promotional assets toward existing obligations while expanding statewide tourism promotion. The partnership extends through March 31, 2031, with opportunities for future collaboration.

“The best tourism investment isn’t always convincing someone to come to Ohio—sometimes it’s helping someone who’s already here discover one more reason to come back,” said Sarah Wickham, State Tourism Director. “We want to meet visitors who are already here in that moment of curiosity and inspire them to discover one more downtown, one more park, one more restaurant, and one more unforgettable Ohio experience. Those experiences create memories that bring people back.”

The partnership reflects TourismOhio’s broader strategy of encouraging visitors to experience more of the state by connecting them with destinations and experiences beyond their original travel plans. Newly released visitor research reinforces that opportunity: 93 percent of overnight visitors say they are likely to return to Ohio within the next 12 months, demonstrating the value of creating memorable experiences that inspire repeat visitation and continued economic growth.

Our International Association of Venue Managers community continues to grow, and we are excited to welcome the newest members who joined us in June 2026. Thank you for being part of the association and helping shape the future of venue management.

Lori Adams, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Angela Angelopoulos, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Lindsay Arell, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Nathan Bailie, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Emma Bell, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Joshua Bolan, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Macy Broesamle, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
Shane Burgess, Kohl Center | University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Justin Burkett, Cross Insurance Center – OVG, Bangor, ME
Jay Burson, Horner Flooring Company, Dollar Bay, MI
Jason Casey, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Tony Cima, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Annika Clawson, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Grace Connery, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Shawn Cotugno, Ensemble Arts Philly, Philadelphia, PA
Norman Couture, Platestream, Raleigh, NC
Evan Crocker, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Jacob Crockett, Russell Kolins Associates/Kolins Security Group, Philadelphia, PA
Cody Dalga, Andy Frain Services, Aurora, IL
Jackson Darrington, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Heather Davis, Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
Jeffrey de Caen, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Meredith Ditz, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Craig Dodd, Greater Tacoma Convention Center/Visit Tacoma-Pierce County Visitor Information Center, Tacoma, WA
Kaitlyn Dodos, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, TN
Lauren Dragicevich, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Logan Easley, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Sam Eddings, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Mark Evans, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Ben Feekes, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS
Sheamus Fitzgerald, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Providence, RI, RI
Dave Franklin, Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, IN
Jacquelyn Freeman, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Cassandra Fritzen, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Matt Fujinaka, Saint Paul RiverCentre & Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN
Sammy Garcia, Jr., David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
DeAnna Garza, Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Stephanie Garza, Saint Paul RiverCentre & Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN
Taylor Gassert, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Meghan Geoffrion, Prevent Advisors, Denver, CO
Dave Gerber, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Scott Gerlach, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Micalah Greathouse, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Morgan Haase, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Luke Hansard, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Lauren Harrison, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Clint Hatmaker, 24/7 Software, Boca Raton, FL
Megan Hayhurst, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), Omaha, NE
ML Henry, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Adrian Hernandez, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Karl Herrera, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Adam Hoffman, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Melanie Keeney, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Joe Kora, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Olivia Langford, University of Southern California, Brea, CA
Dimitrius Lee, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Katrina Lewonczyk, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Hunter Liter, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Bridget Lowe, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS
Courtney Mackey, Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS
Megan Maikowski, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Caroline Mancino, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Megan Matthews, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Erik Miller, The Ohio Floor Company, Shreve, OH
Haley Miller, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Hanna Myers, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland, OH
Baylee Neely, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Sophia Neria, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Kyrstyn Newton, Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS
Patrick O’Connor, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Corey Oakley, Napa Valley Exposition, Napa, CA
Margaret Organ, Andy Frain Services, Marion, AR
Jordan Paley, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Kirk Patton, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Alex Perdomo, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Shannon Phillips, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Jennifer Rafuse, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Michele Rizzo-Berg, Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue, NY
Thomas Robbins, Grand River Center | Five Flags Center, Dubuque, IA
Grey Rogers, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Nancy Rogers, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Marc Rubner, Building Intelligence, Inc., New York, NY
Christian Rue, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Jess Scheer, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Thomas Scott, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Carla Sheldon, Golden State Communications, Inc., San Jose, CA
Brenda Shepard, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Mark Shiflet, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Kyle Shoemake, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
David Sides, Ecore Athletic, Lancaster, PA
Jake Sill, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Ben Simmons, Schmidt Associates, Louisville, KY
Nathan Sims, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Brandon Snellings, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Connor Spielvogel, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Craig Stekeur, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Mike Stoning, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Mike Strobel, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Josh Swy, MTS Seating, Temperance, MI
Jen Tait, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Summer Valentine, AE International, San Diego, CA
Emily VanLangen, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Joy Villaluz, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Rachael Volquartsen, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charlotte, NC
Shannon Wachtel, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Kaley Webster, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Hannah Weimer, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Nate Wert, Oakley Lindsay Center, Quincy, IL
Clarisa Wheat, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Mike Wilczynski, Legends Global – Venue Management, Roaring Brook Twp., PA
Lori Wilson, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Averie Womack, Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, TX
Jeff Wright, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
James Wroth, Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Kori Yearke, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
Emily Zirkle, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, TN

Some careers are measured by years of service. Others are measured by the lives they influence.

For nearly four decades, Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, has dedicated himself not only to advancing the convention center industry, but to strengthening the people who make it thrive. Through visionary leadership, unwavering service, and a deep commitment to mentoring others, Rippetoe has left an enduring mark on venue management that will be felt for generations.

In recognition of those extraordinary contributions, the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is proud to announce Rippetoe as the recipient of the 2026 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes professionals whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, sustained service, and a lasting commitment to the convention center industry. Reserved for individuals with at least 25 years of service, the award celebrates those whose influence extends well beyond the venues they have managed.

Rippetoe’s career has been defined by exactly that kind of influence.

Throughout his professional journey, he has championed innovation, elevated the convention center profession, and invested countless hours in helping others grow. Within IAVM, he has served on—and, in many cases, chaired—nearly every committee, culminating in his service as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has generously shared his knowledge, experience, and leadership to strengthen the Association and the industry it serves.

Yet, when reflecting on this recognition, Rippetoe is quick to focus not on his own accomplishments, but on the people who shaped his journey:

“I am incredibly grateful to be selected for IAVM’s 2026 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award. It is humbling to reflect on the profound impact IAVM has had on both my professional and personal life. With mentors such as Dick Shaff, Ron King, Shura Garnett, and Robyn Williams encouraging me to pursue a purpose greater than myself, I discovered meaningful relationships, personal growth, and resilience along the way.

For 38 years, IAVM has been far more than a professional association to me—it has helped me discover my true self. I learned that the more I used my gifts to help others succeed, the more fulfillment, pride, and happiness I found in being part of this remarkable industry.

On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for this incredible honor.”

“Rip represents everything this award was created to recognize,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “Throughout his career, he has consistently chosen service over recognition, collaboration over personal achievement, and mentorship over self-promotion. Rip’s legacy is one of leadership, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of this industry and its people. We are honored to celebrate a career that has made IAVM, and the venue management profession, stronger in every way.”

Rippetoe will be recognized during VenueConnect 2026, taking place August 9–12 in Indianapolis, Indiana, as venue management professionals from around the world gather to celebrate the leaders whose vision and dedication continue to shape the future of the industry.

Congratulations to Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for a lifetime dedicated to empowering others, advancing the profession, and leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.