Convention Center Committee - February 28, 2025

CONVENTION CENTER COMMITTEE MEETING
February 28, 2025
1:00 p.m.

Present: Charley Johnson, Mallari Ackerman, Clare Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Katlyn Balstad, Michelle Turnberg.

Absent: Shannon Full, John Strand.

Others Present: Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson (via video conference); Michael Redlinger; Susan Thompson; Jakelle Hoffmann, Ronald McDonald House Charities; Briana Nupdal, United Way of Cass-Clay; Erin Prochnow, YWCA Cass Clay; Nicolette Bresnahan, FMWF Chamber of Commerce; Peighten Watson-Morehart, FMWF Chamber of Commerce.

Mallari Ackerman provided an overview of the Convention Center Committee website, highlighting key features:
• Committee member list
• Agendas and meeting minutes
• Resources and documents (including regional Convention Center overviews, local event venues, lost business data and visitor spending information)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Campaign videos
• Project timeline
Ms. Ackerman also reviewed the project timeline, noting confirmed dates and tentative dates.
Key dates include:
• April 30th: RFP to developers
• May 30th: Deadline for developer questions
• July 31st: Proposals due
Charley Johnson discussed the market assessment study being conducted by HVS highlighting the key market variables. He said HVS will also provide consulting services as needed. He said the study is expected to be completed by mid-April and will be linked to the RFP.
In response to a question from Joe Raso regarding the availability of the site selection criteria, Mr. Johnson said he will put that on the next agenda with input from HVS.
Erin Prochnow, Jakelle Hoffmann, Briana Nupdal, Nicolette Bresnahan and Peighten Watson-Morehart were invited to share their experiences and needs regarding a new Convention Center.
The key themes that emerged during that discussion included:
• Space constraints: Need for a larger venue to accommodate events with 1,000+ attendees.
• Parking: Concerns about adequate parking, particularly during winter months. Suggestions for covered drop-off areas and potentially a parking garage.
• Vendor flexibility: Desire for flexibility in choosing vendors, rather than being limited to in-house options.
• Winter needs: Importance of considering winter weather in design, including coat checks, snow removal and accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
• Aesthetics: Desire for an aesthetically pleasing space with flexible options for lighting and backdrops.
• Other considerations:
 Access to ATMs for cash transactions
 Bar/liquor license requirements and constraints
 Adequate restroom facilities
 Green room for speakers
 In-house AV equipment
 Affordable food costs
 Loading area for large events
 Experienced event coordinator
 Business center
 Pre-function area
Mr. Johnson said March 24th and 25th the Committee will be taking a tour of the St. Cloud and Rochester facilities. He said to RSVP to the calendar invite that will be sent out soon. He said the Committee will continue to meet weekly through May. Mr. Johnson provided an outline that Jim Gilmour put together, which is pretty basic, but can be added to. He said the next meeting will focus on developing site selection criteria and weighting, with input from HVS.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:57 p.m.