Monthly Archives: October 2022

Bloomington, MN Enhances their Under One Roof Meeting Solution

During IMEX America’s recent 2022 Exhibition held in Las Vegas, the Bloomington CVB held a press conference announcing enhancements to their Under One Roof meeting solution allowing groups to create customized team-building experiences during events at Mall of America.

The following newly created experiences with Mall of America partners can be added to take events above and beyond the ordinary:

  • Lululemon Yoga Experience
  • M Health Fairview Mall of America One-Mile Walk Experience
  • Yankee Candle Experience
  • Tumi Luggage Packing Experience

Under One Roof bundles together unique luxury meeting space at JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Radisson Blu Mall of America and the Mall of America, with built-in entertainment and dining in one convenient package.

“The hospitality marketplace continues to evolve, and planners are looking for tailored experiences that are truly memorable, “stated Dan O’Neil, vice president of strategy and sales for the Bloomington CVB. “We’ve had success offering this large, unique space at Mall of America with its built-in entertainment. Adding custom experiences really takes it to the next level.”

For more information about Under One Roof, contact Dan O’Neill at doneill@bloomingtonmn.org.

Forty Years of Serving the DMV and Beyond!

After 40 years, the Association of Meeting Professionals (AMPs) continues to stand strong. Founded in Alexandria Virginia, it sits alone as the premier local organization of powerful DC, VA, and MD meeting professionals and supplier partner members from around the country.  Even through the height of the pandemic, AMPs was solid in its footing and did what it does best…provide education and networking opportunities to its members. I recently had the opportunity to speak to Annette M. Suriani, CMP, CFMP, DES, Business Events Strategist, AMS Meetings Solutions, and AMPs’ Executive Director what kept AMPs going.

As the Executive Director, what is your vision for AMPs?

My goal is to move forward the mission of the organization and that of our current Chairman’s vision.  I believe the passion our leadership and volunteers have for this organization is its driving force.

What is AMPs’ purpose and what makes it so unique?

It is a true community of industry meeting and events professionals that gather for quality educational opportunities and networking with peers and suppliers. We make it affordable so planners who join the organization obtain complimentary registration for our quarterly education meetings. Because we’re an independent organization, we do not have to get approval from a “corporate office” on initiatives that make sense for our members. The Board is strategically made up of planners and suppliers that have a deep understanding of what our members face on a daily basis.     

How did  AMPs cope during the pandemic?

It was hard, especially for smaller organizations like AMPs.   We held monthly virtual education programs to stay connected.  When we couldn’t meet in person, we held 5K fun runs/walks. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and just being outside even though we required them to wear masks! AMPs truly is a community in unity.

Who can join AMPs and how do they sign up?

Anyone in the meetings and hospitality industry can join.  We are very affordable and don’t charge extra for most of our programs.  Just visit www.ampsweb.org or email us at info@ampsweb.org.  We have a very active committee scene and we’re always looking for members to join and provide new ideas and insight.

Advocate for the Meetings Industry

Maintaining a thriving meeting industry is a personal passion for Annette M. Suriani, CMP, CFMP, DES, Business Events Strategist, AMS Meetings Solutions, and Executive Director for Association Meeting Professionals (AMPs).

As PCMA’s Capitol Chapter President in 2015, Annette reinstated the government relations committee because she saw a need to educate our representatives and even those in our industry of the importance of the meetings and events industry.  Who knew how much more important this committee  would be in 2020?

According to Annette…“The meetings and events industry provides a major impact for local, national and global economies. Yet, we are often overlooked when it comes to legislation that can help us. In the most simplistic terms, It is incumbent upon all of us in this industry to stay on top of our elected officials and educate them on the numbers of jobs that employ their constituents, let alone solutions and discoveries that are made when people collaborate when they meet face to face.