We just wrapped up the 13th year of the Best of Minnesota Awards, and while I haven’t been around for all 13, I think it’s fair to say our team has learned some things over the years. This year we focused on stepping out of our comfort zone and incorporated some new details that really took the event to the next level.
The Bar
We moved away from the traditional free wine and beer options and treated guests to a unique signature drink made especially for our event. Named after our location on the 50th floor of the IDS Tower, The Elevation was a violet drink topped off with a lemon peel that brought spring right indoors. Guests were able to pick up the drink upon entering the room and sip on the complimentary beverage all night. The delicious drink added some color to the event and was a fun option for guests to enjoy, besides the typical beer, wine, and mixed beverages.
The Food
WINDOWS on Minnesota took catering to a whole new level this year with the addition of a sushi luge from Ultimate Ice. An ice wall and luge was built right in front of one of the large windows that looks out over all of Minneapolis. Sushi chefs were rolling up the fresh fish all night and sending them to guests down the slide of ice. The sushi roll options included a spider roll, California roll, spicy tuna roll and soft-shelled crab roll. The station was a hit with guests!
To complement the raw fish bar, WINDOWS on Minnesota provided passed hors d’oeuvres including cauliflower mouse, mini duck bites on toast, and shrimp ceviche. To top the night off, s’mores on a stick appeared all over the venue and ended the night with a fun and youthful dessert.
While buffets are a meetings and events staple and work extremely well for a big crowd, sometimes mixing it up can really refresh an event – especially one that has been around as long as this one.
The Entertainment
While walking up to the Best of Awards, guests were greeted by a violinist (from Enticing Entertainment) perched high above the registration table with a red gown that rolled out into the red carpet. Inside, guests were treated to music from both a live band and a DJ throughout the night. Replacing the traditional photo booth, PhotoMingle set up a station where guests could take photos on a giant iPad and then interact with the photos by doodling or adding text. These more interactive entertainment options kept guests engaged throughout the night and kept the momentum rolling from the moment the evening started until the last party-goer exited.
While, we absolutely loved trying new things this year, there was one area of our Best of Awards where we couldn’t sway from tradition, and that was the case for our emcee of the evening, John Cosgrove. We’ve used John in the past to lead our awards presentation, and no one can rile up a crowd quite like him. His (sometimes risqué) humor keeps guests engaged and entertained and it just wouldn’t be a Best of Minnesota event without him.
Thanks to everyone to helped make the night a success!
Living Red Carpet: Enticing Entertainment
Catering: WINDOWS on Minnesota by the Marqeutte Hotel
Ice Sculpture: Ultimate Ice
PhotoMingle by Bellagala
Emcee: John Cosgrove
Band: Lion’s Cut
Furniture: MetroConnections
Décor: SoMod22
Gift Bags: MOA, Fabulous Catering
Light Panels: AV for You
