News

May 09, 2012

metroConnections Expands with New Hires

metroConnections is pleased to announce new additions to their team.  

Eric Bryson has joined the team as an Event Services Artist and Fabricator. A graduate of both Oklahoma State University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he previously worked in film and television for in Montreal Canada as a production/effects artist. Other experience includes hand-making more than 5,000 masks for Cirque Du Soleil as well as working at Kern Studios in New Orleans fabricating Mardi Gras floats. Bryson also has experience as a print technician making handmade silk screened wallpaper for Flavor Paper.

Taylor Martinson has joined the team as a Production Services Coordinator. With a degree from Winona State University, she previously worked for an association in the green building/sustainability industry in a role that involved event coordination, fundraising, meeting and management. She also has experience in group event sales.

Eric Bryson Taylor Martinson
Event Services Artist and Fabricator Production Services Coordinator

 

Apr 30, 2012

metroConnections Expands Transportation Services Group with New Hires

metroConnections announces new additions to their Transportation Services Group.  

  • Alissa Bemis has been hired as a Tours & Marketing Coordinator. In this role, she will work as a coordinator for metroConnections’ public tour division, Award-Winning City Tours. She also serves as Marketing Coordinator for the company.  A graduate of Augsburg College, Bemis had an internship at the Children’s Theatre Company helping to coordinate their annual fundraiser, “The Curtain Call Ball.” Other prior experience includes working at a local church as their scheduling coordinator scheduling hundreds of events and meetings each week.
  • Mary Beth Blom has joined the team as a Transportation Services Coordinator. A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Blom previously served as the Marketing Manager for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; the Administrative Manager for the Ultimate Pajama Party; Events Coordinator, Expositions & Events for Greenspring Media Group; Sales Marketing Coordinator for WCCO-TV; Account Executive for Nemer Fieger & Associates; and Promotions Associate for Infinity Broadcasting (WXPT-FM / KSGS-AM). Blom volunteers as a league official for the Minnesota State High School and the Judges’ Association of Minnesota Dance Teams.
Alissa Bemis Mary Beth Blom
Tours & Marketing Coordinator Transportation Services Coordinator

 

Apr 24, 2012

metroConnections Expands Conference Services Group with Several New Hires

metroConnections, Inc. has announced several additions to their Conference Services Group.  

  • Cassandra Fameree has joined as the Attend-eSource® Registration Services Lead.  In this role, she works with the company’s suite of Attende-Source® Tools and Services to coordinate client registrations and other client details such as housing management, name badges, onsite services, etc.  A 2010 graduate of the University of Minnesota, she was previously employed at the Hyatt, Downtown Minneapolis. She volunteers at the Community University Health Care Center in Minneapolis working with the local diabetic Latina population at risk for developing heart disease as well as with pre-school populations teaching them Spanish.

  • As Program Manager for Conference & Meeting Services, Emily Griesser manages client events and programs. A 2006 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, she also has a Mini-MBA in Non-Profit Management from the University of St. Thomas. She began her event planning career at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee. For the past four years, she has provided convention and meeting planning services for the National Scholastic Press Association in Minneapolis, an organization that works with high school and college journalism students.

  • Caitlin Hurley has joined the team as a Attende-Source® Registration Services Lead. A graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, she has prior experience working for Red Bull USA, as well as volunteer experience with Youth Vote, Meals on Wheels and the Humane Society for Companion Animals.

  • Emily Thielman has joined the team as Attende-Track Coordinator. In this role, she works with clients using the Attende-Track Lead Retrieval and Session Tracking Services. Operating from a unique ID number and barcode, users of this system scan attendee badges with a hand-held device that instantaneously transfers the information to a website for immediate downloading and analysis, eliminating the need to manually collect such information. She graduated from Bethel University and has prior experience working with another event planning company as well as freelance work as a Production Assistant.
Cassandra Fameree Emily Griesser Caitlin Hurley Emily Thielman
Attend-eSource® Registration Services Lead Program Manager, Conference & Meeting Services Attende-Source® Registration Services Lead Attende-Track Coordinator

 

Apr 04, 2012

metroConnections Announces Key Promotions

metroConnections is pleased to announce the promotions of the following team members:

  • Andera Maus was promoted to Transportation Services Sales & Programs Manager. An employee since 2001, she has previously served as a program coordinator and manager.
  • Latawnie Hernandez was promoted to Program Coordinator, Conference & Meetings. She has been with metroConnections for one year and previously served as the Attend-eSource® Registration Services Lead.
  • Renee Splittgerber was promoted to Director, Transportation Services. A member of the team for 22 years, she started as a Transportation Services Coordinator and moved into sales for the same division before being promoted to her current role.
  • Samantha Stoner was promoted to Event Services Coordinator. An employee for one year, she previously served as Tour & Marketing Coordinator.
Andrea Maus Latawnie Hernandez Renee Splittgerber Samantha Stoner

Sales & Program Manager, Transportation Services

 Program Coordinator,
Conference & Meeting Services		 Director,
Transportation Services		 Event Services
Coordinator

 

Mar 20, 2012

metroConnections Wins ISES Minnesota Star Awards

(MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.) The International Special Events Society (ISES) has announced the winners of the 2012 Star Awards. Among the list was metroConnections, Inc. for Event Design & Decor (Budget $25,000 and over) and Best Corporate Event for the Syngenta Capital Markets & Demonstration Days.

In August 2011, Syngenta – a global agribusiness leader – partnered with metroConnections, Inc. to create a unique platform to showcase its new technologies and vision for the future to their shareholders, customers and employees.

According to Pete Gnoza, Senior Sales Manager, metroConnections, Syngenta sought to avoid a traditional conference setting. “Through a unique event experience, guests were invited to learn about, build confidence in, and be inspired by this leading agricultural company at one of its rural research facilities.”

Several divisions of metroConnections worked with Syngenta to transform a rural research site into a multi-purpose, multi-building compound featuring a Dome City built from the ground-up in a farm field. When guests first arrived by motorcoach, they entered what appeared to be an unassuming and rather plain machine shed, referred to as the Plenary Building. However, as they stepped inside, the glowing ambience was anything but the feel of a working tool shed. No longer were tractors and tools the décor of choice. Instead, 16-foot white velvet drapes, wall-to-wall flooring, and specialty lighting set the scene for their breakfast reception. Within the same square building, the presentation stage was “revealed” as they entered the circular general session area. A custom-built stage set and sophisticated audio visual elements created a powerful general session.

As attendees walked from the Plenary Building to the field, they encountered six field marker signs featuring the Syngenta story. The Dome City was comprised of eight dome tents built in the working farm field. Each dome was crop-specific and boasted unique exterior branding including a custom vinyl appliqué and a custom-built sign. Further, each dome offered visitors an education regarding a particular crop through literature, images, plants and props. Guests were invited to touch, taste, see and experience the presentation. Additionally, guests visited two crop plots featuring live samples of the company’s product offerings. An office tent was also erected at the outskirts of the field to ensure the planning committee was as close to the action as possible.

“Throughout the complexity and magnitude of the planning, set-up and delivery of this three-day event, metroConnections demonstrated their flexibility in meeting our needs,” said Raj Iragavarapu, Head of Stewardship & PLM, Syngenta.

From branded signs to structural components, many custom-built elements were required to erect the Dome City and re-stage two existing buildings. These custom elements were all created in-house using the ample space of metroConnections’ 35,000 square foot event and production center. The purpose of these elements was to create a memorable impression in a unique setting.

“It’s great to be recognized by our colleagues for the time and effort our team put into the event,” said Gnoza. “Further, it is gratifying to have had the experience to work on this fun project and to have had such a great partnership with our customer Syngenta.”

The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide event professionals in Minnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year. Anyone who has produced events (or components of events) within the state of Minnesota or that works in Minnesota, but produces events in other locations is eligible to enter.

# # #

Recognized since 2006 by Special Events Magazine as a Top 25 DMC worldwide, metroConnections provides complete conference, event and transportation services for meeting and event planners nationwide. Since 1984, metroConnections has utilized its expertise and resources to specialize in the design and implementation of themed events, activities, transportation, tours and conference program logistics and meetings. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. For information on planning conferences, events, productions, transportation logistics or group/companion tours, contact metroConnections at 612-333-8687 or visit www.metroconnections.com.

ABOUT ISES 
The International Special Events Society is comprised of over 5,600 professionals associated among 41 chapters in 37 countries around the world who work in the special events industry as event planners, caterers, decorators, florists, destination management companies, rental and production companies, tent suppliers, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, hotel and convention managers, entertainers and much more. ISES provides education and networking to its members to promote professionalism in the special events industry.

 

Feb 16, 2012

metroConnections nominated for ISES Minnesota Star Awards

The International Special Events Society (ISES) announced their nominees for the 2012 Star Awards. Among the list was metroConnections, Inc. for Event Design & Decor (Budget $25,000 and over) and Best Corporate Event for the Syngenta Capital Markets & Demonstration Days.

In August 2011, Syngenta  – a global agribusiness leader – partnered with metroConnections, Inc. to create a unique platform to showcase its new technologies and vision for the future to their shareholders, customers and employees.

According to Pete Gnoza, Senior Sales Manager, metroConnections, Syngenta Seeds sought to avoid a traditional conference setting. “Through a unique event experience, guests were invited to learn about, build confidence in, and be inspired by this leading agricultural company at one of its rural research facilities.”

Several divisions of metroConnections worked with Syngenta to transform a rural research site into a multi-purpose, multi-building compound featuring a Dome City built from the ground-up in a farm field. When guests first arrived by motorcoach, they entered what appeared to be an unassuming and rather plain machine shed, referred to as the Plenary Building. However, as they stepped inside, the glowing ambience was anything but the feel of a working tool shed. No longer were tractors and tools the décor of choice. Instead, 16-foot white velvet drapes, wall-to-wall flooring, and specialty lighting set the scene for their breakfast reception. Within the same square building, the presentation stage was “revealed” as they entered the circular general session area. A custom-built stage set and sophisticated audio visual elements created a powerful general session.

As attendees walked from the Plenary Building to the field, they encountered six field marker signs featuring the Syngenta story. The Dome City was comprised of eight dome tents built in the working farm field. Each dome was crop-specific and boasted unique exterior branding including a custom vinyl appliqué and a custom-built sign. Further, each dome offered visitors an education regarding a particular crop through literature, images, plants and props. Guests were invited to touch, taste, see and experience the presentation. Additionally, guests visited two crop plots featuring live samples of the company’s product offerings. An office tent was also erected at the outskirts of the field to ensure the planning committee was as close to the action as possible.

“Throughout the complexity and magnitude of the planning, set-up and delivery of this three-day event, metroConnections demonstrated their flexibility in meeting our needs,” said Raj Iragavarapu, Head of Stewardship & PLM, Syngenta Seeds, Inc.

From branded signs to structural components, many custom-built elements were required to erect the Dome City and re-stage two existing buildings. These custom elements were all created in-house using the ample space of metroConnections’ 35,000 square foot event and production center. The purpose of these elements was to create a memorable impression in a unique setting.

The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide event professionals in Minnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year. Anyone who has produced events (or components of events) within the state of Minnesota or that works in Minnesota, but produces events in other locations is eligible to enter.

Oct 26, 2011

metroConnections Hires Marketing & Public Relations Manager to Promote New Brand Strategy

metroConnections announces the appointment of Sarah Warzecha as its new Marketing & Public Relations Manager.  Warzecha joins metroConnections after having worked at Cold Spring Granite where she was responsible for planning, development and implementation of strategic marketing initiatives for the Commercial, Residential and Landscape markets.


Warzecha will be responsible for marketing and promoting all services for metroConnections’ conference, event, production and transportation business units. “We are extremely excited about the marketing experience Sarah brings to our team as we promote and market our new branding strategy,” says Tom McCulloch, Vice President, metroConnections.  “Her experience in campaign management and integrated marketing will help us promote our ‘One stop shop’ message to those customers and prospects looking for a strategic partner for conference, meeting and event solutions.” Click here to read the complete press release.

Oct 23, 2011

metroConnections Launches New Website

If you haven’t visited metroConnections.com in a while, log on today and check out our new website. It’s loaded with new images, fresh content, great industry resources and a portfolio of fun project examples.  As the latest extension of our brand re-design, you’ll find the crisp, clean look of our new site easier to search and scan, too.

Oct 20, 2011

Promotions & New Hires

As its clients have seen a greater demand for production and event solutions, metroConnections announces the promotion of Sydney Wolf to Event Coordinator, and the new addition of Eric Frazen as Event Coordinator. 

Also joining our team is Sarah Warzecha as Marketing & Public Relations Manager. 

Mar 01, 2011

metroConnections a finalist for four Best Of awards

metroConnections is a finalist in four categories of the Minnesota Meetings + Events Readers\' Choice Best Of Awards: Best Audio/Visual Company, Best Event Production and Décor, Best Teambuilding Service Provider, and Best Transportation Service Provider.

Winners will be announced at the Readers’ Choice Best Of Party at W Minneapolis - The Foshay on March 24, 2011 and appear in the Spring 2011 issue of Minnesota Meetings + Events magazine.

Feb 28, 2011

Best Teambuilding Award for Playing Picasso

metroConnections took home a Best Creative Teambuilding Activity award during ADME’s Achievement Award ceremony at the annual conference in Las Vegas.

metroConnections, Inc. tied for top honors for “Playing Picasso,” a teambuilding event using creativity and imagination. With a 6’ x 6’ canvas, brushes, seven paint colors and sketching tools, teams of employees were inspired to recreate the photo placed before them. Little did the teams know, everyone was working in unison rather than competing against each other; and that their painting would match up to 3 others to form “the bigger picture.” As the paintings came together, the employees witnessed their giant mural; where each section had a unique style, yet still illustrated the meeting’s theme: “one.”

The Achievement Awards were announced at the ADME Annual Conference on February 19, 2011 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

Feb 10, 2011

Krueger to present at EventCamp National

EventCamp National Conference announced their “Crowdsourced” Session Topics this week. Brandt Krueger was voted by the attendees to present this Saturday, February 11.

In his session, “Star Tech: The Next Presentation,” Krueger is planning a frank discussion of the exciting and sometimes-complicated options in the world of presentation technology.

In today’s productions, the possibilities are endless, but many argue that outside distractions are increasing. “It can be very unnerving for a speaker to take the stage, look out into the audience, and see that none of them are looking at anything other than their phones as they furiously tweet or text,” explains Krueger. “What speakers don’t realize is that it can be a compliment.”

Krueger’s presentation will explain how the technology can go from perceived distraction to interaction. “It’s important for speakers and event planners alike to know that there are ways to powerfully combine the technology for their presentations with the technology in the hands of their audience. The technologies can work together to engage the audience in the presentation.”

Krueger is the Corporate Technology Director for metroConnections, and is the show director for 1 to 4 meetings, conferences, or events per month for the Production Service division. Krueger has been with metroConnections since 1996. You can follow Krueger on Twitter this weekend; @BrandtKrueger

Jan 31, 2011

metroConnections, Thompson nominated for ADME Achievement Awards

The Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) announced Thursday their nominees for the 2011 ADME Achievement Awards. metroConnections, Inc. received a nomination for Best Creative Teambuilding Activity. Only programs that occurred between September 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010 were eligible for this award.

In July 2010, metroConnections, Inc. created “Playing Picasso” and motivated the employees of a financial organization. With a 6’ x 6’ canvas, brushes, seven paint colors and sketching tools, teams of employees were inspired to recreate the photo placed before them. Little did the teams know, everyone was working in unison rather than competing against each other; and that their painting would match up to 3 others to form “the bigger picture.” As the paintings came together, the employees witnessed their giant mural; where each section had a unique style, yet still illustrated the meeting’s theme: “one.”

Sam Thompson, President and founder of metroConnections, is a finalist in the category of Destination Management Professional of the Year. The Destination Management Professional of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has given their time, dedication, leadership, and knowledge towards the advancement of the destination management industry.

Thompson currently serves on the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council and traveled to Washington DC, in September 2009, representing DMCs to promote to legislators the passed-into-law Travel Promotion Act. This past year he served on ADME’s Membership Task Force recommending a transformation of ADME’s individual membership model to a company model. Thompson serves on the Meet Minneapolis Board representing DMCs. Thompson is a former ADME Board Member and 2004 President. During his term, he spearheaded the association’s management change. Thompson’s DMC, metroConnections, has been named to Special Events Magazine’s “25 Top DMCs” list every year since 2006.

The winners of all Achievement Awards will be announced at the ADME Annual Conference in February at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.