Destination Management Services

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 As the first and only ADME - accredited DMC in Minnesota, metroConnections is proud to be celebrating our 26th year of award-winning destination management services. In fact, metroConnections has won more industry awards for its creative special events and transportation logistics than any other DMC in Minnesota.

Who we are

  • Founded in 1984
  • Owners: Sam Thompson (DMCP); David Graves; Mike Graves; Tom McCulloch
  • 50 full time staff, 100+ part time staff

Specializing in

  • Award-Winning Transportation and Tours
  • Themed Events & Decor
  • Teambuilding and Interactive Events
  • Member of the DMC Network since April 2010

What sets us apart

Accreditation and Certifications
First and only DMC in Minnesota to become accredited by the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME)

Awards & Accolades

  • Top 25 DMCs by Special Events Magazine since 2005.The only Minnesota based DMC recognized for four years in a row
  • Numerous ADME Innovative Event Awards (2007, 2008), MN-MPI Awards (2009) and Nominations
  • Named by the readers of Minnesota Meetings + Events Magazine as the Best Teambuilding Facilitator (2008, 2009); Best DMC (2007); Best Event Decor (2009);
  • Named by the readers of Illinois Meetings + Events Magazine as the Best Transportation Company (2008)

Industry Leading Standards
$5 million in general and professional liability insurance (industry standard is $2 million)

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Major Shuttle Moves
Thompson opened the doors of metroConnections in April 1984 and under his leadership the company has emerged as a major player for major transportation moves including the shuttling programs for

  • The U.S. Olympic Festival (1990)
  • The U.S. Open (1991)
  • The NCAA Final Four and The Super Bowl (1992)
  • International Alcoholics Anonymous Convention (2000)
  • The NCAA Final Four (2001)
  • Lions Clubs Convention (2009)
  • ESPN Joe Mauer Event (2010)

The company also boasts multi-year customers including

  • Target Corporation
  • FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America)

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Client Testimonials
"metroConnections did a great job matching the decor to the theme of the event as well as enhancing the historic nature of the complex. The decor was simple, yet classy and elegant. metroConnections provided crossing arms near perfectly placed snow capped mountains and winter birch trees. The cocktail tables were lit with antique like lanterns, accentuating the theme. All the decor enhanced the already existing beauty & elegance of the historic Old Train Pavilion. The entire event was well received by the attendees and everyone really enjoyed themselves."

Dawn Olson-Wallerus | Convention Service Manager | The Depot Minneapolis, A Renaissance Hotel

"I wanted to take a few minutes to thank... metroConnections for handling all of our transportation needs... Providing shuttle service to over 5,600 attendees can be a daunting task. But metroConnections handled everything from the planning stages to the onsite execution smoothly and efficiently!."

Marla Walls | Director of Conferences | Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.

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