conference and event experiences

About

Since 1984, metroConnections has provided complete conference, event, stage production and transportation services for meeting and event planners nationwide. The award-winning company operates from its headquarters in Minneapolis, MN and produces thousands of programs per year.

metroConnections is a 100% employee-owned. As stakeholders, our employees are committed to providing the highest quality conference, event, production, and transportation services.

metroConnections is a unique conference and event services company, providing the best possible experience for you and your attendees. We combine the strength of four specialties — Conferences, Events, Production and Transportation — into one strategic group.

Executive Leadership

As President and CEO, Graves is responsible for ensuring that the company is operating efficiently and he directly leads the award-winning Event Services and Production Services divisions. Joining metroConnections in 1988, just four years after the company was established, Graves led the growth in event management and team building and soon became a partner to founder Sam Thompson. Graves is responsible for leading the company expansion in both geographic locations as well as service offerings. metroConnections has been profitable seventeen of the eighteen years Graves has been with the company. Prior to joining metroConnections, Graves spent six years with the Marriott Corporation in Conference Management and Sales. In 2006, Graves was named Meetings and Events Magazine “Hall of Fame – Event Planner of The Year.”

Mike Graves has been with the company since 1988 and has 25+ years’ experience in meeting & event logistics, attendee registration management, incentive travel, hotel & housing services, and transportation management. Graves oversees Conference Services operations and all corporate administrative functions. He has led our expansion in the Southeast particularly in the convention capital of Orlando, Florida where he resides. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and past member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA). Graves believes the value of our business stems from relentless customer service, a strong hands-on approach and always serving as a transparent extension of our clients.

Tom McCulloch joined metroConnections in 1998 after having been a customer for almost five years. As Chief Marketing Officer, McCulloch is responsible for strategic marketing and sales oversight. His background includes marketing development for high-tech software companies including creation and management of user conferences. McCulloch got his start in the industry working for a promotions firm, traveling the nation developing branded road tours and seminars for clients that included IBM, Microsoft, Sports Illustrated, Isuzu, MCI, Good Housekeeping and others. In his current role, he oversees brand management including all channels marketing and marketing communications, maintains and communicates outlined service offerings in each service center, while overseeing market research and customer service.

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When we work together we become an invisible extension of you and your team. Whether you want to motivate your audience, amplify brand awareness, drive results, need someone to tackle the logistics for your next event or just need some creative inspiration — we would love to hear from you!

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