Let’s Meet in Minneapolis!

SYMPOSIUM INFORMATION

TWIN CITIES: Join us in April 2024 and see if you can tell the difference!

Joined by roughly 10 miles of urban sprawl, these fraternal twin cities were named as such to remind outsiders looking in of their differences. Originally, Irish and German immigrants built St. Paul, while Scandinavians settled in Minneapolis. St. Paulites hold tight to their heritage, continuing architectural styles and beer brewing traditions. However, the Minneapolitans proudly favor modern progress. The buildings act as good markers of distinction: Minneapolis is cutting-edge, tall and modern; St. Paul is short, historical and modest.

Minnesota has a lot going for it:

#1. AAMA members will be able to needle in workshops without getting a Minnesota medical license. There are a limited number of states which allow us to needle for continuing education conferences. That’s why the symposium was in Texas in 2023. We’re making a list of these permissive states so we can rotate the symposium location among them. Hands-on is the best way to learn!

#2. Springtime is gorgeous in Minnesota! With an average high in the upper 50s and lows in the mid-30s, springtime in Minnesota is actually quite pleasant. (It was in the mid 80s in April 2023. But we won’t count on that again!) A jacket should suffice if you go out on the town in the evenings, so don’t bother digging out your big puffy coat and winter boots.

#3. It’s the biggest underestimated place in the north. If you plan some sightseeing during your stay, you can enjoy a dramatic riverfront skyline, three professional sports stadiums, so much art you’re literally surrounded by it and a theater on almost every corner. Plus a culture committed to perfecting the craft of the brew, the best park system in the nation, and a foodie paradise. Need a recommendation? You’ll find plenty of friendly locals who can’t wait to show you why they love living here.

Join the AAMA in Minneapolis

“What’s all the fuss in Minneapolis? Come, take it all in and see. From all the parks and lakes to all the shops and eats, it’s all worth a stay.” — Meet Minneapolis

Clear your calendar in April 2024 for the Annual Symposium! We’re assembling an outstanding program to sharpen your skills and re-connect you with peers from around the country.

We’ll meet at the Radisson Blu hotel, which is connected by a skywalk to the world-famous Mall of America, where you’ll find shopping, entertainment and dozens of dining options. Give yourself an extra day or two to enjoy the city — or just the mall!

LEARN ABOUT BLOOMINGTON

With a beautiful location on the banks of the Minnesota River, the city of Bloomington has much more than shopping to offer travelers. This city is also home to the stunning Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, an extensive system of hiking and biking trails and a refuge for animals. One of only 6 urban setting wildlife refuges in the country. Twin Cities visitors also enjoy Bloomington’s many travel conveniences, including its central location to the Twin Cities, proximity to the airport, and easy freeway access to Interstates 35W and 494. In addition, Bloomington offers free parking, free hotel shuttles to the airport and Mall of America, and the Blue Line Light Rail, which runs from MOA to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and downtown Minneapolis.

Bloomington’s #1 attraction by far is Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment center in the United States, welcoming over 40 million visitors annually. This shopping mecca boasts 2.5 million square feet of retail space, over 520 stores, 50 plus restaurants and countless entertainment options that range from Nickelodeon Universe® amusement park to axe-throwing.

Sign up for the Bloomington Play, Stay, and Save Pass for special offers on Bloomington attractions and restaurants! The Play, Stay, and Save Pass has all you need to make your time in Bloomington relaxing and affordable.

To download the mobile savings pass please visit: https://www.bloomingtonmn.org/play-stay-and-save-pass

EXPLORING THE TWIN CITIES

Come early or stay after to take time to explore aside from the meeting! Whether you’re looking for highbrow sophistication or a quiet picnic on the Chain of Lakes, the Twin Cities has something for everyone. The range of possible choices for what to see and do at any given moment is expansive and limited only by your time and interests.

Whether you’re a theater buff, a shopaholic, a sports fanatic or anything in between, you’ll find thousands of ways to fill your days in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul. Revel in annual events, theater, museums, shopping, dining, music, nightlife, recreation, pro sports, family fun, historical attractions and much more. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

>What to Do

>Where to Eat

>Where to Shop

>Where to Cheer

Getting Around

The MSP International Airport is 5 miles from the hotel and 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis and there plenty of options for getting around once you land. If you’re driving, parking is free and directions are simple with Bloomington resting along major Minnesota interstates. Not driving? No problem. Hop on the light rail or bus to get you wherever you want to go between Bloomington and Minneapolis–Saint Paul.

 

Where to Dine

The innovative Minneapolis food and drink scene is ready to impress – whatever your tastes. Whether it’s the famous Jucy Lucy cheese-filled burger at Matt’s, a signature Old Fashioned at Parlour, fine dining at its finest at Spoon and Stable, trying to choose between 18 ethnic restaurants and food vendors at the Midtown Global Market, or two scoops of artisanal ice cream at Milkjam Creamery.

You can also stay within walking distance of the Radisson Blue and  you can find some of the areas most exciting restaurant options!

WANT TO EXPLORE MORE?

For more ideas, itineraries and general information visit Minneapolis.org or ExploreMinnesota.com.