Going to the Mpls Convention Center? Plan Everything Before You Arrive
Find your event, select the right parking ramp, understand the downtown skyway, compare nearby hotel options, and locate your meeting room. This guide covers the information most visitors need without making you search across multiple websites.
Where Is the Minneapolis Convention Center?
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Main convention center telephone number.
Near Nicollet, downtown hotels and connected parking ramps.
Visitor Information Center, generally 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily.
Total facility space, including exhibit halls, meeting rooms and event areas.
Convention Center Command Center.
The MCC is a major conference, exhibition and public-event venue. The complex includes multiple exhibit halls, an auditorium, ballrooms and meeting rooms. Because different events use different spaces, find your event’s exact room or hall before traveling.
For a separate airport-to-venue and planning breakdown, read our existing Minneapolis Convention Center airport, hotels and parking guide.
Mpls Convention Center Upcoming Events: October–November 2026
The official MCC calendar includes public expos, professional meetings, conferences and ticketed events. This selection was checked October 16, 2026.
| Date | Event | Entry information |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 15–18 | JADPRO Live 2026 | Professional conference; check registration. |
| Oct 17 | Paint Mingle Drink | Check event-specific admission. |
| Oct 22 | 2026 Restoring Hope Breakfast | Check organizer registration. |
| Oct 23–25 | 2026 ECK Worldwide Soul Adventure Seminar | See event registration details. |
| Oct 28–29 | 2026 MD&M Midwest | Industry exhibition; verify credentials. |
| Oct 28–29 | FiltXPO 2026 | Technical conference and exhibition. |
| Nov 6–8 | Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo | Public-event details via organizer. |
| Nov 8–12 | 2026 AIChE Annual Meeting | Conference registration required as applicable. |
| Nov 20–22 | Twin Cities Con | Comic convention; ticket arrangements apply. |
How to confirm your event before leaving
Check the listed event against your confirmation or organizer information.
Check whether entry is open, ticketed, restricted or pre-registration only.
Look for an exhibit hall letter, ballroom name or meeting room number.
Keep your confirmation QR code, ID requirements and check-in location accessible.
Mpls Convention Center Parking: Ramps, Addresses and Payment
Driving to the convention center? Start by choosing a parking ramp rather than navigating only to the building address. The MCC promotes its main 3rd Avenue Parking Ramp plus four City of Minneapolis partner ramps within roughly two blocks of the facility.
| Parking option | Address or access | Why choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Avenue Ramp | 3rd Avenue South, convention center parking access | Main convention center parking option; confirm entrance and current rate. |
| Plaza Ramp | 117 S 12th St | Close to the venue, with skyway access. |
| 11th & Marquette Ramp | 1111 Marquette Ave | Downtown ramp connected through the skyway network. |
| 11th Underground Ramp | 1030 2nd Ave S | Convenient option along 2nd Avenue. |
| Leamington Ramp | 1001 2nd Ave S | Nearby skyway-connected parking option. |
All addresses above are in Minneapolis, MN 55403. Event pricing, garage restrictions and availability can change; the official parking page provides the current operator information.
Reserve parking in advance
Use a participating service such as ParkMobile, SpotHero or ParkWhiz. Select the ramp, date and arrival window; retain the reservation barcode for entry or payment.
Pay at a City ramp
Where available, take a ticket when entering and pay at the designated station. City parking stations may accept cash or credit cards; check the facility’s posted instructions.
Before entering a parking ramp
- Confirm whether your event has a special parking rate.
- Check the exact vehicle entrance and height clearance.
- Check overnight parking, re-entry and closing restrictions.
- Choose accessible spaces where needed.
- Use the ramp’s own address in navigation.
- Allow additional time for major conferences and multiple simultaneous events.
Hotels Near the Minneapolis Convention Center
For a conference or multi-day expo, staying downtown can eliminate daily parking and repeated trips from the suburbs. Weather protection is particularly valuable during Minneapolis winters.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall. A practical choice for visitors who want a hotel very close to the convention district. Confirm the current indoor skyway route and hotel pricing.
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 Marquette Avenue South. A large downtown hotel with access to the skyway network and nearby parking and dining options.
Other Nicollet and downtown hotels
Compare total nightly prices, taxes, destination charges, parking fees and walking distance. The lowest room rate may not be the lowest total trip cost.
Skyway-connected lodging
Prioritize a current usable skyway connection when snow, wind, limited mobility or repeated trips between sessions and the room are important.
Before booking a hotel
- Check whether the organizer has a discounted official hotel block.
- Confirm whether your room rate includes parking.
- Ask about current skyway access to the MCC.
- Check the hotel’s cancellation deadline.
- Compare the actual route to your assigned event entrance.
- Check accessible room and elevator requirements in advance.
Use the official downtown hotel and skyway maps to compare indoor pedestrian connections.
Mpls Convention Center Map, Entrances and Floor Plans
The main address is 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Passenger drop-off, rideshare pickup and accessible curbside drop-off are along 2nd Avenue South in front of the building.
The embedded map shows the venue location. For parking, navigate to your selected ramp rather than the main building pin.
Which floor do you need?
Level One
Main entrance, Visitor Information Center, guest assistance and selected event rooms.
Level Two
Additional event and meeting spaces; check your organizer’s assigned room.
M Level
Use the official M Level map if your event confirmation identifies this floor.
Lower Level
Additional event facilities and exhibit areas. Hall assignments and registration locations vary.
Check the assigned hall, auditorium, ballroom or numbered meeting room.
Select Level One, Level Two, M Level or Lower Level.
Badge collection may occur in a different area from your first session.
It is located on Level One near the main lobby.
How to Get to the Mpls Convention Center
From MSP Airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is served by METRO Blue Line light rail, taxis, rideshares and rental vehicles. The Blue Line serves downtown, but you will still need to travel from the downtown station to the center.
Driving downtown
Arriving from I-94 or I-35W? The venue publishes approaches using the 11th Street exit and 2nd Avenue South. Check current detours and garage entry before departure.
Metro Transit
Use the Metro Transit trip planner for bus and rail schedules, fares, transfers and real-time service alerts. Some downtown routes have special fares or free-ride sections.
Walking or cycling
The convention center is near Nicollet and downtown destinations. Bicycle racks are located near the front entrances. Use protected or designated bicycle routes where available.
Using light rail from MSP Airport
Follow airport transit signage and confirm the next downtown-bound Blue Line departure.
Track replacements, construction or schedule changes using Metro Transit.
Use a central downtown stop and transfer to a local bus, walk or use rideshare for the final section.
Go to your organizer’s designated entrance and registration desk.
Metro Transit schedules and trip planner ↗ · Official driving and drop-off directions ↗
Wheelchair Rentals, Accessible Parking and Guest Assistance
The Minneapolis Convention Center provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, designated parking, mobility equipment rentals and several services for visitors with hearing, vision or sensory accessibility needs.
| Service | Visitor details |
|---|---|
| Accessible drop-off | 2nd Avenue South in front of the building. |
| Accessible parking | 3rd Avenue Parking Ramp and Plaza Parking Ramp. |
| Manual wheelchair rental | $20 per day, subject to availability. |
| Mobility scooter rental | $50 per day, subject to availability. |
| Rental payment | Visa, Mastercard or Discover; no cash or checks. |
| Rental pickup | Visitor Information Center, Level One. |
| Rental reservations | No advance reservation; call to ask about availability. |
| Lactation lounges | Two designated lounges; ask the Visitor Information Center for access. |
| Accessible restrooms | Accessible stalls; family restrooms on multiple levels. |
| Vision accessibility | Braille/high-contrast signs and Aira visual interpreting services. |
| Hearing/ASL assistance | Depends on the event; coordinate with the organizer. |
Wi-Fi, Food, Visitor Services and Lost & Found
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Free internet is offered in public lobbies, common areas and meeting rooms. Auditorium, ballroom and exhibit hall requirements may involve separately arranged services through Smart City.
Food and beverages
Kelber Catering provides on-site eating and drinking options. Availability varies depending on the event and operating schedule.
Visitor Information Center
Located on Level One. Staff can assist with directions, maps, tourist information, building navigation and mobility equipment rental. General hours: daily 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lost items and security
Contact the Command Center at 612-335-6040. Notify a uniformed officer about unattended items or suspicious activity.
What to bring on event day
- Registration confirmation, event ticket or badge instructions.
- Required ID, if specified by the event organizer.
- Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Phone charger and saved session schedule.
- Your parking reservation or public transit ticket.
- Any accessibility accommodation details arranged in advance.
- Only bags and items permitted by your particular event.
Exhibit Halls, Floor Space and Planner Resources
Exhibitors and meeting organizers have different requirements from general attendees. Freight shipments, move-in schedules, electrical power, network connectivity and booth services should be coordinated through the event-specific exhibitor manual.
Overall venue space.
Exhibit space stated in venue planning materials.
Meeting room count stated in official planner information.
Event services checklist
- Confirm the correct booth number and exhibit hall.
- Check move-in, move-out and loading dock schedules.
- Arrange freight handling through approved contractors.
- Order utilities and equipment by the applicable deadline.
- Verify power, AV, wired internet and dedicated Wi-Fi needs.
- Review current venue operating and safety policies.
Restaurants and Places Near the Mpls Convention Center
The center is close to Nicollet, central downtown hotels and Minneapolis’s skyway network. Food options range from coffee and fast-casual meals to restaurants suitable for client dinners.
Nicollet dining corridor
Useful for finding coffee, quick lunches and restaurants between sessions. Check hours, especially on weekends.
Skyway food options
Indoor passages can connect to dining and retail in downtown buildings. Some businesses and skyway sections close early.
If you have only a short lunch break, choose a location on the same side of downtown as your meeting room. For evening dining, plan a normal street-level walking or rideshare route rather than depending on the skyway remaining open.
Your Minneapolis Convention Center Visit Checklist
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Before booking | Verify event dates, admission type and registration requirements. |
| Several days before | Save your hall number, parking address, hotel route and accessibility requirements. |
| Day before | Review weather, downtown road conditions, transit alerts and skyway operating hours. |
| Travel day | Navigate to the specific ramp or 2nd Avenue South drop-off. |
| Upon arrival | Locate the registration desk and verify any event access restrictions. |
| Before leaving | Check parking payment, garage exit and transportation for the trip home. |
10 FAQs About the Mpls Convention Center
1. What is the address of the Mpls Convention Center?
The Minneapolis Convention Center is located at 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403, in downtown Minneapolis.
2. Where can I find upcoming Minneapolis Convention Center events?
The official convention center event calendar lists upcoming events and links to individual event details. Confirm ticket prices and registration through the specific organizer.
3. What parking ramps are near the convention center?
The main 3rd Avenue Ramp and the nearby Plaza, 11th & Marquette, 11th Underground and Leamington ramps are convenient options. Prices and availability vary.
4. Is there free parking at the Mpls Convention Center?
Do not expect guaranteed free event parking. Convention center and downtown ramps generally charge for parking. Check current parking rates and any event-specific offers.
5. Are there hotels connected by skyway?
Yes. The Minneapolis skyway network connects the convention district with several downtown hotels and buildings. Connection availability and hours vary by building.
6. How do I get to the convention center from MSP Airport?
Use rideshare, taxi or a rental vehicle, or take METRO Blue Line light rail toward downtown and complete the remaining trip by walking, bus or another local connection. Check current service alerts.
7. Is the Minneapolis Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The building has accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators and parking options. Manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for daily rental, subject to availability.
8. Does the Minneapolis Convention Center offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public lobby, common and meeting-room areas. Certain large event spaces may require separate service arrangements.
9. Where is the main entrance and rideshare drop-off?
Passenger drop-off, including rideshare and accessible curbside access, is provided in front of the building on Second Avenue South.
10. How can I find my event hall or meeting room?
Check the exact room or exhibit hall listed by your organizer, then use the official Level One, Level Two, M Level or Lower Level floor plan. The Level One Visitor Information Center can also assist.
Useful Links for Your Visit
More on our website
Detailed guidance for airport arrivals, public transportation, parking costs and hotel selection.
Minneapolis Convention Center: Airport, Hotels & Parking →Official venue information
Current event listings, directions, visitor services, maps and event-planner resources.
Minneapolis Convention Center website ↗