McNamara Center Named “Best Reception Facility”
 The McNamara Alumni Center is a 230,000 square foot office tower/event center complex located on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, Minn. Designed by world-renowned architect Antoine Predock, the building opened in 1999 and houses the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, University of Minnesota Foundation, Board of Regents, and Minnesota Medical Foundation. |
Challenge
United Properties was asked to design a custom facilities management program to operate the site and to staff and manage the event/convention business for the building owners. These events include multi-day conferences, commencements, wedding receptions, trade shows, dinner meetings and press conferences.
Strategy
We began by setting up an event management team to book event clients and supervise all meetings and events. We also established liaison services with catering firms and restaurant operators. Finally, supervision and support was set up for the technical staff and the various committees the owners had established to guide this unique facility.
Results
The McNamara Alumni Center is fast becoming one of the Twin Cities premiere meeting and event locations as well as the “front door” to the University of Minnesota. In the 2002 fiscal year, the facility hosted more than 850 events serving nearly 70,000 guests or attendees. The office tower is fully leased with a waiting list of tenants needing more space. In December 2002, the McNamara enter was named the “Best Reception Facility” in the Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine.
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