Purple Reign

Connect Meetings celebrated in true Minnesota fashion during its opening night reception as part of Connect Marketplace, which brought thousands of meetings and events professionals together at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

During the Meet Minneapolis-hosted event attendees rallied downtown at Orchestra Hall, Peavey Plaza, and Brit’s Pub to "Party Like its 1999", an ode to Minnesota-native Prince. Scattered throughout the three venues were several food stations ranging from fish and chips at Brit's Pub to appetizers and desserts from D'Amino Catering and various Minneapolis hotels. Here's a look at some of the offerings!

Mango Shrimp Skewer with Thai Peanut Sauce from the Marquette Hotel. Photo courtesy Kathleen Stoehr

Minnesota Harvest Rope Sausage (smoked sausage with pork, bison, wild rice, and dried cranberry) accompanied with lingonberry demi-glace and pickled root vegetables from Hilton Minneapolis. Photo courtesy Kathleen Stoehr

Curried chicken with cilantro date chutney on a wonton chip from Delta Hotels. Photo courtesy Kathleen Stoehr

In celebration of Prince's signature color, Jayded AF served up lavender martinis. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Bite-sized "MinneApple" pies from Millenium Minneapolis. MinneApple is a signature dessert shop from Minnesota. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Beef skwers with a spicy peanu sauce from D'Amico Catering. Photo courtesy Kathleen Stoehr

Bluberry pie shooters (chantilly cream, wild blueberries, and oatmeal streusel) from D'Amico Catering. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Minnesota Wild Rice Salad (pomegranate seeds, pickled onions, roasted squash, pecans, and maple-mustard vinaigrette) from D'Amico Catering. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Cajun Shrimp Cocktail from the Smack Shack. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Canopy by Hilton showcased an impressive charcuterie board during the event. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert

Guests could roast their own marshmallows at a s'mores station from North Mallow. Photo courtesy Amber Kispert