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Some destinations talk about being different. Duluth, Minnesota? We just are. From the shores of Lake Superior, this is where meetings break free from the same-old ballroom routine and find new energy in a place that’s as practical as it is playful. For meeting planners, that means peace of mind and a fresh dose of inspiration rolled into one.
Let’s start with the facts: more than 275,000 square feet of meeting space, 5,000+ hotel rooms, and an iconic waterfront convention center, The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, affectionately referred to as The DECC, is within walking distance of 11 hotels. Translation? Your attendees can go from keynote to cocktail hour to late-night stargazing without worrying about shuttles, traffic, or logistics. Easy in. Easy out. Easy to love.
But here’s the twist — Duluth doesn’t just deliver on the must-haves. It surprises you with the “didn’t-think-of-thats.” Like watching a freighter glide past the windows during a breakout. Or adding a hike, bike ride, or kayak launch to the agenda without ever needing to rent a bus. Or offering your group the option to cold plunge in Lake Superior (yes, people actually do this — and yes, it’s unforgettable), talk about refreshing.
And while the city brings that adventurous edge, it also makes meetings feel like less work and more connection. Team-building at Glensheen Mansion pairs big ideas with historic lakefront gardens, and brainstorming in Clyde Ironworks heats up where the steel industry once thrived. And who doesn’t want to wrap up the day with celebratory craft cocktails in the Lincoln Park Craft District? Duluth’s venues blend character and convenience in ways that take even the most seasoned meeting planners by surprise in the best possible ways.
Of course, attendees want more than just a strong Wi-Fi signal. They want experiences worth sharing — like selfies with the Aerial Lift Bridge, sampling small-batch whiskey at Vikre Distillery, or warming up in a lakeside sauna after a day of sessions. You’re not just planning a conference in Duluth. You’re setting the scene for a story they’ll actually want to tell when they get home.
And here’s the kicker: Visit Duluth is offering one-time grants worth up to $6 per room, per night, for qualifying new meetings, conventions, and sporting events booked during shoulder season or weekdays by December 31, 2025. That’s a budget-friendly bonus you can put toward an upgraded reception, an off-site excursion, or simply pass along the savings to your attendees.
So if you’ve been searching for a place where business feels more like an experience and less like a checklist, you’ve found it. Duluth is structured without being stiff, professional without being predictable, and refreshing in every sense of the word. It’s time to plan something different. Something bold. Something Duluthy.
Start planning today at visitduluth.com/meetings.
