Minneapolis, nicknamed "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and the "Mill City", is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States. Its name is attributed to the city's first schoolteacher, who combined a Dakota Sioux word for water, and the Greek word for city.
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  Call the dedicated phone numbers for reservations at: Toll Free: 1-877-303-0104; Local Phone: 1-866-315-9403 to obtain the NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meetings rate ($142).
Very Important: After June 30, room rates cannot be guaranteed for the 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting. Guests who plan to arrive earlier or stay later must call 1-877-303-0104 for rates and availability. |
As of 2011, the estimated population of the city of Minneapolis is 387,753. Minneapolis lies on both banks of the
Mississippi River, just north of the river's confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Saint Paul, the state's capital. Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis-Saint Paul is the 16th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with approximately 3.3 million residents.
The city is abundantly rich in water, with over 20 lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi river, creeks and waterfalls, many connected by parkways in the Chain of Lakes and the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Among cities of similar densities, Minneapolis has the most dedicated parkland. It was once the world's flour milling capital and a hub for timber, and today is the primary business center between Chicago and Seattle, with Minneapolis proper containing the fifth highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies.
Minneapolis has cultural organizations that draw creative people and audiences to the city for theater, visual art, writing, and music. The community's diverse population has a long tradition of charitable support through progressive public social programs and voluntary agencies, as well as private and corporate philanthropy.
Kids rule in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Game-maker Cranium even called it the "Most Fun City," thanks to four pro sports teams, accessible arts, abundance of lakes, and the biggest mall in the country.
- Enjoy MLB games on Friday – Saturday – Sunday during the NSPE meetings. The Minnesota Twins vs the Cleveland Indians at Target Field each day.
- Mall of America offers the ultimate kid entertainment. The LEGO Imagination Center, Underwater Adventures Aquarium and the country's largest indoor amusement park will leave the whole family ready for a return trip. Use the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to travel from "Minneapolis City Center" to the "MOA" in Bloomington MN. Learn more.
| Minneapolis Marriot City Center Hotel |
The recently renovated Minneapolis Marriott City Center is in the center of it all. Marriot City Center is conveniently established at the central part of downtown Minneapolis. By means of the world-famous skyway, this hotel is connected to the business, entertainment, and shopping region of the city. Some of the places people can visit in the area are the Theatre District, Block E, Minneapolis Convention Center, Target Center, and the Metrodome.
Besides shopping and adventure in the locality, rooms of the hotel are smoke-free, and offer Internet access (complimentary in sleeping rooms and in meeting rooms for NSPE) and panoramic views of the city. Guests can also take advantage of the fitness room and business center. As a perfect shopping location, City Center Shops, Nicollet Mall, Gavidae Commons, and Macy's are within reach.
The hotel is conveniently located 2.5 blocks from Light Rail Transit (LRT) - Nicollet Station. LRT provides convenient and inexpensive access to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Hotel Room Types/Rates
Guest rooms and suites offer individual climate control, dual-line phones, and wired and wireless Internet access, as well as cable and movie access. This hotel is a smoke-free property. The NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting rate is $142 for single/double occupancy. Hotel room rates are subject to state and local taxes (currently 13.40%) in effect at the time of check in. All reservations require a one-night's deposit or credit card number. Check in is at 4:00 p.m.; check out is at noon. The NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting room block will be available until June 30. Reservations cannot be guaranteed after the cutoff date. Plan ahead to take advantage of this great rate!
Hotel Reservations--One Stop Shopping
Make hotel reservations for the NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting when you:
- Make reservations online.
- Make reservations by calling Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel dedicated phone numbers for reservations at: Toll Free: 1-877-303-0104; Local Phone: 1-866-315-9403.
- NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting rate is $142.
- NSPE conference rate is good beginning 7/16 and ending 7/22, based on availability.
- Very important, after June 30, room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed for the NSPE 2013 Leader Conference & Annual Meeting.
| Minneapolis International Airport (MSP) |
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP; www.mspairport.com) is approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis. MSP is a hub for Delta Airlines. Twelve commercial passenger airlines service MSP:
- Terminal 1 Lindbergh: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.
- Terminal 2 Humphrey: Air Tran Airways, Icelandair, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines.
| Ground Transportation Options to and from MSP |
The Terminal 1–Lindbergh ground transportation booth on Level T (tram level) is staffed seven days a week from 7 a.m.–11:30 p.m. to provide information, directions, and other assistance to travelers.
Light Rail
Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains stop at both terminals and connect travelers to 17 other destinations, including downtown Minneapolis. Trains run every 10–15 minutes during the day, with a lighter schedule at night. The ride to downtown Minneapolis takes approximately 25 minutes. Go to metrotransit.org for a complete light rail schedule, fare breakdown, and map. All light rail stations are fully accessible.
- The Terminal 1–Lindbergh light rail station is located below the Transit Center, between the blue and red parking ramps. Take the tram (Level T, one level below baggage claim) to the Transit Center and follow the signs to the underground LRT station.
- The Terminal 2–Humphrey light rail station is on the north side of the orange parking ramp. From Level 1 near Ticketing, take the elevator or escalator up to the orange ramp skyway. Follow the signs to the LRT station, and take the escalators or elevators down one level to the station platform.
- Fares: Tickets are sold at ticket machines at the rail stations and run between $1.75–$2.25, depending on the time of day. Children 5 and under ride free (limit 3) when accompanied by a paid fare. No ticket is needed to travel between airport terminal stations.
- Exit Nicollet Station and walk 2.5 blocks to Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel.
Taxis
- Terminal 1 – Lindbergh: Taxi service is accessible via the Tram Level (Level T). Signs will direct you one level up to the taxi starter booth, where airport staff can assist you in obtaining a taxi.
- Terminal 2 – Humphrey: Taxi service is located on the ground level of the purple parking ramp, directly across from the terminal building. Fares average $37–$47 to downtown Minneapolis (up to $2.50/mile + $4 airport access fee).
Bus Service
City bus service (Route 54; metrotransit.org) picks up and drops off outside the Terminal 1–Lindbergh Transit Center on Level 1 of the blue and red parking ramps. From the Lindbergh Terminal, access the Transit Center via the tram on Level T or via the Concourse Connector between concourses C and G. There is no bus pick up at Terminal 2–Humphrey; passengers must take light rail transit (free between terminals) to the Lindbergh Terminal to access city buses.
Shuttle Service
SuperShuttle offers shared ride service to and from the airport. Shuttles operate daily, serving all downtown hotels to/from the airport for $15 each way or $24 round-trip.
- The SuperShuttle ticket counter is in the Terminal 1–Lindbergh ground transport center, accessible via the terminal's Tram Level. Follow the signs to the appropriate escalator or elevator up.
- Travelers arriving at Terminal 2–Humphrey can call for pick up at the Super Shuttle kiosk in the ground transport center, located on Level 1 of the purple parking ramp across from the terminal building.
Car Rental
Terminal 1–Lindbergh: Rental car counters are located on the second and third levels between the blue and red parking ramps, which can be reached via tram.- Terminal 2–Humphrey: Rental car counters are located in the ground transport center on the ground level of the purple parking ramp, directly across from the terminal building.
- NSPE members receive discounts on car rentals.
In summer, June through September, visitors to Minneapolis will enjoy hot weather and a humid climate. July is the hottest month of the year in Minneapolis, with plenty of sunny weather and daytime temperatures of around 28°C / 83°F. Summer weather may be wet at times and heavy showers can occur. Check the weather report for Minneapolis before you pack!
The dress code for the NSPE Leader Conference & Annual Meeting is business casual (i.e. slacks, casual dresses) to business attire (i.e. neckties, business suits). Meeting room temperatures will vary, so wear layered clothing to ensure your personal comfort. We also recommend attendees wear comfortable shoes. Please note that certain events may have specific details on attire, and you should refer to the event for more information.
For more information on Minneapolis or the surrounding area please contact the Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association directly.
NSPE supports a "No Smoking" policy. Smoking is prohibited in the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel and all venues hosting NSPE events.
| Professional Development Hours (PDHs) |
You may earn PDHs, which are nationally recognized units of record, by attending conference concurrent sessions and short courses. Please note there are differences from state to state in continuing education requirements for professional engineering licensure. Each state licensing board has the final authority to approve courses, credits, PDHs, and other methods of earning credits in that state. NSPE strongly recommends that individuals regularly check with their state licensing boards for specific continuing education requirements in their jurisdictions that affect professional engineering licensure and the ability to renew licensure. Contact your state/territory licensure board to find out about licensure requirements.
Tours will depart from the lower lobby of the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel to take you to your destination, so plan to arrive promptly (recommend arrival 15 minutes prior to departure) as tour guides will leave on time. Tours are available on a first come, first serve basis and have limited capacity. A separate ticket fee is required to offset the costs involved with the tours. NSPE reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum registration is not met.
