November Events at the River’s Edge Convention Center

November is full of fun at the River’s Edge Convention Center! From the Minnesota Train Show to a special appearance by a reality TV star, we have a great lineup of events this month.

Granite City Train Show

The Granite City Train Show is back! If you’re interested in trains of any sort, this event is perfect for you. The show will feature model and toy trains of all scales and operating displays. In addition to the trains, the show will include accessories, antiques, and collectibles. This family event even has a Children’s Railway Play Area, giving kids the opportunity to build and run trains. Looking to display your train layout? Register here.

When: Saturday, November 10, 2018; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tickets: Available at the door; $6, Kids 10 and under are free.

Post Veteran’s Day Parade Social

After 11 years, the St. Cloud Veterans Day Parade has changed its route. This year, the parade will be on West Germain Street beginning at the public library and ending at River’s Edge Convention Center. The parade this year should be bigger than ever: it falls on the 100th anniversary of both Armistice Day and the American Legion. The dedication of St. Cloud’s Abraham Lincoln statue is celebrating an anniversary, as well. To celebrate this year’s parade, the River’s Edge Convention Center will be welcoming all participants and viewers to enjoy a short reception following the main event.

When: Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 1:00 PM – Following the Parade

Central Minnesota Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. To celebrate, we are welcoming Si Robertson. Not only is Si a devout Christian, but he is also known for being one of the stars on A&E’s hit show Duck Dynasty. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is a nonprofit project, relying heavily on sponsorship and the volunteers in the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee. The profits contribute to the Christian Business Men’s Committee of St. Cloud.

When: Monday, November 15, 2018; 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Tickets: Available online for $30 – free for veterans. Tables are available to sponsor.

Made in MN Expo

The Made in MN Expo features products made in Minnesota and Minnesota-based businesses. Make sure to stop by for a fun afternoon and experience some of the best things that your state has to offer. If you’re interested in setting up your own booth, click here.

When: Saturday, November 17, 2018; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No tickets required


The events this month are not to be missed – We look forward to seeing you soon! For even more fun events, check out River’s Edge Convention Center’s full event calendar.

Host Your Perfect Wedding at River’s Edge Convention Center

Everyone wants the perfect wedding, but beautiful, elaborate weddings often come with a great deal of stress.

River’s Edge Convention Center works with you to provide a stress-free planning experience – and, more importantly, a stress-free wedding day.

1. Decoration and Catering Options

Everyone pictures their wedding in a unique way. At River’s Edge Convention Center, we make that the dream become a reality. We work with over ten decorators; each one is happy to work with you and your space to create a unique look that you’re searching for. Since food is also an important and memorable part of your big day, we also have many caterers to choose from. You will definitely find something that everyone will love and remember.

2. Convenient Downtown Location

When you plan any major event, you always have to remember out-of-town guests. Since River’s Edge Convention Center is located right in the heart of St. Cloud, we’re surrounded by almost 400 hotel rooms, all within walking distance! In addition, there are plenty of activities for your guests, including beautiful gardens, shopping, and restaurants.

Parking is also readily available. In addition to plenty of nearby parking, we have our own parking ramp. The ramp is connected to the building by a skyway, so you don’t have to go outside to get to your event.

3. Outdoor Weddings

At River’s Edge Convention Center, we are now hosting outdoor weddings! You’ll definitely wow your guests with our outstanding views of the Mississippi River. Don’t forget that an outdoor wedding also comes with the many other advantages of a wedding at River’s Edge Convention Center. Make sure to book a date soon to take advantage of the warm weather! Get started here.

4. We Can Fit a Variety of Party Sizes

Two of the most important things to consider when choosing a venue are capacity and price. River’s Edge Convention Center is unique because we have over 150,000 square feet of flexible space, meaning we can divide and combine rooms to create precisely what you’re looking for. We can further customize your space with a dance floor, AV equipment, and a DJ. With so many options, you can easily work with any type of budget!


At River’s Edge Convention Center, we pride ourselves on our ability to make your wedding unique. With decorators who work specifically with your needs and space, a variety of caterers, and many rooms to choose from, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

The 9th Annual St. Cloud Pride Festival

The ninth annual St. Cloud Pride Festival is coming up once again! Come celebrate and show you support to the community September 14th through the 16th in Downtown St. Cloud!

The Pride Drag Show at River’s Edge

River’s Edge Convention Center is once again happy to host the annual Pride Drag show, which will take place on Saturday, September 15th. Doors for the event open at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM.

This year, there will be local, regional, and national drag performers in attendance. Giggle Gram’s Bonnie the Barfly will provide comedy for the event, and there will be Drag performances by Azalia Cruz, Trixi Del Mar, Juliet Devine, Roxy Marquis, Genevee Love, and Mercedes Iman, with music by DJ Capi Vader.

Advanced tickets and pricing will be available soon and tickets will also be available at the St. Cloud Pride booth at the Pride in the Park event. The Drag Show is sure to be a high-energy and entertaining night. Come out and show your colors!

Pride in the Park 2018

The annual Pride in the Park event is a fun experience for the whole family. Come check out the booths, food vendors, live music, games, and more on September 15th at Lake George/Eastman Park. The festivities begin at 11 AM and will continue until 4 PM.

Sponsors that have made this weekend possible include CentraCare, 104.7 KCLD, and Beaver Island Brewing. It’s not too late to become a sponsor and show your support!

The annual St. Cloud Pride Festival has a track record of drawing people in for an engaging, inclusive experience. One of the highlights from last year’s event was a showing of the movie Philadelphia. Follow the St. Cloud Pride Facebook page for all the latest developments on the festival.

Be ready to show your pride and participate in a great weekend of events!

River’s Edge Convention Center Caterer Features

One of the more difficult decisions to make when hosting an event is the catering service. Your guests might forget what kind of music they heard or how the flowers were arranged, but the tastiness of a meal is one of the features of an event that is sure to be remembered.

If you are planning an event in Central Minnesota, take a look at a spotlight on a few of the fantastic catering services available at the River’s Edge Convention Center in Downtown St. Cloud.

Food Ecstasy

Food Ecstasy is a family owned full service, licensed catering company serving green organic local culinary menu choices. The company has served parties of 50 to 300.

Food Ecstasy’s mission statement is to create a menu with your design & style ready for your “signature of approval.” The reality that food is art awakening your taste buds.

Food Ecstasy begins a partnership by asking the bride and groom 5-questions to help them get creative and make their wedding as unique as possible. These questions include:

1. Is there a theme for the day?
2. Where did the couple meet?
3. How did they meet?
4. What kind of foodies are they?
5. Do they envision a Formal-Classic-Casual-Rustic-Vintage or Eclectic style?

Food Ecstasy has served the Central Minnesota area - including numerous events at the River’s Edge Convention Center - for more than 35 years. Learn more about the company on their website.

Sterling Catering

Booking with Sterling Catering has many great benefits. Aside from delicious food and great service, each menu pricing includes:

• Linen table cloths (white, ivory or black)
• Skirting on all appropriate tables
• Linen napkins 
• China plate service for all courses 
• China coffee cups
• Stainless flatware for all courses
• Glass water glasses for dinner service
• Coffee (hot herbal tea upon request) and water service during dinner
• Salad service with main entrée
• All necessary serving staff

For wedding parties, Sterling offers a complimentary Jacuzzi suite for the Bride and Groom on the night of the reception at the Best Western Kelly Inn - when available. They also offer a complimentary space for a Groom's Dinner the evening before and a Gift Opening the day after at the Best Western Kelly Inn depending on availability.

Find out more about Sterling Catering and contact the company on their website.

Courtyard by Marriott

When you choose to have the Courtyard by Marriott help you plan the perfect menu for your wedding, rest assured that you are in very capable hands.

With over 50 collective years of wedding planning experience, the Courtyard provides the freshest ingredients prepared by an award-winning culinary team offering a contemporary spin on all your traditional favorites and then some. They also have all the latest alternatives for dietary and allergy restrictive needs.

Meet with one of the Courtyard by Marriott directors to talk about the amazing wedding packages. Incorporating things like your favorite color or flowers is simple, but adding in flavors from your first trip together or a hobby the two of you share… that’s the personal flair you’ll get from the Courtyard.

A Spotlight on The Creative Decor Vendors at the River’s Edge Convention Center

You might be aware that the River’s Edge Convention Center has some amazing spaces to host events, but do you know much about our incredible decor vendors?

If you choose to host a wedding or event at the River's Edge, you’ll have access to all the creative abilities of many designers. Learn more about three of our design vendors below:

Designer Y&I Events

Owner Yasmin Hussein owns Y & I Events based out of the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. Specializing in multicultural event planning, the company boasts seasoned designs and decor rental for all occasions.

“When we get a new client,” says Hussein, “we sit down with them for a complimentary consultation. I will find out their vision for their wedding, where and when the wedding is taking place. When getting all the information about the wedding, from the event space to how many people attending.”

She continues, “We start brainstorming the decoration ideas and even though every bride is a designer, I show them my vision and it usually works. We start the process of the decoration a few days before to prepare everything we need to make the event happen. The day of the wedding we start putting the vision to come alive.”

View a gallery of decor examples from Y & I Events here.

Arch Angels Wedding Decor

Mary Regan is the owner of Arch Angels Wedding Decor. Arch Angels is a full-service wedding decoration company specializing in making your wedding beautiful, elegant and exactly what you want.

The company helps eliminate stress for brides and party planners of all types by providing delivery, set up, and take down of all of their unique products, which include chair covers, backdrops, centerpieces, ceiling draping and more.

Click here to view a slideshow of Arch Angels’ work at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

Designer Weddings

Designer Weddings is all about creating the perfect wedding. The company takes pride in using the wedding couple’s venue and molding it into one-of-a-kind decor attraction at a fraction of the cost.

Says owner Sara Almjeld, “As a designer decorator, I take whatever conceptualizations I'm given and enhance the bride and groom's vision. While the big things are important, it's the details of wedding décor that are the differentiation between what's good and great.”

“While every couple may want ‘the Pinterest wedding,’ my job is to decorate a wedding that reflects the bride and groom as individuals with their own personalized flair,” she adds. “A couple's wedding should reflect both individual's aesthetics, allowing the décor to be perceived as more than just pretty decorations and more as a representation of both parties as people.”


These three companies represent a sample of our available vendors. Hosting your event at the River’s Edge Convention Center gives you the opportunity to really make the event your own and create the theme of your dreams.

Contact us to learn more.

The Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame at River’s Edge

Summertime has a different meaning to baseball fans. The smell of a freshly mowed grass field. The heat of the sun warming the stadium seats. The comradery that joins fans as they cheer on their team.

If these are things that excite you, did you know that we permanently host the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Museum at River’s Edge Convention Center?

We take great pride in our museum that commemorates and celebrates Minnesota’s long-lasting history of baseball. Our museum holds an assortment of artifacts collected throughout the state’s baseball history: uniforms, balls, gloves, caps, bats, photos, game day programs, and much more. We feature baseball teams at all levels, including minor league, college, high school, American Legion, VFW, amateur, town-team, and Major League players born in Minnesota.

The St. Cloud Times reports on one excerpt from our archives that you may find interesting: the Municipal Stadium which was right here in St. Cloud.

What is now a strip mall on Division Street was the home of the St. Cloud Rox just over 45 years ago. Municipal Stadium, as it was called in its heyday, was the place to be on any given game day. The stadium sported 60 pro home games in the summer, plus local amateur, college, and high school baseball teams in the off season.

Creating the stadium was a labor of love spearheaded by volunteer group Sports Incorporated. They gave their time and resources to drive the building of this concrete temple to baseball on what used to be a bare field. At the time of its completion, the community and local media were abuzz, praising its excellence.

"The new stadium is a modern, concrete structure," Dick Cullum wrote for the Minneapolis Tribune. "Which is regarded as one of the best to be found in a Class C league."

Robert Statz, the oldest son of the runner for the announcer and scorekeeper of the St. Cloud Rox, looks back on fond memories of Municipal Stadium, where he assisted the team back in the 60s.

"What I remember most is that it was one of the higher places in town then,” Statz recalls. “And you could stand up there on a hot night and see the whole city. It was really something to behold."

This stadium came to a crushing end in 1970 as it was demolished, but it’s legacy lives on in the community. Local baseball enthusiasts keep the history and memories of this place alive through visiting our collections and reminiscing on the highlights of baseball in Stearns County and in the state of Minnesota.

The Rox continue to thrive as a minor-league team here in St. Cloud. Their season opens May 29th with the first home opener on June 1st. Grab some tickets for this season on their website.

Not sure what to do on an away game day? Stop by our museum! Admission is free when you visit Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. If you can’t make it on a weekday, call our Administration Office at 320-255-7272 to check our hours on any given weekend.

5 Tips For Choosing the Right Venue for Your Event

It seems like every restaurant or hotel is trying to be the location for your next event. There are many venues to choose from in our area, but how do you know that your choice will be one that supports every aspect of your planned event?

Follow these tips as a start.

1) The Right-Sized Room(s)

Have you ever been to a meeting or a get-together where the room is way too big, leaving you feeling like there should be more happening? Or worse, a space that is too small and gets stuffy and warm?

The venue you choose should have the right-sized room for your group and for the type of event you’re planning. River’s Edge Convention Center offers more than 75,000 square feet of continuous exhibit space alone with 24-foot ceilings and easy on-grade load-in access. We have an extensive list of room choices; view square footage and ceiling height specifications here.

2) Catering or Beverage Choices

Look for a venue that has catering on-site or great catering vendors that they regularly use. This will ensure that professional service and delicious food are served for your guests (complete with linens and catering staff in most cases). Beware those venues that only work with 1-2 caterers or liquor providers, forcing you to choose from a weak menu. River’s Edge Convention Center provides you with the freedom to choose from among many quality, local caterers – from BBQ to sophisticated fare.

3) Layout for Flow for Guests

Do a walk-through of how your guests will flow through your event. Where will they enter and register? Where will they find materials or refreshments? What additional rooms might you need to reserve as overflow, green room, or staging area? Working with experienced event planners like the pros at River’s Edge will help you think through the spaces and added needs you require for your event.

4) Ambiance

Does the venue feel right for your event? Is it professional enough, friendly and welcoming, or up-to-date with the latest technology and amenities? (Bonus: River’s Edge also has a view most other places can’t compete with!)

5) Extra Amenities

These are the things you may not have even thought about! A River’s Edge, we provide the following added amenities: open access to Wi-Fi for a fee, seating and stage arrangements, access to more than 1,500 parking stalls within a four block area and 700 parking stalls connected to the facility by a skyway system, and more.


For more information or to reserve the perfect space for your event, contact us!

Highlighting the Recent Tradeshows and Events at River's Edge

There’s nothing like the feeling of sunshine and fresh air, but the Minnesota winter doesn't always agree. We’re in the final stages of the cold stuff and ready to get back out there again.

While waiting for Winter to end can evoke a feeling similar to watching paint dry, we can still think about all the fun we’ve had in the past few weeks to prepare for sunshine and good times.

With that in mind, we’ve prepared a recap of our events to tide you over for these last few indoor weeks and remind you of all the fun you’ll soon have outdoors!

The Sportsman’s Show

Can you think of anyone in Central Minnesota that doesn’t like the outdoors? Neither can we - especially since it felt like all of Central Minnesota attended last month. The 2018 Sportsman's Show sported the best in fishing boats, tackle, and equipment, as well as campers and trailers. With hunting and fishing seminars and information about the top lodges and campsites in the Midwest and Canada, the attendees went home with smiles and warm thoughts of what’s to come this Spring.

The Saint Cloud Boat Show

If the Sportsman’s show didn’t have the boat you were looking for, the Saint Cloud Boat Show certainly did. This free event boasted watercraft from Minnesota’s largest dealers and everything that could come along with it. From the small canoes to the giant cruisers, this event had enough boats to make you forget it was cold outside - even though it took place in the heart of February. 

The RV Camp and Travel Expo

If water isn’t your thing, the RV Camp and Travel Expo was probably right up your alley. Pleasureland RV has been hosting the event since 1971. Even if Camping and traveling aren’t your style, everyone seemed to appreciate a day to stretch their legs a bit while looking at an impressive display of interesting booths, info, and camping equipment. 

The Central MN Farm Show

Do you like farming and agriculture? Seeing what goes into your meals can be interesting – whether it’s your profession or not. At the end of February, the Central MN Farm show showed their attendants hospitality, offering a variety of free giveaways and refreshments, as well as educational seminars, and even offering scholarships.

No matter what you’re into, we all have one thing in common – especially around this time of year; We want to be outside. If you were able to attend these events, we hope you had a great time!

If you’re still looking for a break from the cold, check out the MN Amature Baseball Hall Of Fame to get amped up for the spring season and stay tuned to our calendar for upcoming events.

The January Wedding Expo 2018: A Beautiful Day of Fun!

The first St. Cloud Wedding Expo of the year was held at the River’s Edge Convention Center on January 14th and had over 90 wedding professionals in attendance!

We’d like to express a very big thank you to all the exhibitors and couples that came out to join us. We met so many fabulous couples and had an absolute blast! From florists to calligraphers to photographers, the St. Cloud Wedding Expo is the largest in the Central Minnesota area.

River’s Edge Convention Center was transformed to an ethereal collection of booths and vendors who welcomed hundreds of brides, grooms, friends, and family members. The atmosphere was not only excited, but elegant, feminine, and fun.

Dozens of professionals were on hand from all corners of Minnesota to make the details of any wedding come alive. Represented were vendors for everything from catering, baking, venues, photography – even Paintball for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Truly something for everyone.

A highlight of the expo is the runway show of gorgeous wedding fashion, including bridal gowns, menswear, and bridesmaid fashions. Lots of lace, sequins, and voluminous skirts were on show for brides and grooms looking for that personal inspiration.

The next wedding expo will be held this fall; look to our Facebook page for more information.

For anyone planning their wedding day, River’s Edge Convention Center is a memorable venue for weddings of all sizes. We partner with several options for caterers, decorators, and liquor suppliers for your specific wedding ideas. As our name implies, we are located along the beautiful Mississippi River, offering spectacular views for your special day. Find out more, or contact us to find out if your date is available!

Coming Soon: Exciting Events Coming to the Convention Center

Winter can put a damper on fun. Some days, many of us Midwesterners want to do nothing but stay indoors and snuggle up.

Shield yourself from the bitter cold by enjoying a variety of events with us in downtown St. Cloud. Have a look below to learn more about our upcoming events in February.

30th Annual 2018 St. Cloud Sportsmen's Show

Central Minnesota’s favorite Sportsmen’s show is returning to St. Cloud the weekend of February 9th -11th! This is a fun event for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn more about top-of-the-line resorts, lodges, and camps in the Midwest, as well as Canada.

Looking for a new fishing boat? Or maybe a new camper? All the best dealers in the area will be there with competitive boat and RV show pricing, in addition to the latest and greatest in fishing and camping technology. Finally, you’ll have access to fishing and hunting seminars.

St. Cloud Boat Show

Get a head start on a summer full of fun and see the best of the Midwest’s inventory of new boats, pontoons, jet skis, canoes, lifts, docks, swimming rafts, the latest gear, and more. Not only is this a great event for experienced boaters, but it’s also a great event for those who are new to the lifestyle; you’ll find boats for every style, activity, and budget.

The St. Cloud Boat Show will run all weekend February 16-18 and, best of all, admission is FREE! For more information, visit their website here.

Camp & Travel Expo

Whether you’re an avid camper or not, the Camp and Travel Expo is sure to get you excited for the 2018 camping season! This year’s show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before even more vendors, as well as some of the best seminars and workshops in the industry!

St. Cloud’s local PleasureLand RV Center is organizing this 4-day event. A wide range of products and services related to camping and the outdoors will be showcased, in addition to a long list of camper trailers, RVs, tents, and more!

Central Minnesota Farm Show

This year’s Central Minnesota Farm Show will feature over 200 vendors and will last 3 full days from February 27th - March 1st. Not only will there be countless free prize drawings, but there will also be free seminars and topic discussions every day (click here to see the seminar schedule). The Farm Show offers all of this and so much more!


As you can see, February is shaping up to be an exciting month of events here at the River’s Edge Convention Center. We sure hope to see you soon!

River’s Edge Holds Wild Country 99 CMA Awards Party

Early in November, the River’s Edge Convention Center played host to the Wild Country 99 CMA Awards party. Gilleland Chevrolet along with Bud Light and The Great Blue Heron rolled out the red (or yellow) carpet on Wednesday, November 8th.

As Country Music’s Biggest Night of Winning took place in Nashville, Tennessee, guests at the River’s Edge Convention Center enjoyed great food thanks to The Great Blue Heron and Ice Cold Bud Light!

The party was free to attend, but tickets were only available to those who listened to Wild Country 99 and joined the official ticket drops around Central Minnesota.

Besides great food and beverages, guests were entertained with live music from Mitch Gordon & the Unleaded Band. The band is popular around the Central Minnesota Country music scene. You can listen to their single, “One Go Around” on their website.

You can’t host a CMA party without a stock of beautiful cowboy boots! Thanks again to Kevin from The Boot Shack supplying some world-class boots for the event.

Many fun games and contests were held during the event. Pictured is the winner of the $1,000 diamond pendant from Riddle's Jewelry in St. Cloud after searching a cake using just his face!



We’d like to thank Wild Country 99 for hosting such a fun event this year. We’re looking forward to next year’s event!

Navigating The Event: Getting To Know River’s Edge Convention Center Layout

If you are new to River’s Edge Convention Center, our large facility can be daunting. However, once you understand our building's layout, the organization and flow, as well as the convenient access to parking, hotels, and restaurants, you will be able to navigate the event you are attending with ease.

Here is an overview of what to expect when you visit River’s Edge Convention Center.

Large Meeting Spaces

There are four halls, with twenty four foot ceiling height, offering multiple convention options. These can be configured into 60,000 square feet of continuous space if necessary, depending on the size of the event.

Immediately upon entering the main lobby, you will see the Terry Haws Centers A and B. Following east around the granite stairwell will be Terry Haws C. Off on its own at the opposite end of the building is Glenn Carlson Hall. Each area of large meeting space has its own catering kitchen and multiple sets of bathrooms.

Smaller Spaces For Meetings and Receptions

The River’s Edge Convention Center offers multiple smaller suites that have flexible walls to accommodate everything from business meetings to holiday parties.

The Herberger Suite on the second floor is a popular choice for wedding receptions as the space has wall to wall windows overlooking the Mississippi River. This suite can be broken into five smaller sections when desired. Also on the second floor are the Wilson and Stockinger Suites giving a multitude of options for event size and accommodations. The Opportunities Suite on the first floor east of the Glenn Carlson Hall is perfect for thirty to one hundred and eighty people.

Unique Sights

A few unique features should land on your to-do list when visiting the convention center for the first time. Walking towards the river on the first floor, you will come to Riverview Commons. A large and comfortable lobby awaits with stunning views of the Mississippi River. There is also a beautiful balcony and patio area you can go outside to enjoy some fresh air.

On the second floor, do not miss the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in the Mezzanine hallway area. If you love baseball, you will enjoy looking back at the history of America's favorite pastime and it is free to visit.

Click to access black and white blueprints of River’s Edge Convention Center's layout for you to print and have on hand. We are excited to see you and hope you enjoy our facility!

Highlights of Upcoming Events At The River’s Edge Convention Center

Soak up the last of fall enjoying downtown St. Cloud at one of the River's Edge Convention Center's great events. You can stay up-to-date with all the happenings coming up by subscribing to our event calendar. Here are some opportunities this October and November to attend!

St. Cloud Junk Junktion - October 27-28

Do you love re-purposed or rustic furniture? Have you keyed into the farmhouse design trend? Modern Barnyard, The Rusty Pick, and Bumbledee's present the St. Cloud Junk Junktion where you can find trendy and vintage items to decorate your home. Buy online tickets which are good for both days of the market and save money by purchasing in advance!

Kids & Parents Expo - October 28

The 13th Annual Kids and Parents Expo is the perfect family fun event! Join us at the River’s Edge Convention Center for trick or treating, bounce houses, laser tag, Halloween art, and spooky surprises. Do not forget to dress up in your costumes!

Fall Fun Fest - October 31

If you are looking to spend your Halloween safe and warm indoors, bring the family to Fall Fun Fest. The event runs from 6-9 pm and features tons of fun activities like drama shows, puppets, candy, games, prizes, and more!

Annual Caddybeth Craft & Gift Show - November 4

The Caddybeth Craft and Gift Show has developed a reputation as being one of the best and widely known craft shows in the Midwest! If you are interested in joining to sell your craft as a vendor or you are interested in purchasing handmade crafts to use as Christmas presents this year, join us from 9 am – 3 pm November 4th.

Granite City Train Show - November 11

Do you have a train lover in your family? Treat the kids to the Granite City Train Show where they can see many model trains, antique toys, railroad collectibles and memorabilia - and maybe even win a LIONEL train set! Children 10 and under are FREE! Visit the website for more information.

Made In MN Expo - November 18

The perfect time to shop for Christmas gifts is at the Made in MN Expo from 10 am to 4 pm on November 18th. Peruse hundreds of vendors who make their products in our great state and shop local, small businesses! There is free admission to the public. If you are interested in becoming a vendor and sell products that you made right here in Minnesota, click here.

These great events will come and go before you know it, so be sure to mark your calendar! Do not miss these opportunities to shop interesting products, learn a little something, and have lots of family fun at the River’s Edge Convention Center!

5 Trends to Help you Create the Event of the Year

The event world around us is constantly changing. With the number of creative event ideas getting more and more elaborate each year, it’s hard to keep up with and create an event that stands out from others.

Apart from creative ideas booming, distractions are also a consideration to take into play as you plan an event. With the number of apps and devices consuming the audience’s attention, it can be difficult to execute a memorable and captivating event. To help you create an amazing event this year, we have put together the top five trends we think will help.

1. The Smaller, The More Intimate

Smaller, more intimate events have come into a bright light this year. Creating an environment that is more focused and specialized helps engage the audience and creates a group of people engaged in the topic at hand. When you plan a smaller event, this also opens the door to a more personalized experience as you go in knowing your audience and what they expect to get out of your event.

Another positive attribute of having a smaller audience is the chance to learn and connect with each other. A smaller group causes attendees to feel more engaged and tuned-in, and also give them a more comfortable setting to connect with the speaker and other audience members.

2. Beneficial Break Time

Breaks are important and almost necessary during an event, so creating a break time that is beneficial to you and the audience is a bonus. During a break, you might consider bringing in local food, culture, etc. for the guests to enjoy and interact with. This type of easy, laid back environment during a break also creates opportunities for networking amongst your audience and gives them a chance to discuss and interact with one another.

3. Encouraged Participation

This is a crucial point in creating a worthwhile and beneficial event. As the use of keynote speakers declines, the idea of “learning sessions” will come more into play. During these types of engagements, both speaker and audience share the limelight and the feeling of a useful discussion in which everyone learns from one another. Giving the participants a chance to be a part of the event also takes away from the constant distraction of a cell phone, tablet, or laptop.

4. Positivity

Creating an event with a positive message while leaving your audience with a positive feeling afterward is important. One of the ways to boost a feeling of acceptance and positivity in your event is through diversity. Try and incorporate people who don’t represent the stereotypical “man in a suit” figure. This can allow people who don’t fit that character to feel comfortable attending and participating at your event. Show the audience that you care about them and that it isn’t just an event to inform or create business. Mentioning giving back to a community or how to “go green” are good ways to do this.

5.Technology

Technology is probably the largest subject to focus on when conducting an event. From creating a live stream to using smartphones as tools, technology can largely benefit your event. An event that uses the integration of technology can upgrade the audience experience and makes it so audiences are more likely to attend again. Other uses of technology are real-time notifications and interactive apps. Using these techniques converts your cell phone from being a distraction to being a beneficial and positive tool.


With the use of these five tips, your event can be more engaging, beneficial, and successful. Through the use of smaller sizes, break times, participation, positivity, and technology, you can create the event that keeps everyone talking and wanting more.

If you’re looking for the perfect space to hold an event of any size, look to the River’s Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud.

Leverage Technology to Enhance Your Events and Meetings

The days of shuffling papers and handouts at your meeting may be coming to an end. If you’re in the tech industry or wish to be seen as cutting-edge, this especially applies to you. Get new technology working for you at your next event, and make a great—and modern—impression on your attendees.

Event Planning Apps and Software

As you’re beginning to plan your schedule and organize your event, try using an event app. Not only do these apps help you keep track of attendees, keep your materials in one place (like the ever-changing schedule and speaker lineup), but they also offer attendee-facing functionality. Your guests can access the most up-to-date schedule, see presentation decks, and even arrange private networking meetings with fellow attendees. Try Pathable, Whova, or EventsXD for help.

Seating Charts & Floor Plans

Many of the above services will do these for you, but it’s worth calling out that you can ditch the post-its and whiteboard maps you’ve been using to plan your seating or floor plan. This can be one of the most daunting parts of event planning, so check out Social Tables or other sites that will help you stop dreading the map.

Create Your Own Event App

There are several available options for creating your own app for your event. It’s a chance to provide attendees with everything they’ll need before, during, and after the event, while making sure their materials are up-to-date, shareable, and paperless. Plus, many services will turn your event app into a webpage as well.

Social Media

Prep for your event by leveraging Social Media on as many platforms as you can. Create a hashtag for the event and begin running social posts and social ads that lead to your event page. #AmazingConference2017

Internet Access

Your presenters and your attendees will expect wi-fi service that is fast and secure. We recommend using the network at River’s Edge Convention Center to avoid any problems.

Take Advantage of Mobile Devices in the Audience

In the past, guests have been asked to turn off mobile devices during presentations. But it’s important to remember that there may be benefits to guests taking photos, videos, posting to social media (using your hashtag of course), live streaming, and more. Don’t be afraid to encourage guests to post, tweet, and even text key take-aways out to colleagues.

Ask Your Audience

One fantastic way to make use of all those devices is through real-time audience engagement. Although you may still want to hear from audience members and answer their questions while looking in their eye, there may be moments when an audience poll or vote could add another dimension to your presentation. Audience Response Systems (ARS) like Turning Technologies, Join Speaker, or mQlicker can help keep your guests interested and involved right from their seats.

PowerPoint Alternatives

We hate to say it, but it’s time to look beyond PowerPoint for your presentations. Make a more modern impression, and share your impressive presentation with your audience. Here are a few suggestion lists of PowerPoint alternatives.


We look forward to helping you plan your next St. Cloud event at the River’s Edge Convention Center. Whether you’ve got paper handouts or the latest custom app, we’ll help make your event shine.

How to Successfully Promote A Company Event on Social Media

A lot of work goes into planning a company event. After you’ve set an agenda, allocated a budget, chosen your amenities, and constructed a backup plan, it’s time to do some promotion. The goal may be to help your company increase brand awareness or attract more engagement. Whatever your goals are, using social media to share your event with others is essential in today's business environment. Keep reading for some essential elements of a social media strategy and some pointers geared toward promoting your event.

 

Plan Your Social Strategy

Most great things often require a plan. Start by identifying your customer base and deciding how they can benefit from your event. You can use the characteristics of your target audience to reach a great number of people effectively in Facebook’s audience targeting. You’ll often find that using social media to its fullest potential will require a bit of extra money from the budget, so be sure to set aside some extra cash to promote your event. 

Create Meaningful Content for Your Event

If your event is recurring, there are a few things you can do to kick off your social media involvement. If you’ve taken photographs or shot videos in the past, now is definitely the time to share, post, and pin them as a reminder to your audience. If others have written testimonials about your event, using them in your posts can be extremely effective. You’ll also want to make sure that your content is easy for viewers to read and visually pleasing. Canva and PicMonkey are commonly used tools that you can use to create some attractive social media graphics.

Some other examples of types of content include:

• Finding influencers to share your event
• Creating an event hashtag
• Using quotes from speakers attending your event 
• Going live on Facebook or Instagram
• Offering early bird specials or discounts 

Hold an Online Contest

Giveaways and contests have been very common on social media, so constructing a simple one to giveaway free tickets to your event can get your audience excited. Be sure to check each social platform’s rules before running a contest.

You can find more information about running a social media contest at convinceandconvert.com.

Distribute Your Content in the Right Places

Not every company attracts the same people, and not every platform has the same audience. For instance, if you would like to attract mothers ages 30-50 to an ecommerce site, Pinterest would be a great platform to utilize. If you’re looking to attract teens and young adults, schedule your posts for times they would be most active on social media, such as after school or later in the evening. If you’ve done your due diligence with your target audience, you should start to have a pretty good understanding of when and where they’ll be on social media. This Hubspot blog has some useful statistics on social media platform audiences.

 

Analyze How Well it Performed

One of the biggest reasons so many people are flocking to social media for event promotion is because of the ability to analyze data. With a platform’s analytics, you can see how many people you’re reaching and how many are engaging with your event-related content.


These elements of a social media strategy are important for any event to perform well on social media. If you’ve followed the steps and observed your results carefully, you should see a return on your endeavors. Now that you’ve read about the basics, you should be ready to spread the word about your upcoming event at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center.

5 Questions to Ask Before Planning a Company Conference

Imagine you’ve been given the task of booking your company’s next big meeting and you’re not sure where to start. You can’t go over budget, you need a location that is convenient for everyone attending, but you still want to wow and impress. Event planning can be tricky, but with a few pointed questions, you can set up your next business conference with ease.

What is the Agenda for the Meeting?

Knowing the agenda ahead of time is critical. Booking a holiday party, for example, will differ from a corporate conference. Understanding the goals your company wants to accomplish in their next get-together is important and knowing the task at hand will allow you to make a list of resources you’ll need to get started.

What is the Allotted Budget for the Meeting?

Before you get carried away with your list of event materials, it’s important to know your budget. If you want to save money on your next event, a little creativity can go a long way. One example of event planning thriftiness is to use paperless invites.

Which Amenities Will We Need for the Meeting?

To get a list started, think about the meeting’s agenda and talking points. Will you have a speaker? Will there be multiple speakers? Is there ample parking available? What kind of technology will you need? While you probably have a good picture in mind, this may save you from overlooking a key part of what you need for a company gathering.

How Should I Promote My Event?

If your event is a company-wide get-together, sticking with email should be completely safe. If the budget and theme allows, a mailed invitation could spice things up. But what if your company is promoting an expo or trade show? You’ll need to meticulously plan a marketing strategy to attract the right attendees.

• Use social media
• Try your hand at email marketing
• Contact previous customers
• Create incentives for customers to help promote your event
• Place flyers in key locations

Do I Need a Contingency Plan for My Event?

If your event doesn’t go as planned, relax. In event planning, an important thing to remember is that leaving an option for things to go wrong increases its likelihood of happening, so a good plan B is a must-have. Visit mindtools.com for ideas on creating the perfect contingency plan.

You’ve made your list, checked it twice, and have a few extra tricks up your sleeve. If you’ve asked yourself these key questions and prepared in advance, your organization’s conference should go off without a hitch. Be sure to subscribe for more tips on event planning and view the available rooms at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center for your next company meeting.

The Time to Book Your Company Holiday Party is Now!

As spring finally comes into full swing, the last thing most people are thinking about is the holiday season. The snow is gone, your holiday debt is nearly paid off, and that neighbor down the street finally took down their holiday lights. So, why would you start to think about the holiday season now?

As one of central Minnesota's premier event headquarters, there's no better place than the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center to host your company holiday party. Below, you’ll find reasons why many companies choose the River's Edge:

Large Gathering Spaces

Whether your business has 20 employees or hundreds, you’ll be able to find a suitable room to host your holiday party. Along with the reservation, you’ll have access to our equipment rentals, ensuring your event will be one the office will remember.

Convenient Location

Being located in the heart of historic downtown St. Cloud has its perks. Your party has access to a variety of caterers and decorators located nearby, making it easy to celebrate in style with quality food and decor.  Access to our parking facilities, as well as close distance to hotels make it easy to enjoy the holiday experience with coworkers and family.

Book Your Office Holiday Party Now!

When should you book your office party? Many organizations in central Minnesota start booking their holiday get-together at the beginning of spring.

It’s no surprise that dozens of companies trust the River's Edge Convention Center with their holiday parties. It’s also not surprising that spaces fill up quickly. During the holidays, space becomes limited and time is short, so why not take the first steps today?

Contact the River’s Edge Convention Center on our website to get started planning.  

The Beaver Island Trail Extension Brings More Excitement to the River’s Edge Convention Center

Construction recently finished on a very exciting project in downtown St. Cloud; the Beaver Island Trail extension. The grand staircase to enter the new trail is located on the Northside - right behind the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center on your way down to the river.

While attending an event or conference at the Convention Center or simply being downtown, you can now take a stroll alongside the Mississippi and enjoy the sights. It is a whole new way to appreciate and experience the river and downtown St. Cloud. This is yet another reason why we are excited about the upcoming season at the River's Edge!

The Beaver Island Trail connects the highest traffic areas of downtown. Mayor Dave Kleis says, “From St. Cloud State University to St. Cloud Hospital you now can walk, bike, roll, or stroll without crossing a roadway. You can do that on the trail for the first time.” This is all in an effort to make St. Cloud more pedestrian friendly and invigorate our downtown atmosphere.

The River’s Edge Convention Center has been involved with this initiative, sincerely promoting the idea of making St. Cloud Greater. Funding for the extension came from the Convention Center expansion project, as well as a federal grant and half-cent sales tax dollars.

The trail will eventually connect to the Lake Wobegon trail system, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy hundreds of miles to venture. In an interview with WJON, Mayor Dave Kleis noted that Centracare has also committed to extending the Beaver Island Trail in the future; the plan being to build from behind the St. Cloud Hospital all the way to the Sauk Rapids Bridge.

There are a lot of things to look forward to coming up at the River’s Edge Convention Center. Join us this year by attending an event or hosting one of your own and enjoy the new Beaver Island Trail while you’re in the area.  

The St. Cloud Wedding Expo Returns to River’s Edge

On January 15th, the St. Cloud Wedding Expo brought in over 90 vendors to the River’s Edge Convention Center, creating an incredible atmosphere for soon-to-be newlyweds in the center of Downtown St. Cloud. Hundreds of forthcoming brides and grooms experienced the latest trends in wedding food, fashion, and decor and found inspiration for the wedding of a lifetime.

We would like to give special thanks to Geyer Wedding & Event Rentals for decorating the Herberger Suite for reception demonstrations. Experiences like these give brides and grooms a hands-on look and clear expectations of their upcoming nuptials. Not only does this give couples clearer choices, but it gives them peace of mind.

Once again this year, Sauk Rapids’ Granite City Lumberjacks donated a few dashing fellows to participate in the runway show. Sponsors of the runway show included Tip Top Tux, Celebrations Bridal & Formal Wear, & Mantra Salon & Spa.

Did you miss out on the wedding expo this time around? Don’t worry! The St. Cloud Wedding Expo is held twice a year, so be sure to mark your calendars. The next illustrious event will be held on September 24th from 10 AM - 2 PM and January 14th, 2018. These events will take place in the spacious Terry Haws Rooms A & B covering over 30,000 square feet for wedding inspiration.

If you’re in the process of planning a wedding, the River’s Edge Convention Center offers a truly memorable Minnesota wedding reception site in a wide variety of sizes, setups and celebration styles, as well as an unforgettable view of the Mississippi River. Unlike many other venues, you can book your wedding at the Convention Center within 12 months of your I Do’s - with easy access to our list of Caterers and Decorators.