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.

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.

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.

Upcoming Events at the River's Edge ConventionCenter

River’s Edge has a number of exciting events coming up in the next few months and we couldn’t hold back from giving you a little preview. So mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss these!

St. Cloud Sportsmen's Show - February 5-7

From camping and outdoor equipment to travel and boats, this show will cover everything a sportsman needs to know! This show will also feature two famous speakers, Ted Takasaki and Billy Molls, who will host alternating seminars each day. This event is not just for the avid sportsman because the whole family is invited to attend. We even have unique shows running especially for families, which include (but are not limited to): The Live Trout Pond, The Great American Duck Race, and The Fur-Ever Wild show. For further information, visit stcloudsportshow.com.

St. Cloud Boat Show - February 12-14

You live in the land of 10,000 lakes. You would get real tired swimming through all of them, so how about exploring them in a new boat? The St. Cloud Boat Show has everything you’re looking for, whether it is a new pontoon to enjoy family weekends with, or a top-of-the-line fishing boat that makes fishing a whole new experience. Why settle for less when you can have the best? Help picture yourself in the best ride of the summer. Don’t forget to check out booths showcasing the latest engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories to make this summer better than the rest! For more information, visit stcloudboatshow.com

Camp and Travel Show - February 18-21

Sick of the cold and eagerly waiting for spring? The Camp and Travel Expo is a great place to check out all the latest campers and trailers to make this summer’s vacation one to remember. Pleasureland will feature about 100 different recreational vehicles, which will make any camper’s mouth drop. Event planners say that February is the kick-off for planning summer activities, so don’t fall behind and make sure not to miss out on any specials going on during this expo. Best of all, admission is free!

Central Minnesota Farm Show - February 23-25

Come check out the Central Minnesota Farm Show, which showcases agricultural equipment, electric motors, barn flooring, milking equipment and other products in the Agriculture & Forestry field. There will be more than 300 professional vendors from the five-state area on hand to talk about their new products and services for the upcoming year. Come hang out with those who know how to grow.

Central Minnesota Wellness Expo - March 5

New Years Eve resolution dying down? Not sure what more you can do? The Central Minnesota Wellness Expo has all the information you need from health to fitness and even a little general wellness. This is your go-to expo where you can learn all you need to know about health and wellness without the pressure of buying anything. The show will also feature amazing guest speakers who will talk about how to unlock your full potential. To get a sneak peak of which exhibits will be there, and a preview of what you can expect, visit centralmnwellnessexpo.com

St. Cloud Home Show - March 11-13

One of the most anticipated events of the season is St. Cloud Home Show put on by the Central Minnesota Builders Association. This show will have more than 200 exhibits displaying enchanting landscapes, breath-taking carpentry and vendors from all over the state to help with those special projects that make your house a home.

There will also be seminars on DIY gardening, beekeeping, home building and selling tips as well as a project and play area for the kids and a fish fry and music on Friday. The show will also be auctioning off a brand new home. Don’t miss out on this year’s biggest show. With more than 5,000 people attending, you’re going to want to come early.

Check in with Facebook and Twitter to keep up with up-to-date information on these upcoming events and other sneak peaks!

MADE IN MINNESOTA EXPO PREVIEW

The Made in Minnesota Expo returns to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday, November 21st. The expo, presented by Smude Sunflower Oil and Townsquare Media, runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, courtesy of St. Cloud Red Wing Shoe Store. The expo focuses on businesses that are based out of Minnesota or produce their products in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Looking to start your holiday shopping? You’ll find something special, unique, and made in Minnesota, as most of the retailers will have items for sale. 

Last Year's Expo was the first year for the event, and it drew quite a crowd. So if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, stop by the River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday for the 2015 Made in Minnesota Expo!

While you learn more about some local companies, test out some free hot dish samples (what’s more Minnesotan than hot dish?) and register to win a $500 stay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. You can also test your brain power by playing trivia with local trivia masters, the Trivia Ninjas. For the youngsters, there will be a bounce house to help them burn off some energy.

The expo allows businesses face-to-face interaction with customers and allows them to pitch their products from all over the state. With a cold weekend anticipated, come inside to the River’s Edge Convention Center and see what products our great state has to offer! 

This year's vendors include:

Fall Fun Fest 2015 at River’s Edge Convention Center

The Joy Christian Center’s Fall Fun Fest drew a packed crowd to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Halloween.

The event (which went from 1-5 p.m.) was free and open to the public and collected donations for area food shelves.

Originally held in a shed, the event started in 1998 and only drew in about 100 people. Seventeen Halloweens later, the Fall Fun Fest was held in the River’s Edge Convention Center and was expected to host around 5,000 - a successful improvement.

Kids that came to event played games and left the River’s Edge with their trick or treat bags filled with candy. Most of the parents and kids in attendance were decked out in their best costumes.

There were more than 100 games to play and a puppet show was also performed. Kids could also have their faces painted, burn off some energy in bouncing castles, and have their pictures taken in front of Halloween backgrounds.

Was your halloween just as successful? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

The 2015 Kid’s and Parent’s Expo

The annual Kids and Parents’ Expo sponsored by McKay’s took place October 10 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.There were 44 vendors on hand for the annual event, which brought in kids and parents of all ages. Kids 12 and under were admitted free to the event.

The event was sponsored by Once Upon A Child, Geyer Rentals, Savers, Little Saints Academy, Robinson’s Fruit Shoot and Royal Tire.

Kids were able to take their pictures with Elsa from “Frozen” and Spider-Man during the day. Elsa also sang songs and read Usborne Books throughout the day. Spider-Man didn’t want to reveal his secret identity, so he kept quiet.

Kids were also able to look at a St. Cloud Fire Department fire truck up close and hop on inflatables in the “Bouncing Kidz Zone.” People seemed to enjoy the bouncing castle the most, which featured a long slide.

Kids were also able to pet animals at the Expo and try on Halloween costumes.

The River’s Edge Convention Center can easily accommodate all events from concerts, weddings and socials, trade and consumer shows, conventions and conferences for a wide array of businesses and group sizes.

The River’s Edge Convention Center includes 150,000 square feet of space, 19 meeting rooms, 60,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 16,000 square foot ballroom and flexible square configurations available for all types of events.For more information, contact us online or by phone at 1-800-450-7272.

Consumer Shows Bring Guests To The St. Cloud Area!

It’s that time of year again -- consumer show season! Here at the River’s Edge Convention Center, we proudly boast many large consumer shows every season. We host the Car, Home, Boat, RV, and Farm Show among many others!

These shows are held in our large exhibit halls. Our exhibit halls range in square footage from 8,000-26,000, allowing us to host events of many sizes. Our Terry Haws Center is our main consumer show room. The center is divided into three sections -- Terry Haws A is 16,000 square feet, B is 17,325 square feet, and C is 26,000 square feet. These rooms can be divided in half or joined together with other sections for an even larger space. In addition to exhibit space, we also offer many other services to make the shows go smoothly. Some of the services we offer are audio/visual equipment, basic housekeeping, electric and utilities, seating and staging, parking, and more. In addition to these services, we can also help staff events. Our staffing services include ticket takers, door guards, security, and piano tuners, among others.  

Every year, these consumer shows bring a large crowd to the St. Cloud area. Luckily, the St. Cloud area has many local attractions for our visitors to see after they attend a consumer show. In the downtown area surrounding the convention center alone, there are 41 unique dining options. Some of these dining options include Jules Bistro, Brother’s Bar and Grille, and The White Horse. To see the full list of dining options, please visit The St. Cloud Downtown’s website. The downtown area also offers an exciting nightlife scene. Some of the more popular bars include the Red Carpet, Cowboy Jacks, and the Press Bar. To view the full list of nightlife, click here. In between sessions at the consumer

shows, guests can go shopping at some unique boutiques and shops in the downtown area, including Accents, Fitzharris Ski and Sport, Rush Boutique, and more. When the night comes to an end, guests can rest their heads at one of St. Clouds luxurious hotels, such as the Le St. Germain Suite Hotel, and the Kelly Inn, among others.

Overall, the consumer show seasons offers an event for the whole family. With all of the attractions that the St. Cloud premiere area has to offer, this will be a trip worth taking! We hope to see you soon!

S.C.A.R. Dolls Returning to River's Edge Convention Center Nov. 8

In September the S.C.A.R. Dolls skated in the River’s Edge Convention Center for the first time. The team made their downtown debut with an intrasquad bout with a huge crowd of over 700 and we are happy to announce they are returning Nov. 8. The team, based in St. Cloud, has been wanting to make their way downtown, especially nearing the winter months to give families more events to attend in the colder times of the year. Now, they have a regular home downtown.

The team was formed in 2011 to create an opportunity for women in the Central Minnesota area to participate in roller derby -- a challenging, exciting and empowering sport. They are now the one and only women’s flat track roller derby league in the area.

Along with bringing family-friendly entertainment to the downtown St. Cloud area, the S.C.A.R. Dolls actively work with local charities, including the Tri-County Humane Society, Anna Marie’s Alliance, the Boys & Girls Clubs and the United Way. The bout on Nov. 8 will benefit The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN Operation Military Mentoring Program.

The River’s Edge Convention Center is excited to provide the S.C.A.R. Dolls with home turf in the downtown area and we look forward to hosting more bouts for them in 2015.

To purchase tickets for the Nov. 8 intrasquad bout between the Gargoyle Brigade and the Pin-Up Prowlers, find your favorite roller girl or get them at any of these local ticket outlets -- The Skatin’ Place, Granite City Comics and Games or the Youth Shelter Supply. Tickets are $10 presale and $11 at the door. The Nov. 8 bout will be in the Terry Haws A and B rooms at River's Edge and feature a glow in the dark dance party (audience participation encouraged!) and an after-party at D.B. Searle’s.