'Hospitable by Nature' - Our Point of Distinction
Two remarkable environments come together as the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport – Mall of America meets the natural beauty of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.One of only a handful of urban wildlife refuges in the nation, the Minnesota Valley National Refuge was established in 1976 to provide habitat for a large number of migratory waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife species threatened by commercial and industrial development.
Today, the Refuge has over eight units, many of which have trails & interpretive signs and comprises 14,000 authorized acres, stretching for 45 miles from Fort Snelling State Park to Jordan, Minnesota.
Located across the street from the hotel, the Refuge is a great place for a walk, jog, viewing wildlife or spending a casual afternoon after a long day of meetings or sightseeing.
Amidst this thriving wilderness is another refuge - every aspect of the hotel has been touched by this wonder of nature beginning with our serene lobby - reminiscent of the wildlife refuge with its rich foliage, waterfall, sounds and scents of nature – where travelers can relax in a unique atmosphere of exceptional comfort.
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport – Mall of America is the ideal retreat for shoppers to nearby Mall of America or travelers connecting to this vibrant urban area through the Twin Cities International Airport.
It’s all here - where the true spirit of hospitality comes naturally.
MSPAH.COMHilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Business Travel Sales Manager Bryan Kuffel and Reservations Coordinator Vishwa Ural Set New Marketshare Record
Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Business Travel Sales Manager Bryan Kuffel and Reservations Coordinator Vishwa Ural set a new property marketshare record with year-end 2009 results.
The Hilton led the hotel market of Bloomington, MN in marketshare penetration for calendar year 2009 finishing #1 of 8 hotels according to the Hotelligence Report produced by TravelClick, Incorporated which measures reservation activity produced through the Global Distribution Systems. The report also illustrates a +30% increase in marketshare penetration from the prior year with an overall achievement of 172%.
"This accomplishment is truly significant given the challenges every business faced during calendar year 2009, " said Shawn Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Hilton. "Bryan and Vishwa worked hard as a team all year to ensure our clients needs were met and we could accommodate their travel."
Kuffel and Ural introduced a new program called 'Hospitable by Nature' in 2009 which produced over 600 room nights. Kuffel explains, "The program was designed to accommodate travel needs of clients who had smaller annual travel volume and were not able achieve national account status through the brand. This program provided them with an option to utilize our Hilton for inbound travel to the Twin Cities and an opportunity for their travelers to receive benefits through the brand's frequent guest program - Hilton HHonors."
"We are fortunate to have the staff we do," says Kuffel. "Everyone is looking for value. I am always confident in talking with prospective clients or those who have used other properties in our marketplace because I know the kind of positive expereince they are going to have when they stay with us."
"From the initial check-in by our front desk associates to the quality and cleanliness of their guestroom maintained and cared for by our engineering and housekeeping team to their dining experience in Blue Water Grill under the direction of Executive Chef & Nature Photographer Eric G. Baker - celebrating over 20 years of service at the Hilton - I know our staff is going to deliver and leave the guest with a great impression."
To learn more about business travel rates at the Hilton, contact Bryan Kuffel - Business Travel Sales Manager - at 952-548-0976 or e-mail bryankuffel@remingtonhotels.com. To learn more about the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America, visit www.mspairport.hilton.com.Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Sales & Catering Team Members Poised And Ready For 2010
"Planning and executing a meeting or special event can be a challenging task unless you have the right team behind you," said Shawn Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Hilton. "We are fortunate to have assembled a team of hospitality professionals who understand what it takes and are committed to building long-term business partnerships with our clients."
The Group and Business Travel Sales Team - pictured from left to right:
Bryan Kuffel - Business Travel Sales Manager - bryankuffel@remingtonhotels.com
Bryan is a veteran in the Business Travel industry working with Accor, InterContinental and Hilton Hotels. He specializes in working with both national and local companies to coordinate preferred hotel rates to accommodate out-of-town business travelers. Bryan is an active member of the North Central Business Travel Association.
Tammy King - Group Sales Manager - tammyking@remingtonhotels.com
Tammy brings diverse hospitality professional experience from offsite catering, hotels, corporate housing and furniture leasing/sales. Tammy specializes in Social, Military, Education, Religous, Fraternal, Entertainment, Tour & Travel and Sports groups and events. Tammy is an active member of the Religious Conference Management Association.
Brian Faistenhammer - Group Sales Manager - brianfaistenhammer@remingtonhotels.com
Brian is a native of the Detroit, Michigan area and relocated to the Twin Cities this past fall to join the Hilton team. Prior to moving to the Twin Cities, Brian worked in hospitality for three properties in the sales arena. Brian specializes in corporate meetings and events. He is an active member of Meeting Professionals International - MN Chapter.
Natascha Amme-Keller - Group Sales Manager - nataschaammekeller@remingtonhotels.com
Natascha has a rich background in hospitality sales working with Radisson, Hilton and Crowne Plaza. Natascha specializes in national, state and regional associations as well as federal, state and local government meetings and events. She is an active member of the Midwest Society of Associaton Executives and Society of Government Meeting Professionals - MN Chapter.
The Catering Sales Team - pictured from left to right:
Melissa Heininger - Catering Sales Manager/Wedding Specialist - melissaheininger@remingtonhotels.com
Melissa specializes in social catering events - weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, gift opening breakfasts; kosher and kosher-style for weddings, bar/bat mitzvah's, simcah's and community events; indian weddings and quinceaneras.
Janice McLean - Catering Sales Manager - janicemclean@remingtonhotels.com
Janice is a veteran in the catering & special events industry with the Hilton Family of Hotels. She specializes in the corporate catering market and is an active Board of Directors member for the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) - MN Chapter.
Susan Gordon - Catering Sales Manager - susangordon@remingtonhotels.com
Susan has a long standing career in catering with experience from Radisson, Sheraton and Hilton Hotels. She specializes in Education, Religious, Fraternal, Non-Profit/Foundation meetings and events and is an active Board of Directors member for the Executive Women International (EWI) - MN Chapter.
The Convention Services & Audio/Visual Technology Team - pictured from left to right:
Matt Bohrnstedt - Audio/Visual Services & Technology Manager - mattbohrnstedt@remingtonhotels.com
Matt ensures all other aspects of meetings & events go flawlessly with internet connectivity, lighting, sound and visual presentations. His history includes experience from Presentation Audio Visual Services, Doubletree and Hilton Hotels.
Becky Bush - Convention Services Manager - rebeccabush@remingtonhotels.com
Becky is a veteran in the convention services arena and ensures all of the hotel group events exceed client expectations. Her history includes Convention Services and Food & Beverage Management with Holiday Inn, Radisson, Sheraton and Hilton Hotels.
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Hotel offers 300 deluxe guestrooms & suites, over 22,000 square feet of meeting & event space and award-winning food & beverage from Executive Chef & Nature Photographer Eric G. Baker - celebrating over 20 years of service at the Hilton. The Twin Cities best location for business - only 12 miles from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, 3 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and 1 mile from Mall of America.
To learn more about the Hilton or to book your next event, visit www.mspairport.hilton.com www.mspweddings.hilton.com or contact our sales & catering team at 952-854-2100.Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Hosts 5th Annual MN Miracle New Year's Eve Celebration And Helps Raise $78,000 To Benefit The Miracles of Mitch Foundation
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America hosted the 5th Annual MN Miracle New Year's Eve Celebration to benefit The Miracles of Mitch Foundation.
The Miracles of Mitch are the daily good works inspired by 9-year old Mitch Chepokas to help the families of children battling cancer in Minnesota. Sealed with a pinky swear between Mich and his father, Steve, The Miracles of Mitch Foundation was created to honor Mitch's desire to support these families during a stressful time in their lives.
Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has helped these families maintain their quality of life by: enabling them to make a mortgage, rent and automobile payments as well as purchase groceries; sponsoring a summer camp for current and past pediatric cancer patients and their siblings; hosting Minnesota Miracle weekend getaways; and celebrating specially tailored quality-of-life initiatives for kids with an advanced stage of cancer. In serving its families, MOMF operates as though "time is of the essence" because, in most cases, it is.
This year's event was sold out with 560 guests attending the program and dinner/dance in the MN Valley Ballroom. Additionally, another 50 volunteers were on hand to help with kids games, registration and silent/live auction. Eric Perkins from NBC KARE 11 was the emcee again this year and did a wonderful job incorporating kids games into the program. Casablanca Orchestra (CBO) provided the entertainment and delivered a spectacular performance.
General Manager Charles Goldberg presents Steve & Becky Chepokas, Founder of The Miracles of Mitch Foundation, with a check in the amount of $78,000 to help their cause.
Pictured holding this year's check are the event co-chairs Lori Day from M&I Bank and Christine Finn from Medica.
Pictured above are guests who stayed at the Hilton for a MN Miracle Weekend in calendar year 2009 as a retreat from their treatment in area Twin City hospitals. The Minnesota Miracle is a collaborative program between MOMF, the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel and Mall of America that provides weekend getaways for families of pediatric cancer patients. Each family receives two adjoining hotel rooms decorated with age-appropriate toys for the patient and accompanying siblings or friends; prepaid Visa gift cards for a MOA shopping spree; Holiday gas card; passes to Nickelodeon Universe and Underwater Adventures, breakfast at the Hilton, kitchen tours with the Hilton’s Executive Chef Eric G. Baker; and disposable cameras to record their experience. Everything is in place for a stress-free family getaway that will create long-lasting memories. Last year, the Hilton hosted 82 pediatric cancer families on these special weekends. 51 families were hosted in calendar year 2008.Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Sous Chef Paul Chellew and Catering Sales Manager Melissa Heininger Host Simcah Reception For Community Leaders And Event Planners
Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Sous Chef Paul Chellew and Catering Sales Manager Melissa Heininger hosted a Simcah Reception on Monday, December 21st for Community Leaders and Event Planners. Sous Chef Paul Chellew prepared a spectacular selection of kosher hors d'oeuvres and entree samples to highlight the hotel's culinary team. Melissa Heininger conducted property tours to highlight the hotel's variety of special event/catering facilities for group events of all sizes.
"Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah's and Community Events have become an important part of our business," says Heininger. "This event was a great way for us to invite people to see our facilities and experience the culinary creations so they know what they can expect for their special event. Guests interested in learning more about our kosher menu offerings can visit our website at www.mspweddings.hilton.com and select Ethnic Events."
To learn more about the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America, visit www.mspairport.hilton.comHilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Executive Chef & Nature Photographer Eric G. Baker and Blue Water Grill Manager Kate Anastasi Present Christmas Dining Specials
Executive Chef & Nature Photographer Eric G. Baker and Blue Water Grill Manager Kate Anastasi present a special menu for Dinner on Christmas Eve - December 24th and Christmas Day - December 25th. Blue Water Grill and Lounge will be open both days to accommodate hotel guests and those from the surrounding metro area.
Wood-Grilled Pork Chop
Maple Demi Glaze
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Turkey Breast
Mashed Potatoes
Turkey Gravy
Herb Stuffing$18.95
Sautéed Wild Acres Duck BreastGrand Marnier and Port Wine Glazeill.hiltonc.om
Hand-Harvested Wild Rice
Scallops and ShrimpMarinated Tomatoes, Calamata Olives
Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
Served on Udon Noodles
To make reservations, contact the Blue Water Grill at 952-854-2100. To learn more about the menu, visit www.bluewatergrill.hilton.comHilton HHonors Members Earn 'TRIPLE POINTS' Until March 2010 At Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America
Members of Hilton's HHonors Frequent Travel Program will earn 'Triple Points' for all stays from now until March 2010 at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America. This special promotion is valid seven (7) days per week. Reservations can be made by requesting Plan Code H3. To make your Twin Cities travel arrangements, contact the Hilton at 952-854-2100 or book on-line at www.mspairport.hilton.com.
Only with Hilton HHonors® can you earn both Points & Miles® for stays at 3,300 hotels worldwide and airline miles with over 50 airline partners. And we offer several unique ways to pile on the points — earn them through hotel stays or with participating credit cards; or, consider purchasing them if you are just shy of that trip to the Caribbean. And when you are feeling generous, you can transfer them to family or friends who are also members. We also offer you an opportunity to donate your extra points to several charitable organizations.
Because this membership is exclusive, we treat you as such. You will receive the convenience and individualized attention you deserve as a Hilton HHonors member.
Sarah Palin Selects Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America As 'Home-Away-From-Home' For Twin Cities Book Signing Tour
Sarah Palin selected Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America as her 'home-away-from-home' for her Twin Cities book signing tour held at Mall of America in early December. Hundreds of Sarah Palin fans rose before dawn on Monday, December 7th for the chance to meet the conservative star. Die-hard supporters treated the event like another Black Friday, lining up outside in freezing weather before the mall doors opened at 5 a.m.
The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee arrived at the Hilton on Sunday evening with her family and was scheduled at Mall of America at noon the following day. Wearing her trademark red, she took the stage joined by her husband, Todd, and carrying their son Trig. Palin did not address the crowd and did not take questions from the large contingent of reporters. She started signing books immediately and kept it up for four hours. Mall security said 2,000 people got their books signed. Later in the day, Palin headlined a high-dollar private fundraiser at the hotel for GOP candidates for Minnesota's House of Representatives.
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America has served as host to other prominant political figures in recent years including President George W. Bush & First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John Edwards.
Charles Goldberg, General Manager of Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America, helps Normandale Community College raise $100,000 for student scholarships
Normandale Community College Foundation’s Toast of the Town was a seriously fun challenge where three Twin Cities executives were vying for the title Normandale’s Toast of the Town from September 1 through November 19, 2009. The challenger who raised the most money earned the coveted title and the Normandale Cup.
As General Manager of the Hilton MSP Airport - Mall of America, Charles Goldberg is host to over 100,000 guests a year, including visitors from around the globe. He leads 11 department heads to oversee revenues in excess of $15 million, profitability, brand standards and guest satisfaction.
Charles has crisscrossed the U.S. working in banquet and hotel management. Today Charles has adopted Minnesota, the Midwest and Normandale Community College into his life. As a partner with Normandale's Hospitality Department, he shares his experience with the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.
Charles and the Hilton Hotel hosted two seriously fun events for Toast of the Town!
Pancake Breakfast and Vikings Rally
Sunday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Attendees warmed up for the first Vikings home game with a hearty, festive breakfast and on-screen highlights from Vikings' past seasons. The event also included children's activities and door prizes.Normandale Community College Art Show
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 p.m.
Attendees experienced the artistry of Normandale art students & alumni in this mixed media show, featuring wildlife photographer Eric G. Baker. The event featured hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine.
All monies raised through Normandale’s Toast of the Town Challenge benefited the Normandale Fund at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. Each year, Normandale serves approximately 15,000 students. The Normandale Fund provides scholarships to students, strengthens academic programs and enriches student community outreach programs.
Congratulations to Larry Jodsaas who won the 2009 Toast of the Town challenge!
To learn more about Toast of the Town & Normandale Community College, visit: www.normandaletoastofthetown.comHilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America invites families to start a new tradition for celebrating New Year's Eve - leaving the house and having fun for a good cause!
Fifth annual Minnesota Miracle New Year’s Eve Celebration provides
an exciting night out to support Minnesota’s pediatric cancer families.
(CHASKA, MINN.) — Family fun will be the order of the evening at the fifth annual Minnesota Miracle New Year’s Eve Celebration, Thursday, December 31, at the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel in Bloomington. All proceeds will benefit The Miracles of Mitch Foundation (MOMF). Tickets are available at www.MiraclesofMitch.org/newyears.
“Many families don’t know what to do with themselves when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve,” says Chuck Goldberg, Hilton General Manager. “Often, their family tradition consists of staying home and watching others have fun on TV. We’d like to invite everyone to start a new family tradition of making their own memories at the Minnesota Miracle New Year’s Eve Celebration. We’re confident that this party is one of the best family New Year’s Eve events in the Twin Cities—and attendees will make an impact on the lives of pediatric cancer families in Minnesota.”
This family gala event will feature a dinner and program, auctions and a variety of kids’ activities, including bingo, arts and crafts, video games, a cake walk, carnival games and karaoke. In addition, everyone will dance to the sounds of CBO (Casablanca Orchestra)—one of the Twin Cities’ top live bands, playing everything from the Swinging ‘40s to today’s Top 40. CBO plays across the country at a variety of functions, including the Presidential Inaugural “Freedom Ball” in 2005.
The Hilton MSP Airport Hotel has created special Miracle New Year’s Eve Packages so attendees can enjoy the entire evening without having to drive home after midnight. These packages include overnight accommodations, dinner and dance, passes to Nickelodeon Universe, a Mall of America Super Saver Coupon Book and a New Year’s Day brunch. “We have everything for a very special evening,” says Goldberg, “all in a safe, controlled environment.”
Proceeds will help fund the Minnesota Miracle, a collaborative program between MOMF, the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel and Mall of America that provides weekend getaways for families of pediatric cancer patients. Each family receives two adjoining hotel rooms decorated with age-appropriate toys for the patient and accompanying siblings or friends; prepaid Visa gift cards for a MOA shopping spree; Holiday gas card; passes to Nickelodeon Universe and Underwater Adventures, breakfast at the Hilton, kitchen tours with the Hilton’s Executive Chef Eric G. Baker; and disposable cameras to record their experience. Everything is in place for a stress-free family getaway that will create long-lasting memories. Last year, the Hilton hosted 82 pediatric cancer families on these special weekends.
The Miracles of Mitch Foundation was born during the 2002 holiday season when cancer patient Mitch Chepokas emptied his bank account and anonymously gave his life savings (more than $6,000) to other pediatric cancer families so they could have a happy holiday season. When he learned that he wouldn’t live to see the next Christmas, he made his dad pinky swear to continue helping cancer families.
Although Mitch died a few months later, the foundation was born and has since provided financial and quality-of-life assistance to hundreds of families of children battling cancer. The organization’s assistance includes helping these families make mortgage/rent and car payments, purchase groceries and pay for childcare, offering a one-week summer camp for current and past cancer patients and their siblings, hosting Minnesota Miracle weekend getaways to the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel and Mall of America, and creating specially-tailored quality-of-life initiatives for kids with an advanced stage of cancer (i.e. parties and trips).
For more information about The Miracles of Mitch Foundation and the Minnesota Miracle New Year’s Eve Celebration, visit www.MiraclesofMitch.org.Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America Increases Guest Loyalty With Special Touches
Hilton Minneapolis Airport - Mall of America is finding new ways to add a special touch to the travelers experience. Abbigail Deringer, Front Office Manager, and her team of Guest Service Agents rolled out a new program at the Hilton called 'Guest of the Day'.
"The 'Guest of the Day' program is our way of reaching out to a few random guests each day to add a special touch to their stay," explains Deringer. "Our team of Guest Service Agents randomly selects a few guests each day as our designated 'winners'. From there, we add a few special touches to their stay - a handwritten note card of welcome, a special amenity prepared by our Executive Chef & Nature Photographer Eric G. Baker, an invitation to experience dinner in our Blue Water Grill & Lounge highlighting the specials of the evening or crediting additional Hilton HHonors bonus points to their account so they can use them on their next personal trip."
Deringer claims the response has been very positive - not only from the guests, but also the staff. "This is something that has been fun and exciting for our team as well - they had the opportunity to work together to develop the program, come up with the simple touches and follow-through with the new plan."
"At our hotel, we have a 'Point of Distinction", explains General Manager Charles Goldberg - "something that makes us different from other hotels in the city - called 'Hospitable by Nature' given our location next door to the MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the nature theme we have carried throughout our facility." Goldberg adds, "This new 'Guest of the Day' program feeds right into our 'Point of Distinction' and the difference we want to make in the guests experience with our genuine hospitality."
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America hosts thousands of guests each month - business travelers, leisure and those traveling for group meetings & conventions. To learn more about the hotel or make reservations, visit www.mspairport.hilton.com