What’s New in Venues: Upgrades and New Offerings at Convention Centers in Minneapolis and San DiegoWhat’s New in Venues: Upgrades and New Offerings at Convention Centers in Minneapolis and San Diego
TSNN rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, and other event venues around the world.
July 22, 2025
Minneapolis and San Diego convention centers recently unveiled significant facility enhancements.
Minneapolis Convention Center Completes First Phase of $25 Million Renovation
The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has completed the first half of a $25 million renovation project designed to modernize its meeting rooms. This initial stage involved updated designs for more modern, comfortable, and technologically advanced spaces in 45 of the MCC’s 87 meeting rooms.
“We are proud to unveil the results of the first half of this project and know these updates will enhance the experience for our clients and their attendees,” said Jeff Johnson, executive director of the MCC. “This renovation reflects our ongoing investment in maintaining and updating the MCC to anticipate the evolving needs of the meetings and events industry.”
The freshly renovated rooms include the following key improvements:
Enhanced Lighting: New linear LED fixtures with theatrical-grade controls for customized event ambiance
Streamlined Technology: Upgraded electrical, data, fiber, and audio infrastructure for consistency across rooms
Better Airflow and Comfort: New linear HVAC diffusers improving ventilation and temperature control
Warm and Modern Aesthetic: Light interiors with wood wall accents, wood-grain metal doors, and ceiling tiles
Sustainable and Stylish Acoustics: Acoustic wall panels are wrapped in Carnegie’s Xorel fabric, a durable, 100% PVC-free eco-friendly material
The renovation’s second phase, which involves upgrading the remaining 42 meeting rooms, is now underway. Completion is expected by early 2026, and the work is being scheduled to minimize event disruptions.
SDCC Expands Lactation Support with New Mamava Pods
The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) unveiled a new suite of Mamava lactation pods to better support nursing parents during large-scale events. Augmenting two existing Mothers Lounges, both located on the ground level, the four new Mamava pods will be available on all three levels of the SCC to offer convenient options for guests and workers alike.
On July 2, the SDCC held a ribbon-cutting event to introduce and celebrate the new pods, with guests including leadership from the Convention Center, San Diego Tourism Authority, Mamava, and the UC Health Milk Bank, a non-profit milk bank that serves vulnerable babies across the region.
“These additions reflect our focus on providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” said San Diego Convention Center President and CEO Rip Rippetoe. “By expanding and enhancing our lactation accommodations, we’re meeting the needs of our diverse event community, including exhibitors who often have limited time away from their booths.”
Each pod is equipped with easy-to-clean surfaces, convenient power outlets, and secure, app-enabled entry. Parents can use the free Mamava app to find the pods and Mothers Lounges, and to open the pods using the app.
“This partnership, sparked by our presence at the SHRM Annual Conference, reflects a shared commitment to supporting working parents,” said Sascha Mayer, cofounder of Mamava. “We believe all breastfeeding parents deserve a dignified place to pump or feed a baby distraction-free—anywhere, anytime. The San Diego Convention Center is helping normalize breastfeeding and expand equitable access to lactation support for the next generation.”
