To our guests and community - permanent closure of Midpointe Event Center >

July 17th, 2020

Dear Valued Guests, Friends, and Community,

From the entire Midpointe Event Center team, it is with a very heavy heart we bring you this message.  

As you may be aware, the buildings and various portions of the Midway Shopping Center suffered damage during the riots on May 28 – 29, 2020. Because of the casualty loss, our landlord has made the election to terminate our lease.  We have waited a few weeks to make this announcement as we wanted to make sure we reach out individually to our many guests with booked events first.

This turn of events saddens us greatly as this business has been the culmination of over 34 years of passion and hard work. We have enjoyed serving the community by hosting the most special moments in our guests’ lives. We have been in this location for over 10 years and had every intention to serve event needs at this site long into the future. Unfortunately, this will not be the case and we will not be able to proceed with planned event dates.

We want to thank everyone who has made Midpointe possible by creating a welcoming and open space for events of all types.  These memories and moments will forever be a part of our lives.  I can’t thank my amazing team enough.  The contributions you've provided to grow this business into a wonderful, flourishing destination for many special events has been at the heart and soul of Midpointe Event Center and will always be cherished.  

Our future is unknown at this time as we explore all potential opportunities for a new location.  We will continue to update any news or information on our website and social media.  We thank you for your support over the years and we are forever grateful to be part of this wonderful community.  

With Love, 

Marcy McHenry - President & CEO
Midpointe Event Center

To our guests and community in regards to Midway damage and COVID-19

June 10th, 2020

To Our Guests & Community, 

Our team at Midpointe Event Center is grieving with our communities with the devastating death of George Floyd and stand in solidarity for justice and change.  

As you may be aware, the buildings and various portions of the Midway Shopping Center and many of the stores located therein recently suffered damage as a result of fires that were set following rioting and looting within the Midway Shopping Center complex.  While the full extent of the damage is not yet known, Midpointe remains intact with some smoke damage from nearby buildings. For everyone’s safety and protection, all in-person meetings and tours have been canceled at this time.  We thank you for your patience as we diligently work on reopening and we will continue to post updates as soon as they become available.  

Our team remains committed to serving our guests who have events booked and those booking new events at Midpointe. We are actively staying up to date with all the executive orders to re-open under COVID-19 and will continue to provide those updates as they become available.  We urge you to contact us with your needs, questions, and concerns at info@midpointemn.com or 651-641-7544. 

Thank you again and we look forward to seeing everyone soon. 

To our guests and community in regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated May 20th, 2020

To our Guests and Community,

We are continuing to follow orders of the United States Government, the State of Minnesota, and public health officials regarding social gathering guidelines.  We’ve been monitoring the situation carefully and are working to help our valued guests and partners during this challenging time.

We are continuing to work diligently with guests who have booked events during this time, helping them find alternative dates for their events and accommodating them as much as possible.

UPDATE FOR IN-PERSON MEETINGS

With the new executive order release on Wednesday 5/12/20 & 5/20/20, our team will be conducting in-person meetings for coordination and tours starting May 18th.  We will be conducting meetings under the following parameters:

• Modified operating hours

• Meetings for groups of 10 and under only.  

• Face masks are highly recommended - you must supply your own face mask

• Hand sanitizer, gloves, disinfecting wipes, and soap and water will be readily available.  

• Cash-free payment methods available

In addition, our new venue policies include increased cleaning and disinfection frequency of all venue areas, including high-touch items.  Comprehensive hygiene and prevention training programs has been required for team members.  Personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) are mandatory for all team members.  A COVID-19 preparedness plan for the venue is required has been set in place.  

UPDATE FOR SCHEDULED EVENTS

Per the newly released executive order regarding the plan to reopen bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation, the following has been announced:

“All gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Gatherings are groups of individuals, who are not members of the same household, congregated together for a common or coordinated social, civic, community, faith-based, leisure, or recreational purpose—even if social distancing can be maintained. This prohibition includes planned and spontaneous gatherings, public and private gatherings, and indoor and outdoor gatherings. Examples of prohibited gatherings include, but are not limited to, social, civic, community, faith-based, or leisure events, sporting or athletic events, performances, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, and festivals that bring together more than 10 people from more than one household. Prohibited gatherings do not include commercial activity by workers and customers of Critical and Non-Critical Businesses.”

The executive order also sets forth a phased plan for reopening.  No dates past June 1st have been set.  To view the phased plan and for updates, please visit: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-plan.jsp 

As soon as the phased plans are released we will update all guests on their ability to host events and social gathering requirements that will be put into place.  

We appreciate your patience in this difficult time and are looking forward to resuming operations of special events.  If you should need to contact us please call 651-641-7544 or email us at info@midpointemn.com.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Marcy McHenry

President and CEO Midpointe Event Center

A note to our guests regarding Coronavirus - (COVID-19)

Updated Monday, March 16th 2020

With concern around the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are continuing to monitor the situation daily and have a plan of action in place so we are adequately prepared based on the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Minnesota Department of Health.

Currently, Midpointe is working on rescheduling upcoming events based on the specific details surrounding the event. Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations , hand hygiene, and social distancing. We encourage our guests to call us with questions and concerns. You will also find recommendations from the CDC at  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ and the Minnesota Department of Health at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

Our Preventative Measures

Our team is utilizing cleaning procedures to ensure they meet or exceed all CDC guidelines. Hard surfaces such as surfaces, restrooms, kitchen/bar areas, inventory, entrances/handles, are thoroughly wiped down with a high-grade disinfectant and multi-purpose cleaner. In the event we are advised by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health of a person who is potentially exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, the venue will be closed and sent through a full decontamination process that includes our standard cleaning procedures plus additional detailed cleaning.

Before Your Event

We encourage you to communicate with your guests before your event. Please refer to the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/) for up-to-date information, and follow and share these everyday preventive actions to help keep yourself and your guests healthy:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then, throw the tissue in the trash or cough or sneeze into your elbow.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick with a fever or flu-like symptoms.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Promote messages that discourage people who are sick from attending events. This should include messages requesting that people leave events if they begin to have symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They should seek medical advice promptly by calling ahead to a doctor’s office or emergency room to get guidance.

At Your Event

In addition to following the above preventative measures, you will find extra supplies on hand for guests and staff, including sinks with soap, hand sanitizers, tissues, and disposable face masks (for persons who start having symptoms). Those who become sick will be immediately isolated from guests and staff who are not sick and given a clean disposable face mask to wear until medical attention is available.  In addition, our team is utilizing cleaning procedures to ensure they meet or exceed all CDC guidelines before, during and after all events.

We remain dedicated to our mission of maintaining the highest service level of hospitality and safety for you and your guests. We look forward to serving your event needs at Midpointe Event Center in a secure and welcoming environment.  

Kind Regards,

Marcy McHenry - Owner & CEO

Midpointe Event Center

Midway Development Update

On Wednesday, September 13th, RK Midway’s Rick Birdoff, Owner of the MN United Dr. Bill McGuire and a Representative of Mortenson Construction met with the tenants of the Midway shopping center to give an updated timeline for the upcoming development as well as how the impact will affect the surrounding businesses.

Mr. Birdoff started the meeting by ensuring the tenants that “we (our section of the Midway Center) will be staying for an extended period of time and that (he) wants to help us all continue to be successful”. Birdoff confirmed that the portion of the Midway Shopping Center that will be torn down will be the section that houses Rainbow Foods, Midway Pro Bowl, Walgreens and Home Choice. It was specifically stated that our portion of the building would not be torn down for some time, if ever. He informed everyone that the redevelopment around the soccer stadium will begin along Snelling Avenue, assuring that it will likely affect our businesses positively.

While the construction creates challenges for us, we are optimistic about the resulting stadium and the redevelopment surrounding it. Midpointe Event Center and Dancers Studio should look forward to having an updated parking lot surrounded by beautiful landscaping and gorgeous trees. As Dr. McGuire eloquently stated, they will attempt to “get rid of the ugly”.

Listed below is information and updates about the future construction that will affect our businesses including guests visiting Midpointe Event Center and Dancers Studio.

Currently, the corner of St. Anthony and Pascal is closed due to work being done by the City of St. Paul. They are anticipating the corner to be closed for one to two more weeks from today, September 18th.

On September 25th, Mortenson will begin redoing our parking lot. This should last three to four days as they remove the center sidewalk, mill, patch, overlay, and stripe. During this week, we will have 26 parking spots along the west fence.

On November 1st, Mortenson construction officially gains access to the portion of the Midway Shopping Center that will be torn down. They anticipate the teardown to begin mid-November along with the Family Dollar store wall. At this time the alley behind the shopping mall will also be closed off.

Construction of the stadium will continue during the winter months and into spring and summer of 2018. By fall of 2018, there will be a new road called Central Avenue leading into an additional parking space on the corner of St. Anthony and Pascal. The soccer stadium plans to open spring of 2019.

Thank you for your patience during this process.

Marcy McHenry

Marcy McHenry | President and CEO
Midpointe Event Center & Dancers Studio

Small Business Of The Year Awarded To Midpointe Event Center

Midpointe Event Center receives the small business of the year award from the MIdway Chamber Of Commerce.

On February 18th 2017, Midpointe Event Center attended The Midway Chamber Of Commerce Annual Celebration and Leadership Awards With Other Local Community Members and Leaders at The Intercontinental in downtown Saint Paul.

The annual Gala, themed "Jazz, Jeans & Jewels", is the Chamber's largest event of the year with over 300 guests in attendance.  The night kicked off with a social hour with a myriad of silent auction items provided by many local businesses in the Midway area.

Music entertainment was provided by Doug Haining & the Twin Cities Seven & Walker West Music Academy.  Additional dance entertainment was provided by Midpoitne's sister business Dancers Studio.  Dinner and drinks were provided by The InterContinental Hotel.

The Small Business of the Year Award is to recognize a business with outstanding business practices in the Midway community.  This award is given to a business of 19 employees or less.  Nominations and selections are made by multiple people/organizations within the Midway Chamber.  This year, the Midway Chamber of Commerce graciously awarded MIdpointe with the award under the following criteria:

Midpointe Event Center
-Excellent facilities that is "center stage" for facilitating discussion on the MN    United Soccer stadium
-Advocate of local neighborhood & gracious host of Chamber events
-Partners with local organizations

Marcy McHenry Owner & CEO of Midpointe Event Center states "This is a very big honor and we couldn't have done it without our outstanding team.  I believe a company’s success is driven by teamwork, not just by individuals! Thank you all for your hard work, loyalty and amazing talents and skills! "

About Midway Chamber Of Commerce: The Midway Chamber of Commerce represents businesses and organizations that are dedicated to Building a Stronger Midway by providing programs and services that help members grow and thrive.  For more information please visit: http://www.midwaychamber.com

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The Top 7 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Venue Before Booking

The world of event venues doesn’t have to be confusing. When you’ve got your budget ready and a few places you’re interested in, head over for a tour and collect as much information as you can! Use the following seven questions to set yourself and your event up for success with any venue!

Midpointe Event Center - The Grand Ballroom in the Majestic Hall

1) What is included?   It may seem obvious, but many forget to ask. Venues are thrilled to explain all of the general benefits of their space, so dig deeper and ask specific follow-up questions to get the best results. Are all of the tables and chairs included? What about Kitchen access? Do those drapes come included? The more flexibility your venue can provide, the less you’ll spend with other vendors. It pays to ask!

Lancer Catering Hosts A Dinner Party For The National Association Of Catering & Events Twin Cities Chapter

2) Are there food and/or beverage minimums?   This crucial question can save you thousands. Many event centers are able to offer attractively low venue fees by requiring that a certain amount (usually between $5,000 and $15,000) is spent on food and beverage service. While this is not dishonest, it can make venue comparisons tricky. Be sure to ask before you put down your deposit. In addition, ask if tax and gratuity is included (it’s often not).

3) What is the alcohol policy? When it comes to alcohol service, different venues can have differences and restrictions in their policies regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. Note whether the venue requires you to purchase their alcohol, or if you are given the option to bring your own. Find out the bar hours and any restrictions they have on service (e.g. a ‘no shots’ policy). In addition, ask about the difference between a hosted bar and a cash bar–your salesperson should be able to explain the difference.

Lisa's Catering Provides Catering Services At Midpointe Event Center In The Majestic Hall. 

4)  Who can Cater? This question is especially important for any event that desires specific cuisine, like cultural events, traditional weddings, or community programs. Many event centers are under contract with specific caterers, whom you must order your food from. These caterers are of the the most capable in the industry, but may not have the specific food you’re looking for at a price you like. Discuss this with your salesperson in conjunction with question number two. Venues that allow you to bring in outside caterers will likely ask them to provide proof of licensure, for liability purposes.

5) Where will we park? One of the most commonly overlooked considerations, parking can be a nightmare for your guests if not thought of beforehand. Street parking often gets congested and invites the risk of tickets, and parking in ramps can get quite expensive. Ask your salesperson what kind of parking the event center offers, as well as the parking’s capacity. Overnight parking may be an additional consideration, depending on your plans regarding question #3. The goal of every venue is to ensure that all of it’s guests make it home safely.

A Pink Themed Wedding Reception Setup In The Grand Ballroom. 

6) Will there be time for setup? Decorating a venue can take a surprising amount of time, especially for those who choose to handle all or part of the decoration themselves. Ask the venue how early you will be able to get in prior to your event in order to set up and get things ready. Times will vary, so be sure you ask. 

7) What would you recommend? Venues thrive on happy, successful events, and hosting hundreds per year gives the staff a unique perspective on what tends to work best. Your salesperson or coordinator will know all of the best (and most affordable) vendors for you to work with. They’ll also give you informed ideas about what the venue showcases best. Don’t hesitate to ask! 

Midpointe Event Center - The Sterling Hall

At the end of the day, venues exist to serve you, our guests. Finding the right one for your event should be a part of the event experience, not a dreaded chore. There are, of course, hundreds of other questions you could ask, but these seven will set you up with a strong foundation of knowledge to use when making your venue decision.

If you have more questions, we're always here to help!  To get in touch for more details, just CLICK HERE >   Until next time, have a happy and eventful day!

-The Midpointe Event Center Team

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