Carbon Footprint

Convention planning will include looking at ways to reduce our primary footprint on the planet.

A zero-emissions lifestyle is tough.

Carbon offsets can help you balance out.

More research and early negotiations with the Minneapolis Park Board and our forestry division have begun to address planting trees in Mpls. as a way to offset airplane travel by convention attendees.

Read the full article... "Carbon Offsets Demystified"

Air

MSP International Airport Twin Cities Metro Community Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is not part of any city but is nestled among several. The airport is surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul and the suburban cities of Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights and Richfield. Due to this central location, you aren't far from anywhere in the metro community when you land at MSP. On-premise auto rental agencies are located in the airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.

Airfare Comparison Chart

All airfares are in USD. The price listed is the average of all airfares available for arrival on a Wednesday and departure on a Sunday based upon a six weeks-out time frame. Holidays not included.

SAMPLE: obviously these will change by June 2008.

Airfares – round trip, 6/14/07 – 6/19/07,

Source: expedia.com

Nonstop listed and 1 stop listed, if cheaper than nonstop.

• Albany, NY $287, AA or United, 1 stop
• Boston, MA $275, NWA, nonstop or $244, Air Tran, $244
• San Francisco CA $275, Sun Country, nonstop
• Baltimore MD $334, NWA, nonstop, $224 or Air Tran, 1 stop
• Phoenix, AR $283, Sun Country, nonstop
• Los Angeles CA $206, Sun Country, nonstop
• Chicago IL $103, NWA or Air Tran, nonstop
• Seattle WA $295, Sun Country, nonstop
• Detroit, MI $398, NWA, nonstop or $252, United or AA, 1 stop
• New Orleans LA $402, NWA, nonstop or $224, Air Tran, 1 stop
• Denver CO $159, NWA, nonstop
• St. Louis MO $358, NWA or AA, nonstop or $276, AA or United, 1 stop
• Salt Lake City UT $366, Delta, nonstop or $349, Frontier or United, 1 stop
• Portland OR $493, NWA, nonstop or $427, Alaska Airlines, 1 stop
• Milwaukee WI $218, Midwest Airlines, nonstop

Bus

Several bus services offer routes to Minneapolis, including traditional carriers like Greyhound. Discount services like Megabus.com offers cheaper routes within the Great Lakes area, such as from Chicago roundtrip at $50 or less and from Milwaukee roundtrip for $40 or less. Other routes may require changing buses in Chicago. Early booking may result in much cheaper rates.

Amtrak

The train is always an option especially in the Midwest from Chicago to Minneapolis. Check your local area for rates and scheduling options.

Automobile

Minneapolis is easily accessible by automobile. An interstate highway connects the airport to downtown and the terminal has direct public transit, taxi access, limousine service, and hotel shuttles. Current regulated passenger van shuttle service is only $9.50 one way and $18 round trip; much less expensive than most cities.

The City of Minneapolis is within a day's drive to over one-third of the United States. Interstates 94 and 35 are the main arteries servicing Minneapolis and are some of the most accessible in the country. 

Getting Around

Minneapolis is home to a fine system of public transportation. Light Rail Transit (from the airport to downtown) is $1.50 each way ($2.00 during rush hour). Bus fares are $1.50 each way, and regular bus service extends to every part of the greater Minneapolis area.

In 2004, a new light rail system was installed and connects the airport to the Mall of America as well as to downtown Minneapolis and several other locations. Bus, taxi and SuperShuttle are also available for ground transportation.

There are also bicycle rental, Segway scooters, horse drawn carriages and other modes of transit.