Windows on Minnesota

Overview:

From DJ Mike H:

You're on the 50th floor of the IDS tower. It's amazing, but can be a little bit of a pain to get your gear moved in.

You'll need a cart, which they can provide. You'll then park outside of a loading dock, put as much gear as you can fit on the cart and move it to the elevator. Ask ahead of time to ensure you'll be able to use the elevator. You have to have a card to gain access to the elevator and there is usually someone there who can let you in and get where you need to be.

There are two ballrooms up there. Both are pretty damn big rectangles. Be sure to do a good microphone test with your speakers to make sure the sound carries all the way to the very end. Not a horrible idea to ask if you can plug into their speakers for cocktail and dinner, which go around the entire venue. When I played there, I used my speakers and the sound carried fine.

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From DJ Matt R: Four rooms on floor - two main, two secondary. Allow plenty of extra time for load in as you need to find cart, check in at security, find place to park after loading, etc. This is a BG venue. House mic for toasts. Cocktail area is generally outside main room by the elevator lobby and very difficult to cover with one speaker. Talk out of if when you can. Load In: Give yourself plenty of time. You need a cart and they will have one. You'll have to go through security to get to the elevator and bring it up to the 50th floor.  Park by the loading dock and call ahead of time to determine what street and where it will be in relation of the hotel. Challenges: The load in itself is a challenge. After that, you have a big ballroom you will be playing in. Use the venue's microphone for speeches as it will carry through the whole room much easier than your speakers will.  There are two ballrooms on the floor, so you may be competing with another wedding. Special Considerations: You're 500 feet in the air! If you're scared of heights, don't look down! It's a very cool venue, one of my favorites. Extra Venue Call Questions: Where should I park to load in? Where do I park after I've loaded my equipment? Do you have a cart I can use? Who will be available to let me into the elevator? Website: http://www.marquettehotel.com/minneapolis-weddings/ The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/windows-on-minnesota-marquette-hotel-minneapolis-mn-370875