FIVE Event Center

Overview:

From a former DJ in 2012:

Get there as early as possible. Chelle and her staff are usually there by 1pm Saturdays.

There is only one elevator, and it’s in the front, in an area often used for pictures. If you can, pull right in front of the building for load-in.

Cocktail hour is usually downstairs, where they have a built-in sound system optimized for plugging an ipod into.  Make sure you have one with you all loaded up.

The layout upstairs often leaves you with not a lot of extra room to work with.  The kitchen is HUGE though, and most of the caterers bring their food pre-made so they don’t use the whole thing. Find space in there to stash bags/cases/etc.  Both times I’ve been there, I’ve ended up setting up my light tree in the kitchen and then carrying it out just before the dance.

They have the fanciest bathrooms in town

From the Staff:

Events at FIVE: An Overview

Before the event: FIVE event managers typically meet with clients 5-6 weeks prior to the event to discuss logistics. At the client’s discretion, vendors may attend this meeting as well so everyone has a thorough understanding of all event details. If vendors do not attend this meeting, they must touch base with the event manager prior to the event to discuss all pertinent details. Please be clear and ask questions; all emails should be read closely and specifically. DJs are typically given a 4 or 5 foot table and limited space on either side for equipment. Please use this space wisely and don’t count on any other space being available during the event. If this will be a problem, please contact the event manager in a timely manner before the event and we will see what we can do.

During the event: All vendors should check in with a FIVE representative upon arrival to be briefed on event details. Usually there will be space right in front of the building or along the side alley on the north side of the building for temporary parking to unload and load vehicles. All vendors must utilize street parking after load-in is complete. Loading into FIVE must be done in a careful manner, paying close attention when maneuvering equipment and avoiding interior walls. There is one elevator in the front of the building to use for setup up to 30 minutes prior to the event start/guest arrival. The elevator doors MAY NOT be propped open as it will blow a fuse, see an Event Manager for an elevator hold key, if necessary. Please plan accordingly and bring all of your own dollies, carts, extension cords, gaffers tape, and anything else you may need. Once guests begin to arrive, the front staircase and the elevator may not be used. Load-in by caterers, especially with heavy items, should never be up the front staircase; there is a back stairwell that may be utilized.

After the event: All trash must be disposed of at the end of the event. Vendors must load-out in a timely, yet cautious manner. You will be given up to one hour after the event end time to load out. If you are concerned that this will not be enough time, please bring someone to help load out go more quickly.

We appreciate vendors who properly use our space and communicate effectively with the event management team.

Load In:

Pull up right in front of the main door and unload your gear. You'll have to bring it upstairs and you can either take an elevator or a small flight of stairs. Not a terrible load in, but it's good to be at this venue early because you don't know how the group's pictures could interfere with your load in.

Challenges:

Cocktail hour's downstairs and the dinner/dance are upstairs. Put a speaker downstairs and plug an iPod/laptop into it. See if the venue has a house system downstairs you can plug into. 

It's a pretty simple venue once you're upstairs and ready to go.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

What time would you like me to arrive?

Where can I load in?

Is there an elevator I can use to get upstairs?

Where is the cocktail hour taking place?

Is there a house system I can plug an iPod or laptop into during cocktail hour?

Website:

http://www.fiveeventcenter.com

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/five-event-center-minneapolis-mn-233446