2018 Convention: Minneapolis

A lot has happened in Minneapolis since the last time we visited the area in 2004. In the ensuing years the city has undertaken a major transformation adding new facilities, welcoming green spaces and upgraded infrastructure that enhances Minneapolis for everyone.

What has not changed is its natural beauty with the Mississippi River winding through the heart of the city and its 22 lakes which has led it to be deemed the "City by Nature." It is here that we will gather May 3 - 7, 2018, for our 40th annual convention.

We are delighted to have Embassy Suites as our convention hotel. The two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and the complimentary nightly reception with a variety of beverages and appetizers are amenities which are tough to beat.

Transportation issues are solved with free shuttle service to the international airport and Mall of America with both being located close by. For those who want to venture further the hotel sits directly across the street from the light rail station offering a short easy commute to downtown. With its location and access to public transportation it is a great place to stay extra days to explore the area.

The weekend will kick off on Thursday evening with a dinner at the American Swedish Institute, a museum and cultural center housed in a 1910 mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is always a great time for catching up with your fellow Scalies and meeting first time convention goers.

Friday will be a full agenda with seeing the scale collections of Bob Jibben and Fred Rengel and ending the day with a bus tour of the Twin Cities.

Friday night is the official welcome with the get-together and album sharing. The following days are filled with educational programs and the regular features of Show and Tell, the Silent Auction and the gala banquet. In between there is lots of time for enjoying the camaraderie that naturally comes from sharing your interests with likeminded folks.

An extra activity this year, which is different from recent past conventions, is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. After lunch at the hotel, we head for the Mill City Museum. Built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, it is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. The museum tells the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river and the city of Minneapolis. Afterwards we will tour the renowned Guthrie Theater.

Monday will be a double-header! First up we will visit the scale collection of member Vladimir Vladykin. Word on the street is that in addition to scales, he has a number of other wonderful collections for us to enjoy.

Next we head out of town for a visit to Stillwater, considered the birthplace of Minnesota. We will have lunch along with free time for browsing a number of antique shops and other interesting stores in this picturesque historic town located on the scenic St. Croix River.

We welcome all members to come and enjoy time with your fellow Scalies. Plans are well underway and your Hosts Bob and Mary Jibben and Fred Rengel and Pamela Koetz are arranging a terrific weekend for your enjoyment. President Bob Hayden, along with all the board members, extends a personal invitation to join them in Minneapolis. If you have attended conventions in the past, you know what it's all about. If you have not attended, now is the time to check out for yourself why so many members come year after year. See you there!

Photos courtesy of Meet Minneapolis