Meetings are a time to get business done and make connections, but that doesn’t mean they have to be mundane. Inspire your group with an unconventional and fun place to host your next meeting. In Minneapolis Northwest, there are several unique venues and locations your group will love. From signature scents to breweries to a world-famous cupcake shop, here are some of the most creative meeting venues in Minneapolis Northwest.

Find Your Signature Scent at Olfactory Scent Studio

At Maple Grove’s Olfactory Scent Studio, you and your group can make custom candles using the store’s more than 100 fragrances. Everyone will be welcomed by the store’s friendly Scent Stylists, who will guide the group through the process of picking a jar and understanding the scent profiles of the store’s oils. At the Blending Bar, everyone will learn how to combine fragrances to create their signature scent. The candles take about an hour to set, which gives your team a chance to mingle and compare notes on candle making. You can also use this time for icebreakers.

Create a Sweet Masterpiece at Nadia Cakes

As seen on the TLC show “Fabulous Cakes,” Maple Grove’s Nadia Cakes is home to some of the best cookies and cupcakes in America. Bring your group here to enjoy classic cupcakes like salted caramel, triple chocolate and peanut butter cup. But why not take them behind the cookie counter for a group lesson in all things baking and cake decorating? Nadia Cakes’ knowledgeable cake designers will teach your team how to create everything, from buttercream flowers to fondant cutouts. No previous baking or decorating experience is needed, just a sweet tooth and an appetite.

Experiment With Flavors at Love That Olive

Expand your team’s palate at Love That Olive in Maple Grove. In addition to selling only the highest-quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegar imported directly from Italy, Love That Olive also hosts tastings and cooking classes. See if your group can tell the difference between Fior Fiore and Colle Monacesco. Or treat them to a sampling of olive oils infused with rosemary, lemon and truffles.

Swing It Out at Topgolf

Your team achieved every milestone this quarter. Thank them for their hard work with a day on the links at Topgolf in Brooklyn Center. This high-tech, all-season sports center has more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays. All of the golf balls are equipped with microchips, so your team can have a friendly competition to see who has the best aim. After hanging up your clubs, treat them to dinner and drinks in one of Topgolf’s private event spaces. Or bring them to the rooftop terrace that has a fire pit and more than 200 high-definition TVs. Topgolf also offers lessons and leagues, if your group wants to make this a regular event.  

Brew Your Own Coffee at Tiny Footprint Coffee

Have everyone tap into their inner barista at Tiny Footprint Coffee in Brooklyn Center. This innovative coffee company, famous for creating the world’s first carbon-negative cup of joe, also offers engaging training sessions for everyone from the casual home brewer to the coffee connoisseur. Your group can learn the history of coffee roasting and sourcing, take a lesson in latte art and master the steps of creating the perfect cold brew. After the class, head to the shop to sample coffee like Café de Mujeres Dark Roast, made by an all-women team of roasters in Guatemala, or Guji Suke Quto, an Ethiopian blend with notes of lemon, orange and spice.

Try Something New at WhirlyBall

What are most corporate events missing? Bumper cars! WhirlyBall combines the best of basketball, hockey and lacrosse to create a team sport unlike any other. Your group will drive and bump their cars across a basketball-size court to see who can make the most dunks. WhirlyBall Twin Cities also has a restaurant and bar featuring quintessential arcade games. Additionally, this Maple Grove playground for adults is home to the largest laser tag course in the state, giving your group plenty of options to have fun.

Sample Local Brews at OMNI Brewing Co.

Minneapolis Northwest knows a lot about brewing beer. One of the most popular local breweries is OMNI Brewing Co. in Maple Grove. Besides serving delicious beers like the Hopfull IPA and Lake Day Citra Ale, OMNI also hosts groups and private events. While drink minimums may apply, there’s no cost to rent out the brewery’s Barrel Room, which features a barn door, tables and chairs, and a large display perfect for presentations.

Get Rustic at Historic Eidem Farm

Take your group back to a simpler time at Historic Eidem Farm in Brooklyn Center. This 19-acre living history farm has been perfectly preserved to its early 1900s heyday. Your team can bond with the friendly farm animals, help pump water for the vegetables and test their strength on the hand-crank washing machine. Come at dusk to enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa at the farm’s campfire. To embrace the simple times, encourage your attendees to leave the phones behind.

Make a Difference at Second Harvest Heartland

Second Harvest Heartland mission is to ensure no one in the Minneapolis Northwest goes hungry. In addition to running a food bank and partnering with local hunger-relief organizations, Second Harvest Heartland also raises funds by renting out its new Brooklyn Park warehouse. Make a difference at your next meeting by hosting it in this 24,000-sq.-ft. event space. Consider encouraging everyone to bring a nonperishable item to help Second Harvest Heartland achieve its goals.

Paint the Afternoon Away at Color Me Mine

Make memories and unique art at Color Me Mine in Maple Grove. Reserve the entire studio for your group to give everyone the chance to stamp and stencil their own plates, mugs and wall art. Bring in food and drinks, or have the event catered by one of Minneapolis Northwest’s award-winning restaurants. After the custom creations are glazed and fired, your guests will walk away with a unique piece of art and a fun story to tell their colleagues and friends.

For more fun meeting ideas, check out our Top Team-building Activities in Minneapolis Northwest, or take your team on a fun escape from the office and Plan the Perfect Retreat in Minneapolis Northwest.