If you are looking for your wedding venue and hotel accommodations, you have to check out Hyatt Regency Bloomington by Mall of America! With a spacious outdoor area and ballroom seating for 300+, there will be plenty of room for your celebration. Catering Sales Manager Emily Thompson fills us in on what sets their property apart from the rest and why you’ll love their location.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Delivering personalized service for every couple, making their special day an unforgettable event! Additionally, our food is fantastic & our Culinary & Banquet team is outstanding!
Q: Where can we find you?
A: The HYATT REGENCY by Mall of America® is conveniently located in the South Loop of Bloomington. Our property is just 3 miles from MSP International Airport and just 10 blocks from the world-famous Mall of America.
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: We are a brand-new build, opening in 2016. The hotel has 303 guest rooms and 14 Suites. Our Central Station Ballroom is 7000 sq. ft. with amazing 18 ft. high ceilings! The ballrooms have a beautiful modern design with muted tones which will make it easy for you to decorate based on your wedding colors.
Q: What makes Hyatt Regency Bloomington unique from others?
A: We are really focused on personalized service. Weddings are my happy place! I love meeting each couple and getting to know them to ensure a personalized, flawless event.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I have been in the industry since 2013. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already! I have enjoyed seeing the growth and resilience of our amazing industry over the years. Since the pandemic, our industry has had to begin again and everything has gone through a transformation. People’s needs have changed as well. I think being able to adjust to that is key.
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: Well as we all know there is no “Average” day in the wedding Industry. I start my day by grabbing my favorite color pink out of my closet and heading out the door. I am so fortunate to work with an outstanding Sales team that makes me excited to go to work each day! On my typically day, I have meetings with my team, site tours with clients, and planning meetings to ensure all goes smoothly! We are always laughing and a good piece of chocolate never hurt anyone.
Q: What should a couple searching for their wedding venue know?
A: First of all, wedding planning can be stressful. Take a deep breath and call me. I worry about all the venue details so you don’t have to! The great thing about booking a hotel as a wedding venue is it’s a one-stop shop. We have your guest rooms, catering, ceremony and reception venue covered. We also love to throw Wedding Brunches and Rehearsal Dinners.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: We typically book 8 months to about a year out. We still have dates in 2023 and 2024 Available.
Q: What is the biggest crowd-pleaser at your venue?
A: Our service and food are excellent! We have delicious appetizers and entrees. I would say our most popular appetizer is our mini-BLT and our Peri-Peri Chicken entrée.
Q: What are your other hobbies and passions besides creating beautiful wedding days?
A: My husband and I love exploring parks. We have gotten to about 1/3 of the Minnesota parks so far. We also have a cat named Dewey that we rescued during Covid. We love snuggling & playing with him.
Q: What is the history behind your venue?
A: Prior to being this beautiful property we were just a parking lot. Now look at us!!! A beautiful hotel that sits just across the street from a stunning park, which is available for ceremonies!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: I love true crime podcasts.
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: I’m a 90s kid, so old-school pop, R &B, and rap are my go-to’s. If “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child comes on, I’m definitely dancing!
Q: What was your latest impulse buy?
A: Valentine’s Day décor. I love decorating my house for every holiday.
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Definitely Beach. I love going to my lake cabin in the summer.
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: I love a good Sangria or Shirley Temple.
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Funny, I have had a pretty good idea that I wanted to be in the hospitality industry since I was young. I was that kid who wanted the big birthday parties with all the bells and whistles, much to my parents’ avail. I grew up in the kitchen helping my mom with every meal and that definitely shaped my love of gathering with the ones you love to celebrate. I am so fortunate to have a family that has always supported my dreams.
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Ooh definitely sweet. I have a huge sweet tooth. Chocolate keeps me running!
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Ooh I love a good Macaroni and Cheese.
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: I’m from Minnesota, definitely Grey Duck!
Learn more about Hyatt Regency Bloomington and info on how to book a tour to see their property on their website!
