Admission to these events is included with conference registration.
Social Guest Registration is available for spouses, partners, or other adult travel companions of conference participants.
We are pleased to announce the conference Opening Reception, sponsored by the David Eccles School of Business in honor of their award winning faculty: Jay Barney, winner of the 2019 CK Prahalad Scholar-Practitioner Award, and Todd Zenger, winner of the 2019 Dan and Mary Lou Schendel SMJ Best Paper Award (with Laura Poppo).
Conference registrants are welcome to attend the Opening Reception at the Hilton Minneapolis Symphony Ballroom from 19:00-21:00. Refreshments will be served.
First Time Attendee Reception
Those new to SMS conferences are invited to arrive 20 minutes early for a pre-reception New Attendees meet-and-greet with SMS leadership. Those who haven't attended an SMS conference in several years and wish to reconnect are also welcome. Refreshments will be served, and the First Time Attendee Reception will transition into the general conference Opening Reception.
The SMS 39th Annual Conference Monday Night Event will be held at Mill City Museum at 19:00. Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, the flagship mill of the Washburn-Crosby Co. (later General Mills), the museum chronicles the flour milling industry that fueled the growth of Minneapolis. It features an 8-story Flour Tower ride, hands-on exhibits, and breathtaking views of the Minneapolis riverfront. The courtyard ruins created by a 1991 fire in the abandoned mill provide a one-of-a-kind setting for attendees to enjoy locally-sourced, Minnesota-inspired food and beverages at the conference's can't-miss social event.
The dress for this event is business casual and conference name badges are required for transportation and entrance into the event. Participants should meet in the Hilton Minneapolis lobby (Ground Level) at 18:30. Buses will depart from 18:30 to 19:00, and then will shuttle between the Hilton and Mill City at regular intervals throughout the evening.
Conference registrants are invited to attend the conference Closing Reception at the Hilton Minneapolis from 19:00-20:00.