On November 14, a group from TALENT Software Services were treated to a custom tour of the inner workings of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport hosted by MAC Commissioner and Thomson Reuters EVP/CIO Rick King. The folks experienced the airport behind the scenes from baggage claim to the tower. With assistance from Mitch Killian of the MAC, Rick showed the guests how the MSP airport operates in this special, behind the scenes tour.

Denise Morelock, Senior Account Executive at TALENT stated, “On top of it being an information-packed three hour experience, I can tell you the office was all abuzz Wednesday morning with everyone comparing notes and talking about their favorite aspects of the MSP Airport tour. It was a most memorable experience and such fun to spend time with Rick and Mitch who are so passionate about MSP!”

TALENT bid on the tour experience as part of the MHTA Foundation’s second annual Bids & Bytes Benefit. The evening at the Aria Theater provided attendees the opportunity to mingle and discuss business with C-suite leaders from some of the biggest and strongest tech companies in Minnesota. It was an incredible night that helped raise crucial funds for the Foundation’s STEM education and workforce efforts.

The TALENT Software Services Team during their Behind the Scenes Tour at MSP Airport hosted by Rick King, EVP/CIO, Thomson Reuters and Mitch Killian from the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC)
The TALENT Software Services Team during their Behind the Scenes Tour at MSP Airport hosted by Rick King, EVP/CIO, Thomson Reuters and Mitch Killian from the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC)

The evening included a networking period with a chance to meet the students and organizations impacted by the Foundation’s work. Attendees also took part in a number of fun activities and competitions provided by High Tech Kids, The Bell Museum, and the The Works Museum. One of the major highlights of the evening was the opportunity to bid on unique auction experiences like the airport tour.

Donating to the MHTA Foundation is an investment in the future of Minnesota’s workforce. This work is necessary; Minnesota will need to fill nearly 155,000 STEM jobs by 2020. Our most recent Workforce Update found over 11,000 open STEM jobs. This talent shortage will have negative implications for local businesses and our statewide economy if we don’t address it.

Save the Date: The 3rd annual Bids & Bytes Benefit will be held at the Aria in downtown Minneapolis on September 13th, 2018. Make a difference and support the future success of Minnesota – and your organization – by participating in next year’s benefit and donating to the MHTA Foundation.

Stay tuned for more stories about past auction experiences and details on this year’s Benefit!