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Sessions at the 2023 Conference will cover a wide array of topics for event producers, marketers, operations teams, suppliers and much more. It's been a wild few years so we'll be touching on some of the basics that will help you re-organize your events; discussing new hot topics to keep your teams and attendees safe; and diving into trends and vendor support that will take your events to the next level.
Schedule At-A-Glance
Schedule is subject to change. Session descriptions, speakers and
more details can be found below.
Wednesday:
6:00pm Wednesday Night Networking Event at PickleBarn
5:30pm Shuttle Pick Up at Hotel
8:00pm Return Shuttle to Hotel
Thursday:
7:00am Optional Yoga Class or Group Walk (weather dependent)
8:00am Registration & Breakfast
9:00am Sessions Begin
9:00am KEYNOTE: Great Leaders Make Sure
Monday Morning Doesn't Suck
10:00am 50 Fun Things to Make the Most of Today at
MNFEA
10:45am Event Marketing & Public Relations Strategies
11:35am Breakouts: First Amendment 101 or
Co-op Marketing
with Explore Minnesota
12:15pm Lunch (provided)
1:00pm Sessions Resume
1:00pm Breakouts: Not-So-Hot Topics or
Internships & The Student
Generation
1:40pm Breakouts: Food Safety & Your Event or
How to Harness the Power of
Tourism & Hospitality Partners
2:20pm Risk Management Strategies That Support
Your Event Community
3:00pm Bringing Large Scale Events to MN
3:50pm Happy Hour Q&A: Building Better
Relationships with Beverage Partners
5:00pm Day 1 Sessions Conclude
6:00pm Thursday Night Soiree
Friday:
7:00am Optional Yoga Class or Group Walk (weather dependent)
8:00am Registration & Breakfast
9:00am Sessions Begin
9:00am Amplifying Impact
9:45am Sponsorships 101: Peer-to-Peer Idea Share
10:30am Going Beyond the Known
11:20am Intro to Crisis De-Escalation
12:00pm Annual Meeting with Lunch (provided)
1:00pm Sessions Resume
1:00pm Recruiting, Retaining, and Managing Event
Volunteers
1:45pm THC, Marijuana Legalization and Events
2:30pm Day 2 Sessions Conclude
KEYNOTE SESSION
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck
Eric Harkins, President/Author, GKG Search & Consulting
We all know someone (or we’ve been the person) who dreads Sunday night because it means Monday morning is next. Can your organization afford to lose its best and brightest? Former corporate executive Eric Harkins, delivers a fun, engaging, and edgy message around leadership and what it takes to create a culture high performers want to be a part of. During his twenty-five year career in corporate America, Eric was lucky to work for some good leaders…but even luckier to work for some really bad ones too. Leveraging his book, “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck”, Eric talks about what it takes to create a workplace culture everyone wants to be a part of, as he shares the 3 Rules every company needs to adopt in order to make this happen.
 Going Beyond The Known
BalenciaSariah Crosby, Interim Director of African American and Multicultural Affairs, Multicultural Center CSU, Mankato State University
Wherever you find yourself in this journey of developing and implementing inclusionary practices, know there is always opportunity to improve. We have two challenges: a. figure out where we are lacking, b. close the gap. These are not simple tasks, but I am willing to bet you decided to take on the challenge of making our communities/world better because you believe your efforts are necessary. So, let's talk and eat candy. In this session, Interim Director of African American and Multicultural Affairs at Mankato State University, BalenciaSariah Crosby will continue the conversation diversity, equity and inclusion to help you create a more welcoming event space for all of your guests.
THC, Marijuana Legalization and Events
Moderator: John Cosgrove Panelists: Jason Tarasek, Cannabis Attorney; Cory Lake, CEO, Lake Group Insurance; and Scott O'Malley, CEO, CLRTY Company.
Get ahead of the opportunities, pitfalls and what’s ahead for the legalization of THC and Marijuana products in Minnesota at events. This session will give you the ins and outs of the current legislation at the capital and give you the chance to explore if promoting and serving products is right for your event.
Amplifying Impact: How We Can Draw from Indoor Venue Tactics to Amplify the Impact of Outdoor Events
Jessica Barret & Kastina Morrison, Bigger Picture Solutions
The Bigger Picture Solutions team came to MNFEA because we love learning about how festival organizers create spaces and experiences. In this session, we'd like to flip this around and share ways that we think our indoor solutions to common needs at events can be extrapolated to outdoor events and festivals. We'll look at the needs of every kind of event such as sponsorship, exposure, signage, and F&B could be amplified in simple but impactful ways.
Recruiting, Retaining and Managing Event Volunteers
Tracy Nielsen, Executive Director, Hands On Twin Cities
In this hot topic session, you'll learn about different tactics for recruiting volunteers of all ages and generations, ensuring volunteer follow-through, practices to keep great volunteers coming back year-after-year, and different factors that motivate people to volunteer for your events.
Introduction to Crisis De-escalation
Mark Anderson, Executive Director, The Barbara Schneider Foundation
De-escalation techniques are highly effective in minimizing conflict onsite at events. Before emergency services are called in, knowing how to calm a situation can help protect everyone involved and present at your event. This presentation touches on many of the key points in The Barbara Schneider Foundation's 40 hour Crisis Intervention Team training for first responders and health care providers. We'll address holistic health; barriers to de-escalation across cultural communities; safety first; the Behavioral Change Stairway; practical and effective techniques for de-escalation of a crisis; and self care.
Event Marketing & Public Relations Strategies
Mark Remme, Director of Communications & Research
mpls downtown council & Mpls Downtown Improvement District
This session will cover event marketing from media relations/influencers/social media, creating “photo ops”, creating a marketing approach and how to get the biggest bang for the buck.
First Amendment 101: Fairs & Centers
Bill Tourville (He/Him/His), Assistant Director, Student Activities, Mankato State University
Protesters have decided to stake their ground outside of your event. Now what? In this session, we'll outline the difference between public and private institutions, identify the legal issues for different types of forums (spaces) in including common spaces, hosted events, and office spaces, develop strategies for explaining the balance between First Amendment responsibilities and commitments to social justice, and learn more about individual states’ role in First Amendment issues.
Not-So-Hot Topics
Presenter / Moderator: Vince Vanella, TVG Event Services; Panel: Paula Kennedy Smith, Kennedy Concessions; Shad Gordon, Biffs Inc; Ted Ewing, E5 Energy; Jim Bach, Apres Event Rental
Every event begins and ends with “Brick and Mortar” vendors that help ensure our festivals run smoothly. Some event managers think they have seen it all, while some are brand new and still learning the basics of event planning. How do you calculate how many restrooms you'll need? How many people will fit inside your beer tent at once? Will you need extra power onsite to run a brand new activity? This session is your opportunity to learn from some of the best event vendors in Minnesota. They will provide insights into what to expect from their support areas in 2023 and answer some of your burning questions on these not-so-hot topics.
Internships & The Student Generation
Minnesota State University, Mankato: Michelle Margo, Assistant Professor; Jonathan Hicks, Associate Professor
Every event begins and ends with “Brick and Mortar” vendors that help ensure our festivals run smoothly. Some event managers think they have seen it all, while some are brand new and still learning the basics of event planning. How do you calculate how many restrooms you'll need? How many people will fit inside your beer tent at once? Will you need extra power onsite to run a brand new activity? This session is your opportunity to learn from some of the best event vendors in Minnesota. They will provide insights into what to expect from their support areas in 2023 and answer some of your burning questions on these not-so-hot topics.
Happy Hour Q&A: Building Better Relationships with Beverage Partners
Craig Storms, On Premise Sales Director, Hohenstein’s; Annie Carpenter, Marketing Representative, Breakthru; Tim Streit, Draft Specialist, Capitol Beverage and Brendan Broviak, Trade Marketing Manager, Anheuser Busch
Have you noticed changes with your alcoholic beverage suppliers these last few years? Pre-Pandemic, many festivals enjoyed lucrative partnerships with beverage distributors that included event sponsorships, uninhibited requests, and an openness to creativity and unique offerings onsite. Unfortunately, these relationships have changed and many distributors have tightened budgets and opportunities at events. Join us for this in-session Happy Hour as we sit down and have a drink (on us!) with some leading beverage partners to learn why these relationships have changed, how you can navigate this changing climate, and how to build a quality relationship that is mutually beneficial for you and your beverage partners.
Food Safety and Your Event
Jason Newby, RS, Inspections & Environmental Health Manager and Ben Ische, MN Department of Health
Do you know the rules for food safety for your event? From sampling protocols to homemade goods to food stands and trucks, Jason and Ben will discuss these topics and more in this deep-dive into MN food safety laws and the new dos and don'ts for your event.
Bringing Large Scale Events to MN
Andrea Graham, Co-Executive Director, Big Ten Basketball Tournaments 2023-2024, Minnesota Sports and Events
Did you know that Minnesota has a "new-ish" state sports commission? After the spectacular success of Super Bowl LII and the NCAA Men's Final Four the Twin Cities Regional CVB leaders recognized the need for a dedicated local organizing committee as these high-profile, major events choose to activate in our state. As a result, Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) came to life. Founded in early 2020, just ahead of the Coronavirus shutdown. Clearly a lot has happened in our industry since Minnesota Sports and Events came to be. Join Andrea Graham, Executive Director of the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments 2023-2024, as she shares case studies of the 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four and 2023 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament, as well as discuss upcoming major events coming to town, what's next for Minnesota Sports and Events, and how you and your organization can support these goals.
50 Fun Things to Make the Most of Today at MNFEA
Teresa Thomas, Author, 50 Fun Things® and Win/Win Networking
How many times have you attended a conference with a goal of making great connections but end up sticking with the same people? Or left the conference realizing you missed out on valuable resources to move you forward? Set the intention for what you want to learn and experience today at MNFEA! In this lighthearted session, founder of 50 Fun Things®, Teresa Thomas will guide us to:
- Identify what we want to learn, experience and carry forward from the MNFEA Conference.
- Make valuable connections with each other and the resources available
- Gain increased value through meaningful conversation starters that go beyond small talk to align with your goals
Sponsorships 101: Peer-to-Peer Idea Share
Moderator: Deb Schaber, Director of Entertainment, Canterbury Park
What is the best approach for locking in key sponsors for your event? How do you price your packages appropriately for the sale? In this session, we'll have an open discussion about the highs and lows of selling sponsorships. You'll gather ideas & insights that will help guide your festival planning & bring new revenue to your event.
How to Harness the Power of Tourism & Hospitality Partners
Moderators: Karen McManamon, Discover St. Louis Park and Katie Langland, City of St. Michael; Joy Leafblad, Visit Mankato; Denise Olsen, Enjoy Eagan; Korawan (Yin) Muangmode, Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota; Sue Murray, Meet Minneapolis; and Nate Rosa, City of St. Louis Park
In this session we will sit down with a panel of expert destination marketers. Come to learn how your local Convention Visitor's Bureau, Destination Marketing Organization, and City partners can help you cut through the clutter by working together towards the ultimate success of your festival or event.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between a CVB, DMO & City resources
- What these partners can and can't offer your event
- What the benefits are to working with these teams
Co-op Marketing With Explore Minnesota
Derek Ramthun, Northeast Industry Relations, Explore Minnesota
Did you know Explore Minnesota offers a co-op marketing program each year for tourism-related businesses and events? In this session, you’ll get an introduction to the program, what works well collaboratively in the marketing space and how to participate. Also covered in this session will be additional opportunities Explore Minnesota offers to the Minnesota tourism industry.
Internships & The Student Generation
Michelle Margo, Assistant Professor, Mankato State University
Join this interactive discussion on the readiness of students from Minnesota State University, Mankato and learn about the internship and practicum requirements. Let’s work together to connect you with quality students while setting up your organization and event for success. Bring your current seasonal job description – we will work with you to “attract” the student and provide a quality experience. Current and former students will be a part of this discussion to share what they are looking for in an employment experience.
We're no longer looking for speakers for the 2023 conference, but if you're interested in speaking or hearing a specific topic in 2024 or beyond, please email info@mnfea.com!
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