We’re excited for you to step into the future of events with us! Registration will officially open in Fall 2025.

Your conference experience includes:

• Two days of dynamic, non-traditional education sessions (Thursday & Friday)

• Exclusive access to tradeshow vendors

• Structured and spontaneous networking opportunities

• Evening socials on Wednesday & Thursday to unwind and connect

• Breakfast and lunch included both days

• Opportunities to network, share, and grow with event professionals from across Minnesota

Education that goes beyond the expected

Get ready for sessions that inspire and engage — created by event pros, for event pros. 

Want to sharpen your skills, change your approach, or reignite your passion for events? You'll leave the conference feeling energized and ready to take your next event Beyond the Expected.

What to Expect from Our Sessions:

This year's conference has more breakout sessions than ever. You can expect real-world case studies, interactive tabletop exercises, and hands-on workshops. These activities aim to spark creativity and boost collaboration. Want to sharpen your skills, change your approach, or reignite your passion for events? 

The Topics that Matter Now

Our curated sessions address the critical areas: 

• Security and safety planning

• Event Technology & AI 

• Crowd Engagement, Interactive & Activations

• Insurance & Liability
  

• Social Media Marketing 

• Park & Rec Exp

• 10 Experts, 10 Projects 

• Idea Cafe 

• And More....  

Securing Public Gatherings Workshop - Pre-Conference Session

Wednesday, March 11 | 1:30 – 4:00PM | Plymouth Community Center

$25 Conference Attendee | Register Here

Join CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency) for an interactive workshop focused on enhancing the safety and security of public events. Learn key principles of risk awareness, understand vulnerabilities and threat vectors, and explore layered security strategies that strengthen your event operations.

Exhibiting Vendors

Audio Logic Systems	Audio Visuals	Biffs Inc.
Blue Tin Cup Kafe	Eventeny	GL Berg Entertainment
Gray Line Transportation	Hello Plymouth	Metro Cold Storage
Nelson Ink	On Site Companies	Paul Bunyan Live
Renee's Limousines	Rooted Creative	Show Pass Ticketing
The Tee Hive	TVG Events	Warning Lites MN

Complimentary Headshots

Thursday, March 12^th | Time slots throughout the day | Plymouth Community Center

Upgrade your LinkedIn and marketing materials with a professional headshot.

Provided by Lauren B Photography. Quick, easy, and included with your conference experience.

Meet MNFEA:  New Attendee Orientation Social

Wednesday, March 11 | 4:30 PM | Crown Plaza

Designed for first-timers and solo attendees, this relaxed welcome hour blends a light orientation with social time. Meet fellow newcomers, connect with MNFEA board members and advisors, get insider tips, and walk into the Wednesday evening social and sessions feeling confident and already connected.

Wednesday Conference Kick Off Social

March 11, 2026 | 5:00 - 8:00PM
Luce Line Brewing | Plymouth, MN

Kick off the 2026 MNFEA Conference the right way with an evening of great food, local craft beer, and relaxed networking at Luce Line Brewing. This is your chance to reconnect with industry friends, meet new faces, and ease into the conference vibe with casual conversations.

Enjoy dinner, a welcoming atmosphere, and a round of Trivia Mafia (7PM) to spark some friendly competition. Whether you’re coming with your team or flying solo, this event sets the tone for the days ahead. 

Complimentary Shuttle Service 
Due to limited parking at Luce Line Brewing, attendees are encouraged to park at the Crowne Plaza and take the complimentary shuttle to and from the brewery.  Shuttle service will be provided by Renee’s Limousines

Thursday Evening Soiree

March 12, 2026 | 6:00 - 9:00PM

WhirlyBall Twin Cities | Maple Grove, MN
Presented by Biffs Inc.

Trade name badges for game balls and laser beams! 

This is your chance to let loose after a full day of learning. Jump into a WhirlyBall match, dodge lasers in the laser tag arena, challenge a new friend to darts or billiards, or just hang back and enjoy the energy of the room.

Dinner is included, with a cash bar available all evening. Come for the games, stay for the laughs, and leave with a few new connections and maybe some bragging rights. 

Complimentary Shuttle

A complimentary shuttle, provided by Gray Line Transportation, will run from the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West to WhirlyBall and back.  Let us do the driving, and then join us back at the Crowne Plaza for the After Hours Hospitality gathering to keep the conversations going.  

Dress Code: Athleisure wear encouraged. Think comfortable, casual, and ready to move.

“Un-Official” Afterhours Hospitality

Wednesday & Thursday | 8PM - 2AM
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West | Lobby Bar

Keep the networking going! Gather with fellow attendees in a casual, drop-in setting right at the hotel. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and swap ideas with industry friends old and new.

Stay with us

Rest, recharge, and keep the fun going! The Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West is our host hotel and home to the "Unofficial" Afterhours Party. Book your room by March 1st to secure your rate of $119/night!

Complimentary Shuttles are provided to each evening activity and to and from the Community Center on Thursday during the day.