From Nest to Network
Where Community Takes Flight
October 21–23, 2026
Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Community Education begins with connection—the relationships, programs, classrooms, and community spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow. From those local beginnings, ideas take flight through shared learning, collaboration, leadership, and connections that continue expanding far beyond where they began.
The 2026 MCEA Fall Conference, From Nest to Network, celebrates the pathways that bring Community Education professionals together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, explore new possibilities, and build momentum that continues long after the conference ends. Rooted in local impact and strengthened through collaboration, the conference reflects the collective power of Community Education to inspire growth, innovation, and meaningful connection across communities.
Whether you are creating impact in your local community, leading innovative programs, supporting learners and families, or building partnerships within your organization, your work is part of something larger, a growing network of professionals dedicated to strengthening communities through lifelong learning, collaboration, and connection.
Together, we will celebrate the relationships, experiences, and shared purpose that help Community Education take flight across Minnesota and beyond.
Important Dates
Conference Program Announced: July 23, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2026
Hotel Indigo MCEA Block Deadline: September 29, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn MCEA Block Deadline: September 5, 2026
Learn
Discover practical strategies, innovative ideas, and real-world experiences from Community Education professionals across Minnesota.
Connect
Build relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network through meaningful connections, conversations, and collaboration.
Grow
Strengthen your leadership skills, explore new perspectives, and gain inspiration to bring back to your community.
Take Flight
Celebrate the momentum of Community Education and the collective impact we create together across Minnesota.
Conference Theme
“From Nest to Network”
This year’s conference theme reflects how Community Education starts locally and grows through relationships, collaboration, leadership, and shared learning.
The theme represents:
- nurturing growth
- building belonging
- leadership pathways
- shared learning
- collaboration across communities
- collective impact
- local roots with statewide reach
From local impact to statewide connection, Community Education continues to strengthen communities through the people, programs, and partnerships that bring us together.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, October 21
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast, and Welcome (9:45 AM) |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote Dr. Vera Ndumbe |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Break/Transition |
| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Session 1 |
| 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Break/Transition |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Session 2 |
| 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Break/Transition |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Session 3 |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Break/Transition |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Session 4 |
| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Conference Evening Social Event |
Thursday, October 22
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast, Registration, and Welcome (8:45 AM) |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote: Dr. Lori Carrell |
| 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break/Transition |
| 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Session 5 |
| 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Vendor Visits |
| 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM | Comm Ed of Excellence Awards Luncheon |
| 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM | Break/Transition |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Session 6 |
| 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Break/Transition |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Session 7 |
| 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Vendor Prize Giveaway/Silent Auction Basket Pickup |
| 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | On-Site Evening Social Event |
Friday, October 23
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast, Registration, and Welcome |
| 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM | Program Area/Networking Time/Regional Updates |
| 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Break/Transition |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote: Brandon Hendrickson |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Break/Transition |
| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Session 8 |
| 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Session 9 |
| 2:15 PM | Thank You For Coming – Safe Travels Home! |
Wednesday Evening Social
Wednesday, October 21 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Sponsored by Enovie
(Full – Waitlist Available: Email jkuklok@mn-mcea.org)
Keep the connections going after a full day of Fall Conference! Join fellow Community Education professionals from across Minnesota and the Enovie team for a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, drinks, and appetizers in downtown Rochester.
Sign up for Wednesday:
https://mnmcea.wufoo.com/forms/wednesday-evening-social-october-21-2026/
Wednesday Evening Social Details & Registration
This event is FREE for Fall Conference attendees thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, Enovie!
Choose from two social locations, both within walking distance of the Mayo Civic Center. Part of the walk can also be made through the downtown skyway system.
Choose Your Social
Bitter & Pour Rooftop
30 3rd St SE 7th Floor, Rochester, MN 55904
Enjoy the rooftop atmosphere at Bitter & Pour while connecting with colleagues and friends from across the state.
The Tap House on Historic 3rd St. | Blue Room
10 3rd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Join us in the Tap House’s Blue Room for another fun and casual place to gather, connect, and unwind.
Thanks to Enovie, attendees at both locations will receive drink tickets, and appetizers will be provided.
A Few Important Details
Attendees may register for ONE Wednesday evening social location only. Please think of these as two separate events and select the location you plan to attend.
Space is limited, and wristbands will be required for entry. Registered attendees will receive a wristband from MCEA and must wear it to attend their selected social.
If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend, please contact Jackie Kuklok in the MCEA Executive Office. We would love the opportunity to offer your spot to someone on the waitlist or another conference attendee who would like to join us.
We can’t wait to spend the evening connecting, catching up, and enjoying downtown Rochester together!
Thursday Evening Social
Thursday, October 22 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Sponsored by Arux
(Only a few spots left)
Join Community Education colleagues from across Minnesota and the Arux team for a relaxed social right next door to the Mayo Civic Center. Catch up with familiar faces, make some new connections, and enjoy a little live music, appetizers, and drinks before heading out for the evening.
Sign up for Thursday:
https://mnmcea.wufoo.com/forms/thursday-evening-social-october-22-2026/
Thursday Evening Social Details & Registration
What to Expect
🎶 Live music from LP and the 45s
📸 Photo booth
🔥 Outdoor fire & relaxed networking (weather permitting)
🍴 Appetizers
🥂 Drink tickets generously provided by Arux
The Rochester Art Center is attached to the Mayo Civic Center, making it easy to head over when Thursday’s conference sessions wrap up.
Space is Limited
This event has a maximum capacity of 200 attendees, and advance signup is required.
Wristbands will be required for entry. Registered attendees will receive a wristband from MCEA and must wear it to attend the social.
If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend, please contact Jackie Kuklok in the MCEA Executive Office so we can make your spot available to another conference attendee.
Come for the music, stay for the connections, and enjoy a fun and relaxed end to your Thursday at Fall Conference. We can’t wait to see you there!
Sign up for Thursday:
https://mnmcea.wufoo.com/forms/thursday-evening-social-october-22-2026/
MCEA has secured room blocks with special rates available
Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2026
at Hotel Indigo, Hilton Garden Inn, and The Kahler Grand Hotel.
The Kahler Grand Hotel
Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area
220 South Broadway Ave
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
THIS ROOM BLOCK IS FULL.
Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area
220 South Broadway Ave
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
THIS ROOM BLOCK IS FULL.
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
225 South Broadway
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
THIS ROOM BLOCK IS FULL.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
The 2026 MCEA Fall Conference connects community education professionals from across Minnesota for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration.
Explore sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities designed to increase visibility, build meaningful connections, and engage directly with attendees from across the state.
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Include:
- Increased visibility and brand recognition
- Direct engagement with conference attendees
- Statewide networking opportunities
- Support for lifelong learning and community impact
Conference & Vendor Fair Information:
Conference Dates:
October 21–23, 2026
Conference Location:
Mayo Civic Center | Rochester, Minnesota
Vendor Fair:
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Silent & Live Auction
Support the future of community education by donating to the 2026 MCEA Fall Conference Silent & Live Auction! All auction proceeds benefit the MCEA Scholarship Fund, helping provide scholarships that advance the field of community education.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome donations of all sizes and values! Popular auction items include:
- Themed baskets featuring your program, school district, or region
- Handmade or homemade items
- Gift cards and specialty products
- Adult beverage-themed baskets (always a favorite!)
- Unique experiences and services
Have a larger item to donate? We’d love those, too! Select high-value donations may be featured in our Live Auction, including:
- Event or sports tickets
- Hotel or vacation stays
- Timeshares
- Celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities
- Exclusive experiences
- And other one-of-a-kind items
Auction Details
Dates: Wednesday, October 21 & Thursday, October 22, 2026
Location: MCEA Fall Conference, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Minnesota
While themed baskets with multiple items that showcase your community are especially encouraged, every donation makes a difference.
Thank you for supporting the MCEA Scholarship Fund and helping invest in the future of community education!
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors