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 Registration Opens: May 18, 2026 at 10:00 am
Early Bird Registration Deadline: July 15, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2026
Call for Proposals Deadline: June 15, 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: Programming Area Roundtable/Networking |
| 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 |
| 6:00 PM – 10:00 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: Regional Meetings |
| 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 |
| 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! |
Social Events information coming soon.
MCEA has secured room blocks with special rates available
Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2026
at both Hotel Indigo and Hilton Garden Inn.
Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area
220 South Broadway Ave
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
You can book rooms the following ways:
Online: Click here to book online
Phone: Call the hotel at 507-252-8200, hit 1 for reservations, and let them know you need to make a reservation in the 2026 MCEA block.
Scan QR Code:
*Please be aware that the cut-off date to make reservations with Hotel Indigo under the discounted group rate is September 29, 2026.
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
225 South Broadway
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
You can book rooms the following ways:
Online: Click here to book online
Phone: Call the hotel at 507-285-1234
*Please be aware that the cut-off date to make reservations with Hilton Garden Inn under the discounted group rate is September 5, 2026.
The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is a statewide professional association dedicated to supporting Community Education programs and professionals across Minnesota.
MCEA’s Annual Fall Conference brings together 500+ community education professionals for meaningful professional development, resource sharing, and connection. The conference features keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to support learning, leadership, and collaboration.
The 2026 conference theme, From Nest to Network, reflects the full scope of community education. From supporting individuals and families at home to strengthening connections across communities, community education builds both personal and professional networks that create lasting impact throughout Minnesota.
MCEA invites you to submit a breakout session proposal for the 2026 Fall Conference, taking place October 21–23, 2026 in Rochester, MN.
The submission deadline is June 15, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the conference committee, with final selections made following the review process.
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