MRPA Annual Conference

MRPA hosts an annual conference in the fall every year. Information will be added to this page during the year.

MRPA Annual Conference 2026
October 20 - 23, 2026
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Duluth, MN 

This year’s conference theme is Lifted. The 2026 conference team is devoted to delivering a conference that will explore all aspects of parks and recreation!

The Conference Committee is looking forward to providing diverse educational opportunities that will engage professionals from all backgrounds. If you have a new, fresh, or even off-the-cuff idea, we would love to connect and explore how we can help bring it to life — please reach out to Chelsea Swenhaugen or Ross Demant to start the conversation. It is important to us that the members we serve gain meaningful experiences that truly “Lifts” their education, expand their knowledge, and strengthen engagement within their own communities.

If you have questions, the Conference Committee members would be happy to assist you:
Alicia Watts, Conference Committee Co-Chair - awatts@duluthmn.gov
Sam Werle, Conference Committee Co-Chair - swerle@duluthmn.gov
Ross Demant, Program Committee Co-Chair - ross.demant@wrightcountymn.gov
Chelsea Swenhaugen, Program Committee Co-Chair - cswenhaugen@ighmn.gov           

  

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBIT HALL

Click here to view the sponsorship and exhibit hall prospectus. Registration form begins on page 11.

Interested in paying for a booth online? Click here for the MRPA member registration link.

Not a member of MRPA and would like to join? Visit the MRPA membership page for more information.

Or click here for the non-member booth payment link.

Please contact our exhibit hall chairs or MRPA staff with any exhibit hall questions.  Thank you!

Exhibit Hall Contacts:

Mike Bauer, email: mbauer@rogersmn.gov

Zac Dockter, email: zdockter@cottagegrovemn.gov

SAVE-THE-DATE

MRPA Annual Conference 2027
November 2027
RiverCentre
Saint Paul, MN 

Past Conferences:

MRPA Annual Conference 2025
October 27 - 30, 2025

Thank you to the delegates, exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors for supporting the 88th MRPA Annual Conference and Exhibit Hall at Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. Also, a special thanks to the annual conference planning committee for an amazing conference!