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MASA Spring Conference 2026

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM (CDT) to Friday, March 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

LEAD. LEARN. CONNECT.

The MASA Spring Conference brings educational leaders from across the state together to share ideas, strengthen connections and inspire action. Centered on the theme Lead. Learn. Connect., the event celebrates our collective effort to guide, support, and create opportunities for every student to thrive.

Through engaging keynotes, collaborative sessions, and opportunities to network with other leaders and business partners, participants will explore what it means to lead with empathy, learn with curiosity, and connect with intention. Together, we’ll explore innovative practices that build bridges across districts, generations, and communities — reminding us that leadership is not about position, but about relationships that inspire trust and possibility.

📍 March 19–20, 2026 | Marriott Minneapolis NW

Join your colleagues from across Minnesota to:

  • Lead with purpose through inspiring keynotes and conversations that challenge and empower.

  • Learn with curiosity by exploring innovative practices and new perspectives that drive student success.

  • Connect with intention as you build relationships with fellow leaders and business partners who share your commitment to education.

Special Conference Events

  • Topgolf Social - Meet us in the lobby on Thursday to catch the bus to Topgolf! Enjoy an evening of fun, networking, and friendly competition with your colleagues.
  • Dessert & Appreciation Gathering - Join us for dessert as we gather in appreciation of MASA’s shared work and leadership. Dr. Deb Henton will be present to greet colleagues and connect in person.

Come ready to learn, connect, and be inspired—your leadership is needed now more than ever.


A special thank you to our conference sponsors!

Agenda

March 19
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Conference Check-in Open
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Exhibitor Booth Set-Up
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Opening General Session and Keynote The opening General Session will recognize and feature remarks from the Superintendent of the Year, an award sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers. The session will also include recognition of the MASA Distinguished Service Award recipient, as well as the Polaris Award and Richard Green Scholar recipients, who will be formally honored at the MASA Fall Conference.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Opening Keynote w/ George Couros International speaker, author, and educator focused on innovative teaching and leadership. Combining classroom experience with global insight, George inspires leaders to embrace creativity, collaboration, and meaningful change in education.
10:15 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM Explore the Exhibits
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Breakout Sessions
11:45 AM - 1:20 PM Lunch and Dessert Reception in the Exhibit Hall
12:30 PM - 1:20 PM Dessert & Appreciation Gathering Join us for dessert as we gather in appreciation of MASA’s shared work and leadership. Dr. Deb Henton will be present to greet colleagues and connect in person.
1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Breakout Sessions
2:20 PM - 2:50 PM Explore the Exhibits
2:50 PM - 3:50 PM More Breakouts!
4:15 PM - 7:00 PM Topgolf Social
March 20
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM General Session The General Session will include recognition of MASA award recipients, including Outstanding Central Office Administrators (Metro and Greater Minnesota), the Kay E. Jacobs Award, MASA Administrators of Excellence, and retiring members. The session will also feature remarks from MASA officer candidates for the upcoming election.
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Breakout Sessions
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Closing Keynote w/ Jon Petz, Bore No More, LLC Hall of Fame keynote speaker, two-time best-selling author, professional magician and the world’s only Amazement Artist™. Jon inspires audiences to transform everyday interactions into powerful moments of connection, engagement, and impact through his signature Rules for Amazement keynote experience.

We are pleased to offer a special group rate for attendees of the MASA Spring Conference, taking place March 17–20, 2026.
Stay at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest for the exclusive rate of $164 per night.

This rate is available until Monday, February 23, 2026, or until the room block is full.

*If the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest is fully booked, please consider the nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove. A limited block of overflow rooms is available there through February 25.

Click below to reserve your room at the overflow hotel:
Book your group rate at the Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove


MASA is committed to fostering welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environments at all MASA sponsored events—whether in person or virtual.

By participating in MASA events, attendees, speakers, guests, partners, and staff agree to:

  • Treat all participants with courtesy and professionalism

  • Respect differences in perspective and identity

  • Use respectful language and avoid personal attacks or harassment

  • Report concerns or unsafe situations to MASA staff

Harassment, discrimination, or any form of harmful conduct will not be tolerated. MASA reserves the right to take appropriate action, including removal from the event, in response to any violations.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses concerning behavior, is asked to contact MASA staff or contact the MASA Executive Director directly. All concerns will be addressed promptly and confidentially.

A link to the full MASA Event Code of Conduct can be found here. Let’s work together to make every MASA event a safe and inclusive space for all.

Special Conference Events

⛳ Topgolf Social
Thursday, March 19 | 4:45–6:45 p.m. | $50 per person

Join your colleagues for an evening of fun, food, and networking at Topgolf Brooklyn Center! Buses will load at the Brooklyn Park Marriott at 4:15 p.m. and return following the event.

Click here to register now!

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For registration questions, please contact us at members@mnasa.org.