MASA Fall Conference - Attendees
Navigating the Crossroads: Leadership for a Changing Landscape
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
350 Harbor DriveDuluth, MN 55802-2698
United States
Navigating the Crossroads: Leadership for a Changing Landscape
As we enter the 2025–26 school year, district leaders are navigating profound and accelerating change—shifting demographics, rapid technological advances, staffing shortages, political polarization, and evolving community expectations. Today’s superintendents do more than manage complex systems—they lead with vision and heart, bringing people together around a shared purpose and reminding communities of what public education can—and must—be.
Our fall conference invites you to explore what it means to lead at the crossroads—where uncertainty meets opportunity, where the voices of many must be heard, and where the choices we make shape the path ahead. Together, we’ll consider how to lead with integrity, agility, and purpose in a dynamic and demanding environment.
📍 September 28–30, 2025 | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
Join your colleagues from across Minnesota to:
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Engage in deep learning with thought leaders and practitioners.
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Strengthen your network and exchange ideas with peers.
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Reflect on the leadership needed now—and the future of public education.
✨ Special Conference Events
- Dale G. Jensen Classic Golf Tournament – Sunday afternoon at Nemadji Golf Course, supporting the MASA Foundation.
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Welcome Event – Kick off Sunday evening with connection and conversation.
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Women’s Leadership Celebration – Monday at 4:00 p.m. at the DECC.
Come ready to learn, connect, and be inspired—your leadership is needed now more than ever.
A special thank you to our conference sponsors!
Nexus Solutions | Conference Lanyards Sponsor
Kennedy & Graven | InGensa, Inc | ZeroEyes
Refreshment and Dessert Station Sponsors
Agenda
| September 28 | |
| 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Welcome Event Garden Event Center |
| September 29 | |
| 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Conference Check-In Lower Level DECC |
| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
Welcome and Opening Keynote
The Dignity Index as a Tool to Improve School Culture Tami Pyfer and Karren Pyfer Minalga |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Exhibit Hall Open E. Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall (Lower Level) |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Break in the Exhibit Hall E. Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall (Lower Level) |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Awards Luncheon Awards include Richard Green Scholar, Polaris Award, and Service Recognition. |
| 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM | Dessert Reception E. Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall (Lower Level) |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Breakout Session |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Break in the Exhibit Hall E. Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Drawing at 2:45 pm! |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Breakout Session |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Women's Leadership Celebration All are welcome to attend! |
| September 30 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM | Morning Refreshments Available |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | General Session Richard Green Scholar Presentation |
| 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
Closing Keynote: Live the Story You Want To Tell
April Minatrea, Pd.D. Psychologist & Speaker Leadership Injury Expert |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Early Bird Member
Registration Ends 8/17/25 at 11:59 PM CDT
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$359.00 |
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Early Bird Non-Member
Registration Ends 8/17/25 at 11:59 PM CDT
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$409.00 |
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Early Bird Retiree
Registration Ends 8/17/25 at 11:59 PM CDT
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$149.00 |
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Early Bird Spouse
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$149.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Member
Registration Opens 8/18/25 at 12:00 AM CDT
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$409.00 |
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Non-Member
Registration Opens 8/18/25 at 12:00 AM CDT
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$459.00 |
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Retiree
Registration Opens 8/18/25 at 12:00 AM CDT
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$159.00 |
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Spouse
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$159.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Extra Lunch
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$55.00 |
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Women's Leadership Celebration
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FREE |
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Welcome Event
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FREE |
Pier B Resort
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Rate: $259/night
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Phone: (218) 481-8888
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Booking: Please call directly to inquire about availability and secure the MASA rate.
The Inn on Lake Superior
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Rate: $229/night (MASA 2025 Group Rate)
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Phone: (218) 726-1111
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Booking: Please call directly and mention MASA 2025 Group Rate.
Lift Bridge Lodge
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Rate: $329–$389/night (varies by room location)
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Phone: (218) 727-1378
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Booking: Please call directly to secure the MASA rate.
Radisson Duluth Harborview
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Rate: $169–$219/night (varies by room location)
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Phone: (800) 333-3333
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Group Name: Minnesota Association of School Administrators
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Online Booking: Reserve Online
Canal Park Lodge
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Rate: $229/night (MASA 2025 Group Rate)
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Phone: (218) 279-6000
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Booking: Please call directly and mention MASA 2025.
Are you reaching a milestone year as an Administrator and/or Superintendent?!
Members who have completed 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 years of administrative service and five years as MASA members may receive service pins. Pins are awarded immediately following completion of eligibility years. Eligibility years are counted as school fiscal years.
Members who have completed 10 years of administrative service and five years as MASA members will be recognized in the awards program and with certificates which they will receive by mail following the conference. Certificates are awarded immediately following completion of eligibility years. Eligibility years are counted as school fiscal years.
To apply for your service pin or certificate, please complete the form below. To be included in the awards listing, please respond by Monday, September 15. Regretfully, due to publishing deadlines, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to include you in the listing if we do not receive this information by Monday, September 15.
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:
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Treat all participants with courtesy and professionalism
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Respect differences in perspective and identity
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Use respectful language and avoid personal attacks or harassment
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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.
⛳ Dale G. Jensen Classic – Golf Tournament
Kick off the Fall Conference with an afternoon of golf and networking—all in support of the MASA Foundation and its leadership development programs.
📅 Sunday, September 28, 2025
⏰ Tee Times: Starting at noon
📍 Nemadji Golf Course | Superior, WI
Cost: $50 MASA Foundation donation – paid during golf registration +
$57 greens fees, cart, and food – paid directly at the golf course (Includes a brat or hotdog at the turn or before)
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✨ Women’s Leadership Celebration
Celebrate and honor the achievements of women in educational leadership while connecting with colleagues from across Minnesota. This special event is open to all conference attendees and exhibitors—come show your support and be inspired!
Monday, September 29, 2025 – 4:00 pm | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
Let us know you're planning to come by selecting the free ticket for the event in the registration!