Annual Conference Info

The 2026 MNGFOA Annual Conference will be moving to Cragun's Resort in Brainerd.

The 62nd Annual MNGFOA Conference will be held September 22-24, 2026, at Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference, Brainerd.

We’re excited to invite you to the 62nd Annual Conference of the MNGFOA — an event that promises to rock your socks off!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Keeping Government Finance In Tune .

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, or gain fresh inspiration, this year’s conference offers something for everyone.

Highlights Include:

Dynamic Keynote Speakers: Hear from leading experts who will share their knowledge and experience on the latest trends and best practices.
Informative Sessions: Dive deep into topics that matter most to you, with sessions designed to provide actionable takeaways.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals from across the state and build lasting relationships.

One More Thing Before the Show Begins…

If you haven't already, please be sure to register for the conference. While reserving a hotel room guarantees you a place to sleep, it does not reserve your seat at the conference!

Completing your registration helps us:

Plan meal counts and accommodate dietary needs
Welcome and recognize our first-time attendees
Have your conference badge ready when you arrive

Please complete your conference registration at your earliest convenience so we can make sure everything is ready for your arrival.

2027 dates: Wednesday Sept 29-Friday October 1st

2026 MNGFOA Annual Conference (Craguns)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Keeping Government Finance In Tune


Days	Hrs	Min	Sec

Lodging

The Crowd Has Spoken… and the House Is Packed!

Thank you for making the 2026 MNGFOA Annual Conference “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Keeping Government Finance in Tune” one for the record books! Your enthusiasm has been incredible, and thanks to the overwhelming response, room accommodations for both Cragun's Resort and the Holiday Inn are officially SOLD OUT!

If you're still planning to join us for this year's headlining event, you'll need to secure a room at a nearby hotel and arrange your own transportation to and from Cragun's.

Checking in:

Cragun’s guaranteed check-in time is 5:00 PM. However, Cragun’s has let us know that guests are welcome to check in earlier if their room is ready.

If you’d like to see if your room is available before 5:00 PM, feel free to call the front desk on the day of your reservation.

Conference Schedule

2026 Conference Schedule

2026 Conference Book

2026 CPE Form (Not Yet Available)

(Only complete once, at end of the conference)

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

9:15-9:45AM New Attendee Orientation

10:00-10:15AM Welcome

10:15-11:30AM Keynote - Tim Furlong: "Quarter Turns, Change, Opportunity & the Next Normal"

1:00-2:00PM Concurrent Sessions:

Legislative Update
Auditing 101/Internal Controls
Municipal Cannabis Operations

2:15-3:15PM Concurrent Sessions:

MN Paid Leave & OT Lessons Learned
Negotiating with Unions "Fundamentals of Collective Bargaining and Union Negotiations"
GASB Update

3:30-4:30PM Concurrent Sessions:

Small City Roundtable
Large City Roundtable
County Roundtable

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

8:30-8:45AM An Update from the Office of the State Auditor and a Thank You from State Auditor Julie Blaha

9:00-10:15AM Keynote - Kristen Brown: "Powered by Energy - Rock Steady Through Change"

10:30-11:30AM Concurrent Sessions:

Website ADA Compliance
Economic Update
Create Inspiration and Engagement with Charisma: Communication Tactics All Finance Leaders Should Master

1:00-2:00PM Concurrent Sessions:

"Stress to Strength: Keep Your Cool When the Pressure's On"
Investments 101 (Accounting for Investments)
Excel Basics

2:15-3:15PM Concurrent Sessions:

Create Inspiration and Engagement with Charisma: Communication Tactics All Finance Leaders Should Master (REPEAT)
Excel - Intermediate/Advanced Uses
Cybersecurity / Fraud Prevention

3:30-4:30PM Concurrent Sessions:

The Local Government Revenue Toolbox
Debt 201: Building on the Basics of Local Government Financing
MNGFOA Mentorship Program

Thursday, September 24, 2026

8:30-9:45AM Concurrent Sessions:

AI in Local Government: Practical, Safe, and Effective
TIF 201

10:00-11:00AM Capstone- Erik Therwanger: "Linked for Impact - Hall of Fame Teamwork"

Social Committee Events

The Social Committee has planned some great entertainment and networking events for the annual conference, and we would love you to join us!

Pick up your networking card at registration and have Social Committee members initial the events you attend. Attend five or more events and enter to win prizes!

Tuesday, September 22

7:30–9:15 AM – Tuesday Morning Trot & Tour – Northland Arboretum
Kickstart your conference with some fresh air and good company! Join us for a walk or run at the beautiful Northland Arboretum in Baxter. Arrive at 7:30, then the shuttle will depart promptly from Cragun’s Resort at 7:45 AM and return by 9:15 AM, in plenty of time for the 10:00 AM keynote. New to the conference? Lynn Cornwell will be joining the walking group and can share tips for making the most of your conference experience. Shuttle space is limited, so register online to reserve your spot.
3:30–6:45 PM – Various Networking Events:
3:30–4:30 PM – Gull Lake Cruise Night #1
Set sail and unwind on beautiful Gull Lake! Enjoy a relaxing 60-minute cruise with lake views and plenty of time to connect with fellow attendees. The cruise departs directly from Cragun’s, so no shuttle is needed. Boarding will start at 3:00PM. Space is limited; reserve your spot by signing up at the conference registration/check-in desk.
4:45–6:45 PM – Texas Hold ’Em Tournament
Ready to go all in? Sign up at the registration table during the day and arrive by 4:45 PM to secure your seat at the table. May the best hand win!
5:00–6:00 PM – First-Time Attendee Social Hour
New to the MNGFOA Conference? Meet fellow first-time attendees and seasoned members in a relaxed atmosphere with appetizers, a cash bar, helpful tips, and plenty of conversation.
5:00–6:30 PM – Hospitality Room
Stop by the Hospitality Room to unwind and catch up with fellow attendees before dinner.
7:00–8:00 PM – Dinner
Join fellow attendees for a casual dinner before the evening festivities begin.
8:00–11:00 PM – Casino Night
Try your luck at Casino Night! Enjoy casino tables, music, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to mingle. In honor of this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame theme, wear a T-shirt featuring
your favorite band or artist. No casino experience necessary, just bring your best poker face and rock & roll spirit!
11:00 PM–1:00 AM – Late-Night Hangout
Not ready to call it a night? Keep the fun going at our late-night hospitality room. Bring your favorite beverage and stop by for more conversation and laughs.Wednesday, September 23

Wednesday, September 23

4:45–6:45 PM – Dan Jordet Memorial Bags Tournament & Beverage Tasting
Celebrate the life and legacy of our friend and past MNGFOA President, Dan Jordet, with the annual beverage tasting and bean bag tournament. Bring a favorite beverage to share — beer, wine, seltzer, or a
non-alcoholic option — and feel free to wear a fun bowtie in Dan’s honor. If you’d like to participate in the tournament, sign up at the registration table during the day and arrive by 4:45 PM.
5:00–6:00 PM – Gull Lake Cruise Night #2
Set sail and unwind on beautiful Gull Lake! Enjoy a relaxing 60-minute cruise with lake views and plenty of time to connect with fellow attendees. The cruise departs directly from Cragun’s, so no shuttle is needed. Boarding will start at 4:30PM. Space is limited; reserve your spot by signing up at the conference registration/check-in desk.
7:00–8:00 PM – Dinner
Enjoy dinner and connect with fellow attendees before another evening of conference fun.
8:00–11:00 PM – Rock & Roll Variety Night at Irma’s Kitchen
Keep the rock & roll spirit going with a night of music, games, and plenty of laughs! The evening will feature karaoke, bingo, and other fun interactive activities. Grab the mic and channel your inner rock
star, test your luck at bingo, or cheer on your fellow attendees. Wear your favorite band or artist T-shirt and come ready for a fun night!
11:00 PM–1:00 AM – Late-Night Hangout
Wrap up the evening at the Hospitality room. Bring your favorite beverage, unwind with fellow attendees, and keep the conversation and laughs going until the night winds down.