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.
- 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.
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 at Cragun's Resort, Golf & Conference, Brainerd
CABIN LODGING
Choose spacious cabins ranging from 2 to 7 bedrooms – many with an equal number of bathrooms, so everyone enjoys their own space and privacy. With full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and beautiful lakeside settings, these cabins make it easy to relax and recharge.
Even better, they create a natural setting for networking. Connect with colleagues in a more casual, social environment. Whether it’s sharing coffee in the morning, recapping sessions in the evening, or simply enjoying the view and atmosphere that Gull Lake has to offer.
It’s more than a place to stay - it’s part of the experience.
Cabins are likely to go quickly. Reserve yours early using the link below and make the most of your conference getaway.
**Please reference the Cabin Registration Instructions. This will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to register with only one individual paying for the group, or if multiple individuals are paying their separate ways.
Interested in exploring the cabin layouts? See below for examples. Please note: cabin layouts may vary slightly depending on availability.
2 Bedroom Layout 4 Bedroom Layout 5 Bedroom Layout 6 Bedroom Layout 7 Bedroom Layout
SINGLE-ROOM LODGING
Additional Off-Site Single Rooms Now Available!
Demand for the 2026 MNGFOA Conference has been incredible, with all on-site single rooms at Cragun’s Resort selling out in just 30 minutes.
To accommodate additional attendees, we have secured a limited block of single rooms at Holiday Inn Express, located just 11 minutes from Cragun’s. Guests staying at Holiday Inn Express will enjoy complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and resort throughout the conference, ensuring easy access to all sessions, meals, networking events, and evening activities.
How to Reserve
Already on the Cragun’s single-room waitlist?
A Cragun’s reservations representative will contact you regarding these newly available rooms.
Not on the waitlist yet?
Use the reservation link below to request a single room.
Cragun’s Resort Reservations
Phone: 218-825-2856
Reservation Link: https://craguns.formstack.com/forms/mngfoa_waitlist_2026
These additional rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly. Secure your room today!
We can't wait to see you there!
Conference Schedule
2026 Conference Schedule (tentative)
2026 Conference Book (Not Yet Available)
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
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
- Franchise Fees & Other Revenues
1:00-2:00PM Concurrent Sessions:
- "Stress to Strength"
- Debt 201
- Excel Session 1
2:15-3:15PM Concurrent Sessions:
- Create Inspiration and Engagment with Charisma: Communication Tactics All Finance Leaders Should Master
- Excel Session 2
- Cybersecurity / Fraud Prevention
3:30-4:30PM Concurrent Sessions:
-
Create Inspiration and Engagment with Charisma: Communication Tactics All Finance Leaders Should Master (REPEAT)
-
Investments 101
-
MNGFOA Mentorship Program
Thursday, September 24, 2026
8:30-9:45AM Concurrent Sessions:
- AI / Chat GPT / Policies
- TIF 201
10:00-11:00AM Keynote- Erik Therwanger: "Linked for Impact - Hall of Fame Teamwork"
Social Committee Events
More information to come as we get closer to the conference.
Conference Materials
Presentations are added as we receive them. Some sessions do not have materials we can publish.
2026 Sessions material will be available as we get closer to the conference.
MNGFOA Conference Materials Wednesday
MNGFOA Conference Materials Thursday
MNGFOA Conference Materials Friday
Annual Conference- Additional Meal Ticket Purchases
Do you have a guest attending the conference who would like to attend the meals with you.
You can purchase tickets for them now.
