2026 MSC Annual Conference

Conference Details

When: July 8-10

Speakers:

Registration

Registration closes at the end of the day on May 31, 2026.

MSC Conference Registration Form
All attendees must be registered for the conference through the form. This form serves as both the conference and lodging/meal registration. Each service cooperative’s main contact will receive a confirmation email with the details of their registered attendees after submitting the form.

Speaker/Sponsor registration

Swag Bags
Cooperatives will receive a swag bag for every staff/board member who attends the conference. If you would like to add any extra bags or provide promotional items featuring your cooperative’s logo (or other items your cooperative would like to donate), please make note of it on the Google Doc or email Madi. Items are due to Northeast Service Cooperative or BrightWorks by July 1.

Conference Organizers

Conference Host: Northeast Service Cooperative

Conference Contact: Sharon Haavisto
shaavisto@nescmn.net; 218-748-7624

Conference Event Planner: Madi Ericksen
madi.ericksen@brightworksmn.org, 612-638-1514
(lodging and registration questions)

Outstanding Service Awards

Outstanding Service Award Nomination
Read through these instructions for what to submit and how to upload files for your OSA nomination.
Photo & bio are due May 15.
Video is due June 12.

View Previous Award Winners

Conference Agenda

All sessions are in the Northern Lights Ballroom unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, July 8

Time	Event
3pm - 7pm	Registration and Check-In The Inn on Lake Superior Hotel Lobby & Ballroom Reception Area
6pm - 9pm	Conference Kick-Off Dinner with Music by The McCullough Brothers The Garden Event Center

Thursday, July 9

Time	Event
7:30am - 9am	Breakfast with Music by Preston Gunderson Catered Breakfast by Blackwoods
7:30am - 9am	Registration
9am - 9:15am	Conference Welcome by NESC Team
9:15am - 10:15am	Presentation of Outstanding Service Awards
10:15am - 10:30am	Break and Award Photos
10:30am - 11:45am	Speaker: Curt Slater Welcome to the Jungle
11:45am - 12:45pm	Lunch
12:45pm - 1:45pm	MASA, MREA, MSBA, AMC, LMC & Legislative Updates
1:45pm - 2pm	Break
2pm - 3pm	Speaker: Susan Brower, State Demographer Update
3pm - 3:15pm	Announcements
3:30pm - 7pm	Free Time and Dinner on Your Own
3:30pm - 4:30pm	MSC Executive Council Meeting Eagle Harbor Room
7pm - 10pm	Glensheen Mansion Tours at 7pm Cash Bar and Dessert After the Tours No food/beverages are allowed during the toours. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation. Duluth has Uber, Lyft, taxis, and vehicle rentals available. Glensheen Mansion Flyer

Friday, July 10

Time	Event
6:30am - 9:00am	Breakfast on Your Own Hotel Lobby Dining Area
8am - 8:50am	MSC Board of Directors Meeting Eagle Harbor Room
9am - 9:45am	MSC Executive Directors Wrap Up
9:45am - 10am	Break
10am - 11:15am	Speaker: Joe Beckman Just Look Back: Building Your Road in Education - The Legacy Soundtrack"
11:15am - 11:30am	Closing Comments