Education Minnesota’s MEA conference is the largest one-day professional development event for educators in Minnesota. Don’t miss it!

The MEA conference and MEA Online are always free and open to Education Minnesota members only.


Other info

Interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing
Sign language interpreters will be provided for the general session. Several seats in the front row will be reserved for those needing interpreters. For other needs (including interpreters for workshop sessions), contact conference coordinator Christine Thornborrow at (651) 272-9359 as soon as possible.

RiverCentre access
RiverCentre is handicap-accessible, but wheelchairs are not available; attendees should bring their own.

Medical issues
A first aid station staffed by licensed professionals is available at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Education Minnesota staff can direct you. In case of an emergency, notify any Education Minnesota staff member.

Education Minnesota offers free child care for members attending the MEA conference.

The service is open to children ages 6 months to 10 years.

ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements is open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The onsite center will be located in a ballroom at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

You must register for child care when registering for the conference.

Do I need to be an Education Minnesota member to attend the conference?
Yes, the conference is open to members only. College students studying to be educators may also attend.

Do I need to register? 
Yes. Advance registration is required.

Is there an admission fee?
No, the conference is free to aspiring educators and active members.

Can teachers earn continuing education credit at the conference?
You might be able to earn clock hours and fulfill some relicensure requirements. You’ll receive a certificate of attendance at the end of each workshop session you attend. Your local continuing education committee determines whether to approve the credit.

Why is the conference held in October? Why not in the summer when school isn’t in session?
It is held during the school year for several reasons. Most important, the focus of the conference is on techniques and ideas that teachers can take back to the classroom and use right away with their students. This schedule provides the greatest benefit to student learning. In addition, in the summer many teachers wouldn’t be able to attend because they are taking continuing education courses to stay current in their field and fulfill licensing requirements; teaching summer school; or working summer jobs to supplement their salaries. We want to make this opportunity available to as many educators as possible.

It’s a local school district decision whether to make the conference days non-school days. Most do, but some do not. Others require teachers to attend local training on our conference days.

When will the conference be held next year?
The conference always takes place the third Thursday of October. In 2024, that will be Oct. 17. For other years, check our list of dates for the next 10 years.

You may be able to earn general continuing education credit for attending the MEA conference. An attendance certificate will be emailed to you after you complete the live workshop or MEA Online session. In addition, some sessions might help you fulfill state relicensure requirements in reading instruction, identifying early-onset mental illness in students, cultural competency, positive behavioral interventions, English language learners and suicide prevention. Check with your district’s continuing education committee on whether you will receive credit.


Exhibitor information

THE EXHIBIT HALL FOR 2024 IS FULL. If you would like information on future MEA conference exhibit halls, please contact Stephanie Berg.

PLEASE NOTE: Education Minnesota reserves the right to decline an exhibitor application and will not be liable for any expenses incurred by any party in anticipation of entering into a contract that is not executed per the terms indicated. Questions? Contact Chrstine Thornborrow.


Presenter information

Share your ideas and expertise in a one-hour workshop as a presenter at our annual MEA conference. Questions? Contact Jessica Wilson.


Here are the dates of our MEA conference for the next 10 years:

Dates for the next 10 years

Our MEA conference is always held on the third Thursday of October.

2024 — Oct. 17
2025 — Oct. 16
2026 — Oct. 15
2027 — Oct. 21
2028 — Oct. 19
2029 — Oct. 18
2030 — Oct. 17
2031 — Oct. 16
2032 — Oct. 21
2033 — Oct. 20
2034 — Oct. 19