CGMC 2026 Fall Conference

Description

Join city leaders from throughout Greater Minnesota for our annual Fall Conference featuring educational presentations, networking opportunities, and discussion of the CGMC's 2027 policy priorities. The Fall Conference is open to CGMC members and prospective members from cities throughout Greater Minnesota, as well as members of the Greater Minnesota Partnership. There are no opportunities for vendors or sponsors to attend or exhibit at the Fall Conference.

What to Expect

The two-day Fall Conference features speakers, presentations, and discussions focused on issues that matter to Greater Minnesota. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunities to socialize and network with other city leaders from throughout the state. Finally, members will discuss and vote on the CGMC policy platform heading into 2027.

Registration

Registration for the Fall Conference will open soon. Stay tuned!

Hotel Information

The CGMC has a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn St. Cloud and the Residence Inn, which are both connected to the conference venue. Both room blocks will expire on October 12. 

• Click here to book under the CGMC block at the Hilton Garden Inn
• Click here to book under the CGMC block at the Residence Inn

Event Schedule

Please see the tentative schedule for the 2026 Fall Conference below. Times are subject to change.

Thursday, November 12

10am - Registration opens at the Park Event Center

Check in, get your conference materials, and get ready for the exciting and educational conference ahead!

11:30am - Lunch buffet opens

12pm - Conference welcome & introductions 

Kick off the conference with introductions and a preview of the conference sessions.

12:10pm - Election recap with CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson

1pm - Programming

1:45pm - Break

2pm - Child Care is Infrastructure: What Local Leaders Can Do Now

Hear from Jeff Andrews, president of Business of Child Care, as he shares how cities can invest, organize, and take action for a stronger and more resilient child care systems.

2:45pm - Break

3:15pm - If You Don’t Tell Your City’s Story, Who Will?

Join public relations expert Ted Davis of Davis Communications Management, Inc. to learn how cities can build an effective communications system that can adapt to today's evolving information landscape.

4:15pm - Break and hotel check-in

5:00pm - Cocktail reception

Connect with fellow attendees and reflect on the day's programming over refreshments.

6:00pm - Dinner & keynote address from Tom Hauser

KSTP Chief Political Reporter Tom Hauser will give an in-depth analysis of the current political environment in Minnesota and what the midterm election reveals about the future of state government. 

Friday, November 13

8:00am - Breakfast

Fuel up and prepare for the second day of information-packed sessions!

8:30am - CGMC Labor & Employment session

9:15am - Wild Rice Sulfate Rule updates

Join CGMC Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel and Flaherty & Hood Shareholder Attorney Daniel Marx for an update on the MPCA Wild Rice Sulfate Rule and its impacts on cities.

10:00am - Break

10:30am - CGMC membership meeting

Vote on the CGMC policy platform for 2027.

12pm - Conference adjourns

Depart with new ideas, resources, and connections.

Vendors/Sponsors

At this time, there are no opportunities for vendors or sponsors at the CGMC Fall Conference. Please reach out to Emma Cliff at etcliff@flaherty-hood.com with questions about future vendor or sponsor opportunities.

Conference Policies

By registering for the CGMC 2026 Fall Conference, you indicate that you have read and agree to the following:

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be sent via email to Emma Cliff at etcliff@flaherty-hood.com by Wednesday, October 28, to receive a refund and may be subject to a 3% transaction fee. If you need to cancel after October 28, we are not able to issue a refund, and you will be charged for the full amount. You may switch or substitute your registration at any time for no cost.

Photography/Video Policy

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) reserves the right to use any photograph or video taken at any event sponsored by the CGMC, without the expressed written permission of those in the photograph or video.