Thursday, September 17, 2026

8:30 AM Pre-Conference Session

9:00 AM Registration Open

10:00 AM Welcome & Opening Panel

11:45 AM Lunch

12:45 PM Breakout Session 1

2:15 PM Breakout Session 2

3:45 PM Breakout Session 3

5:15 PM Reception & Networking

Friday, September 18, 2026

8:00 AM Optional Session / Networking

9:30 AM Breakout Session 4

11:00 AM Closing Keynote

12:00 PM Boxed Lunch

Given limited lodging in the City of St Joseph, hotel blocks are located in Waite Park (~10 minute drive to St Joseph). A shuttle will be available to take participants from the hotels to St Joseph. Reserve room by August 16, 2026 for block pricing.

Hilton Garden Inn | 550 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387 

Book your room online via the booking link or call the hotel directly at 320-640-7990 and request group code 903 to get hotel block pricing ($159).

Residence Inn | 450 Division Street, Waite Park, Minnesota, 56387

Book your room online via the booking link or call the hotel directly at 320-640-0200 and request group code CEC to get hotel block pricing ($174).

Where is the conference located?

• Plenary sessions will be held at the Gorecki Center at the College of Saint Benedict (37 College Ave S, St Joseph, MN 56374).

• Breakout sessions are located directly in local businesses to encourage attendees to engage with and learn from the local community. Breakout venue addresses will be provided in the conference program.

Where should I park?

• There is limited guest parking at the Gorecki Center at the College of Saint Benedict and the nearby downtown area. 

• If you are staying in the conference hotel room blocks, we will provide a shuttle to and from St Joseph. We encourage you to take the shuttle to St Joseph to minimize impact on the local community and connect with other conference attendees. 

What should I wear?

Because breakout sessions are located across the downtown area, we encourage you to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. 

Will I receive copies of speaker presentations?

Yes. All presentations will be shared with participants for review and use after the conference.

Will I be able to get a list of conference participants?

Yes. After the conference is complete, the list of participants and speakers will be posted for further follow up. We suggest you bring business cards, as we provide networking opportunities and highly encourage communities to meet and share information.

Is this conference the right fit for me?

• For entrepreneurs: This year, we've added a breakout session track designed specifically for entrepreneurs. You can find more information about the Entrepreneur Resources track above. Beyond these breakout sessions, this conference also serves to connect entrepreneurs to a broad ecosystem of service providers, economic development professionals, and regional resource partners.

• For out-of-town guests: While we are proud to showcase St. Joseph, this conference is built on perspectives from across Greater Minnesota. We bring in stories and strategies from across the region and state so you can leave with insights to spark action in your own community.

• For community champions (beyond economic development): You don’t need to be a formal economic developer to attend! We thrive when we have a mix of chambers, schools, local government, service clubs, and non-profits in the room. Bringing a diverse team from your town ensures that when you return home, you can bridge the gaps between different sectors to build a truly integrated and resilient support network for your local entrepreneurs.