Embedded Files
Now Seeking Host Community for the 2026 Conference!
Now Seeking Host Community for the 2026 Conference!
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference planning team is seeking engaged, small towns in Minnesota to serve as the host community for the 2026 conference. For the seventh year, the CEC conference will bring together economic development professionals, decision-makers, business leaders, and community champions to strengthen the support networks entrepreneurs need to thrive. We are seeking communities to host the conference in their town and partner with us to showcase entrepreneurship in your region.
Learn more about the conference by visiting the conference overview and past conference programs.
To apply to host, please review the hosting information below and submit an interest form by June 30, 2025.
Host community requirements
Host community requirements
Population of 10,000 or fewer residents
One venue capable of accommodating up to 150 attendees
Lodging options for approximately 50 participants
A walkable, accessible business district with local businesses interested in engaging with the conference
A dedicated team of local partners committed to assisting with outreach, logistics, and fundraising efforts
Conference schedule
Conference schedule
Tentative conference dates: Mid to late September 2026. We will work with the host community to determine exact dates. The conference is typically held from Thursday to Friday and includes:
Wednesday (5 - 8 PM) - Pre-conference social.
Thursday (9 AM - 7 PM) - Keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and an evening networking event.
Friday (9 AM - 12 PM) - Keynotes and breakout session.
Planning process overview and expectations
Planning process overview and expectations
You establish a local planning team (7-10 members) to inform conference planning.
This team’s role is to identify and be a connector to local venues, catering options, conference speakers, sponsors, and potential attendees.
The local team is expected to raise $4,000 in sponsorships. Extension manages conference finances and also raises funds from statewide sponsors. Sponsorships are intended to keep the conference affordable for participants.
Extension staff handles the logistics with support from your local team and manages finances. We also provide templates and materials for outreach.
Extension meets monthly with your local planning team to review our tasks and timeline leading up to the conference.
Extension, alongside a statewide steering committee, partners with your local team to bring the conference to life.
The statewide committee provides support and guidance for the conference creation and implementation. They supplement local ideas and connections with external speakers, sponsors, and attendees to bring a wide range of perspectives and resources to the conference. Once speakers are decided upon, Extension staff will coordinate with them on logistics and finalize the program.
One to two members of the local planning team are expected to join the monthly statewide steering committee meetings to support alignment across the planning teams. Additional participation by the local team in the statewide planning activities is also welcome.
More information on planning roles and responsibilities is available here.
“The CEC conference in Virginia happened at an opportune time for a number of reasons in 2025. The conference brought a much-needed breath of fresh air and ideas. The keynotes were inspiring, and the breakout sessions throughout downtown were informative and thought-provoking. It was an event worth the time and effort that went into the planning process, and the University of Minnesota Extension team was a joy to work with. By providing education and networking assistance to the entrepreneurial community throughout Virginia and the region, the hope is that the timing of the event will help us pivot to explore new opportunities to supplement the wonderful industries we have! Thank you, UMN Extensions, for bringing the conference to the Iron Range!”
- Jenny Bourbonais, Community Development Director of Virginia - Host City of 2025 Conference
Interested in hosting Minnesota's 2026 CEC conference in your community?
Interested in hosting Minnesota's 2026 CEC conference in your community?
Submit an interest form here by 5 PM on June 30, 2025. We will review submissions with the statewide steering committee and be in touch.
Thank you for your interest in the conference and your commitment to entrepreneurs across Minnesota!
Questions?
Questions?
Contact the Minnesota Extension CEC planning team members.
Neil Linscheid
Neil Linscheid
Extension Statewide Specialist, Entrepreneurship
Email: lins0041@umn.edu | Phone: 320-203-6109
Report abuse