MAT’s 2026 Annual Conference
Please mark your calendar for this year’s Annual Conference. Full details and registration information will be announced shortly.
Join township leaders from every corner of Minnesota at MAT's 2026 Annual Conference: "The Changing Landscape of Township Government.” Townships face growing land use challenges, from annexation and housing development to renewable energy projects, data centers, transportation improvements, and shifting development patterns.
Make sure your township is ready for what's next and gain practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and valuable connections that will help you serve your community even better.
SPEAKERS: Hear from experienced speakers on key topics for all township officers
EDUCATION: Dive into hands-on breakout sessions, ask questions directly to state agency experts, and get real answers for township challenges.
EXHIBITORS: Explore the exhibitor showcase featuring trusted vendors with products and services designed for township needs. Network with peers, share solutions, and bring home proven strategies.
DATE: Thursday, December 10 through Saturday, December 12, 2026
LOCATION: Grand View Lodge in Nisswa (near Brainerd)
REGISTRATION: Will be available in August, 2026 and posted on this site, as well as emailed and printed in the Township Insider magazine.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Civility in an Uncivilized World: How Leaders Set the Tone
Speaker: Jacob Richman, Founder & Chair, BeBlessed Foundation
In a time when polarization and negativity are everywhere, leadership matters more than ever. Join speaker and entrepreneur Jacob Richmann for an inspiring and interactive session that will challenge attendees to become culture-setters in their organizations and communities. Through memorable stories, practical tools, and real-world examples, participants will learn how to build trust, navigate conflict, and create a lasting impact by choosing civility in an increasingly uncivilized world.
Jacob Richman is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and speaker dedicated to inspiring service, leadership, and community impact. As founder of the BeBlessed Foundation, he has created opportunities for people to give their time, talents, and resources to strengthen communities and support those in need. With a background in executive leadership and business development, Jacob has worked with organizations across a wide range of industries, building teams and helping companies grow. His passion today is focused on making a difference in people’s lives through generosity, connection, and purpose. At the MAT Annual Conference, Jacob will share insights on leadership, service, and the power of local communities to create lasting impact.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS - WITH MORE TO BE ADDED (Updated July 19, 2026)
Are Data Centers Coming to Your Town?
Presenters: Troy Gilchrist and Ben Gilchrist of the Town Law Center
A discussion of data centers and options for regulating them. This presentation will also address other large facilities that may occur in your town.
The Benefits of Social Media and Protecting Your Town's Use of Social Media
Presenter: Jason Hill of the Town Law Center
A presentation addressing the benefits of communicating with township residents through social media, the risks of using and hosting social media platforms and best practices to protect township elected officials and employees.
The Many Hats of the Township Supervisor
Presenters: MAT General Counsel Steve Fenske and MAT In-House Counsel Maddie Cash
This presentation explores the diverse responsibilities of township supervisors, including their roles on the Board of Appeal and Equalization, Board of Audit, and Board of Canvass, as well as duties such as fence viewing, noxious weed inspection, planning and zoning oversight, and more!
How not to end up in an OSA report
Presenter: MAT In-House Counsel Graham Berg-Moberg
Recent investigations by the Office of the State Auditor provide valuable lessons for township officials. This session reviews real cases of OSA investigations involving bidding laws, contracting authority, documentation, and more, with practical advice for avoiding similar problems.
What are Townships Saying?
Presentation on commonly asked questions, best practices, and statute requirements, followed by Q&A. How do you fill a vacated supervisor's seat? Can you change from a 941 to a 944 report to the treasury? Can a township bond if they run out of money? How do you handle destroyed or uncashed payroll checks? How do you set up a public hearing and who do you notify when a resident requests a variance? Sound familiar? We have answers.
The End and the Beginning
What is on the 2027 first quarter to do list, which will lay the foundation for the remainder of the year? OSA reports, 941 and 944 reporting, Quarterly Paid Leave, March Election requirements, BOA, Annual Meeting, Reorganizational Meeting. With 2027 in sight, let MAT be your GPS so that your ETA will be A-OKAY.
Prep for Elections
Presenter: MAT Trainers
The election process begins long before election day and that process depends on the work of the Town Clerk. This session will describe the clerk’s election duties in the months leading up to the election. Topics will include the pre-election notices, interaction with the County Auditor, election administrator training, election judge management, absentee ballot procedures, party balance, and other election duties.
The Ins and Outs of Paid Leave
Presenter: MAT Trainers
The Paid Leave Program came with many questions and few answers. MAT Trainers will clarify the program and how towns interact with it. The presentation will describe who participates in Paid Leave, why do townships need an Unemployment Insurance account, how and where to submit quarterly wage reports, how and where to submit payments and print vouchers plus Paid Leave’s list of penalties for non-submittal and compliance.
What's Not Covered? Coverage, Liability & Risk Every Township Official Should Know
Presenters: Lisa Utley & Steve Fenske
This presentation is an overview of the Minnesota Association of Township Insurance Trust (MATIT), combining practical insurance guidance with key legal considerations, helping township officials make informed decisions, reducing risk, and avoiding costly surprises before a claim occurs. We will discuss why some claims are covered while others are not, how actuarial analysis helps establish rates, and proactive steps township officials can take to protect public resources and their township.