Join township leaders from across 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 connections to help you better serve your community.
SPEAKERS: Hear from experienced speakers on key topics for 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 for township needs. Network with peers, share solutions, and bring home proven strategies.
REGISTRATION
Note: Pre-registration is due by November 23rd. All registrations received after this date will be held and processed at the “on-site” rate. Note: Lodging is a separate process - see below for more details.
ONLINE: Register for the conference here
BY MAIL: Print out and complete this PDF form and postal mail it to the MAT office
LOGISTICS AND COSTS
DATE: Thursday, December 10 through Saturday, December 12, 2026
LOCATION: Grand View Lodge, 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN 56468 (near Brainerd)
COSTS:
Township Officials:
Entire Conference with Friday Evening Banquet - $200/person (on-site will be $240)
Entire Conference WITHOUT Friday Evening Banquet - $170/person (on-site will be $210)
Friday Only without Banquet - $110/person (on-site will be $140)
Saturday Only $75/per person (on-site will be $75)
Spouse/Guest Registration:
Guest Exhibit Hall Pass - $40/person (includes Thursday PM refreshments and Friday AM breakfast)
Friday Lunch - $30/person
Friday Evening Banquet - $65/person
Saturday Breakfast - $40/person
LODGING OPTIONS
MAT Annual Conference attendees have several lodging options at Grand View Lodge and throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Please note: Conference registration and lodging reservations are separate. Be sure to complete both.
On-site Lodging at Grand View Lodge:
North Hotel at Grand View Lodge (Two-Night Minimum – Thursday & Friday Required: located approximately 800 feet from the Gull Lake Center (our conference location), the North Hotel offers modern, traditional hotel-style accommodations. Guests should plan for a short, 3-minute outdoor walk; complimentary shuttle service is also available. Rooms are $179+tax per night. Rooms are first come, first served and may sell out. CLICK HERE to reserve by October 26 with our special MAT room block.
Cabins at Grand View Lodge: Enjoy a little more space and an Up North experience with Grand View Lodge’s cabin accommodations. Cabins vary in size and amenities, with many offering multiple bedrooms/bathrooms, shared living areas, and kitchens or kitchenettes—ideal for families or colleagues sharing accommodations. Cabins are not connected to the Gull Lake Center, so guests should plan for a short outdoor walk to conference activities. Prices and locations vary. Click here for reservations.
Off-Site Lodging: Attendees may also make their own lodging arrangements at hotels nearby in Nisswa, Brainerd, or Baxter. MAT does not have room blocks or special rates at these properties, and guests are responsible for transportation to and from Grand View Lodge. (Ample on-site parking is available at the Gull Lake Center at Grand View Lodge, where conference activities will be held.) Some nearby lodging options include:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brainerd-Baxter by IHG, 15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425. (218) 824-3232, Website. On-site waterpark, approximately $100/night.
The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, 6967 Lake Forest Rd, Baxter, MN 56425(218) 203-9167 Website. On-site waterpark, approximately $92/night
SCHEDULE
A detailed final schedule with conference logistics will be sent to registrants prior to the conference.
Thursday, December 10
5:30 PM - Registration opens
5:30 to 8:00 PM - Vendor Exhibition and Roundtable Discussions
Heavy appetizers provided, Cash bar available
Vendor “BINGO” awards at 7:30 PM
Friday, December 11
8:00 to 9:00 AM - Registration
8:00 to 9:00 AM - Breakfast buffet
9:00 AM - General Session
Welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, Introductions
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Jacob Richman, Founder & Chair, BeBlessed Foundation, “Civility in an Uncivilized World: How Leaders Set the Tone”
Mock township meeting
Panel on Township Land Use Issues
12:00 NOON - Lunch Buffet
1:00 to 4:30 PM - Breakout educational sessions (4 rooms, 4 blocks of 45 minutes each)
1:00 to 4:15 PM - Spouse/Guest Event – Shopping in Nisswa
5:00 to 6:00 PM - Social Hour with cash bar
6:00 to 7:00 PM - Banquet, MAT Scholarship Awards presentation
7:00 to 7:45 PM - Entertainment
Saturday, December 12
8:00 AM - Registration opens
8:00 to 9:00 AM - Breakfast buffet with 2026 Memorials Presentation
9:00 AM - Minnesota Association of Townships Business Meeting
MAT Financial Report: MAT Board Treasurer Frank Hard and CLA — CliftonLarsonAllen
MAT Executive Director Report: Jeff Krueger
Legislative Update: Shep Harris of Fredrickson & Byron
MAT Legislative Priorities: MAT In-House Counsel Graham Berg-Moberg
10:45 AM - Door prizes
11:00 AM - Adjourn
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES – EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN
Enjoy some free time at Grand View Lodge or nearby downtown Nisswa:
Glacial Waters Spa: Relax with a massage, facial or other spa service. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit the Glacial Waters Spa website.
Downtown Nisswa: Explore locally owned boutiques, gift shops and specialty stores on Main Street Nisswa, just a short drive from Grand View Lodge.
The Chocolate Ox: A Nisswa favorite for chocolates, candy, ice cream and nostalgic sweets.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
ALL TIMES/ SESSIONS ARE TENTATIVE AND COULD CHANGE (Updated August 25, 2026)
Room 1, Session A and B: Small City & Town Accounting System (CTAS) Presentation and Assistance
PRESENTER: Mark Albarado, Office of the State Auditor
Mark supports local government finance reporting and outreach. He has been deeply involved with CTAS—the Small City & Town Accounting System—for many years, providing training and presenting at the Minnesota Association of Townships Short Courses. His expertise makes him a trusted resource for township clerks and treasurers, helping them produce accurate, compliant financial reports and serving as a long-standing go-to contact for CTAS users. Mark will give a short presentation followed by Q&A.
Room 1, Session C: 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.
Room 1, Session D: 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.
Room 2, Session A: What are Townships Saying?
Presenters: MAT Trainers
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.
Room 2, Session B: The End and the Beginning
Presenters: MAT Trainers
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.
Room 2, Session C: TENTATIVE: Matt Stordahl, engineer with Stonebrooke Engineering
Room 2, Session D: TENTATIVE: Doug Johnson, MN Fire Marshal’s Office
Room 3, Session A: 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.
Room 3, Session B: 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.
Room 3, Session C: 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.
Room 3, Session D: 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!
Room 4, Session A: 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.
Room 4, Session B: TENTATIVE: Municipal Contracting
Presenter: MAT IN-House Counsel Graham Berg-Moberg
Room 4, Session C: TENTATIVE: Speaker on Data Centers
Room 4, Session D: State Legislative Outlook: Insights and Township Priorities
PRESENTERS: State Legislators with Graham Berg-Moberg, MAT In-House Counsel
Join Minnesota legislators for a candid discussion on the recent legislative session and what’s ahead at the Capitol. They will share key takeaways, expected policy debates, and trends affecting local government. Participants are encouraged to join the conversation on township priorities and opportunities to elevate township voices in St. Paul. This session provides practical insight from both sides of the aisle and ideas to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process.
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.