68th Annual State Conference.
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Thank you for attending the 68th Annual Conference! Check your inbox for the conference CEU form and survey. Speaker and session resources can be found in the app, as well as here. Click the photo below to view the conference photos.
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68th Annual Conference | August 3-6, 2025
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
"Scratching the Surface: The Future is Unlimited"
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FULL CONFERENCE MEMBER RATES
*Provides access to director/purchaser-only time in the exhibit hall on Tuesday, August 5 (approximately 2 hours additional time). The entire exhibit show runs 4.5 hours. |
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$210 | SERVSAFE 8-HOUR COURSE & EXAM | Sunday, August 3, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
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$100 | SERVSAFE 4-HOUR RENEWAL COURSE | Sunday, August 3, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
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CONFERENCE ADD-ONS
View the fun and free conference add-ons, such as the Tuesday tours and Wellness Wednesday activities (registration required), plus check out the brand new Sunday spice class!
REGISTERING A GROUP?
LODGING OPTIONS: Centerstone Plaza Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hyatt House Rochester Mayo Clinic, Kahler Grand Hotel
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Kathy Parry
A recognized authority in personal energy, productivity, and resilience, Kathy Parry activates positive changes for overwhelmed professionals. Prior to launching her own speaking and training business Kathy was a trainer for a super-regional bank on their merger and acquisition team. In this role, she helped others integrate new technology and transition through organizational transformation.
Ray McElroy
Ray McElroy is a former NFL football player spending six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and the Chicago Bears. A native of Chicago, Ray served as team chaplain for the Bears organization after his playing career. He now captivates audiences nationwide through corporate, motivational speaking and empowers communities through his nonprofit organization, A Ray of Hope on Earth.
Get ready for three days full of fun, connection, and discovery - and we’re just scratching the surface!
To join any registration-required activities, please add to your Annual Conference registration or contact MSNA to add to your existing registration
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WELCOME RECEPTION New this year, all attendees and industry members are invited to a Welcome Reception on Monday from 5:00-7:00 pm. Join us for a fun and casual evening of connection and delicious hors d’oeuvres as we officially open the conference. Whether it’s your first time attending or you're a seasoned MSNA conference pro, this is the perfect chance to meet new faces and reunite with familiar ones. |
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TUESDAY TOURS (Registration Required) TOUR 1: Join us on Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 pm for an exclusive tour of the brand-new kitchen at Bishop Elementary, one of Rochester’s newest school facilities, built after the 2019 referendum and opened in Fall 2022. With space for 720 students, this state-of-the-art site offers a unique look at how a large district runs a high-volume, efficient, and successful nutrition operation. Space is limited to 50 attendees, and transportation is on your own. Don’t miss your chance to explore what’s possible in the future of school kitchens. TOUR 2: Dig into the roots of local, sustainable food production! On Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 pm, join us for a special tour of Hidden Stream Farm, a 4th-generation organic farm. Learn from the experts about sustainable agriculture and how it connects to school nutrition programs. Space is limited to 50 attendees, and transportation is on your own. |
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TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGE Back for 2025, we’re putting your teamwork to the test! Join us in the main ballroom on Tuesday at 3:15 PM for the Team Building Challenge, a high-energy event full of connection and a little friendly competition. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave inspired as we scratch the surface of what makes school nutrition so impactful. |
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SUNDAY SPICE CLASS (Registration Required - $25.00) ($25.00/person) On Sunday, we’re offering two class sessions, one from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and another from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In these sessions, our instructor will share simple and creative ways to enhance your recipes with no-salt flavor combinations designed for kids’ tastes. You’ll also pick up valuable tips on spice storage, recipe scaling and customization, and the different uses of fresh versus dried herbs. Best of all, you’ll take home your own spice blends in jars, along with a recipe card, so you can put them to use right away in your school kitchens. |
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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY | WELLNESS WALK (Registration Required) Morning Wellness Walk - Wednesday 7:00 am | Get a fresh start to Wednesday by participating in a guided Wellness Walk through Rochester, MN. Reconnect with colleagues, enjoy the fresh air, and rejuvenate your mind and body before heading into the day's sessions. All fitness levels welcome! |
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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY | FITNESS BOOT CAMP (Registration Required) Fitness Boot Camp - Wednesday 6:45 am | Kickstart your day with a high-energy, all-levels workout combines cardio, strength, and mobility exercises to boost your metabolism and mental focus. Led by Callie Neumann, Simplot, AFAA Certified, it's the perfect way to wake up your body and mind before a day of learning and networking. No equipment needed - just bring your water bottle and enthusiasm! |
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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY | YOGA (Registration Required) Yoga - Wednesday 7:00 am | Start your morning refreshed with yoga! Led by Marnie Henkle of Foodbridge, this yoga session will kick off your conference morning the right way. Connect the body, breath, and mind through physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. |
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SCAVENGER HUNT Get ready to explore downtown Rochester like never before. On Tuesday evening, join in on a fun and interactive Scavenger Hunt around the city. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Rochester regular, this adventure will have you discovering new places and connecting with others along the way. |
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GIFT BASKET RAFFLE Revamped with exciting updates! It's your chance to help build a brighter future for school nutrition. Back by popular demand, our Raffle Basket Fundraiser gives you the chance to win amazing prizes while making a difference. Tickets are just $2 each, and you get to choose which baskets to enter (new!). To keep the energy up throughout the conference, we’ll hold multiple drawings (new!) from Monday through Wednesday. All proceeds support scholarship winners. Donate a basket here! |
MSNA is partnering with Family Service Rochester, a nonprofit organization with the mission to support and enhance the dignity and quality of life for individuals and families in our community. Family Service Rochester provides more than 30 programs across 12 different counties. Our staff of over 150 along with 600 + volunteers provides a wide range of services addressing mental health, child-wellbeing, family stability, and senior independence. When you bring donations with you to the Annual Conference, please drop them off at the registration area when you check-in. Learn more here.
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EXHIBIT SHOWTuesday, August 5, 9:15 AM - 2:00 PM
Exhibitors, please visit the exhibitor page for the prospectus, registration, forms, and other information. |
Questions? Please contact MSNA at [email protected] or 320-251-2344.