68th Annual State Conference.

68th Annual Conference | August 3-6, 2025

Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN

"Scratching the Surface: The Future is Unlimited"

Scratching the Surface: The Future is Unlimited - that’s the theme driving this year’s can't-miss Minnesota School Nutrition Association Annual Conference, taking place August 3-6 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN! Join hundreds of your school nutrition peers for four days packed with inspiration, innovation, and insight.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

From energizing keynote speakers, to 40+ educational breakout sessions, to our vibrant 100+ booth food show, this conference offers something for everyone. Whether you're diving into scratch cooking, navigating new guidelines, or preparing for what’s next, this event will help you stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.

Registration is online only. You will have the option to pay via credit card or be sent an invoice.

Please mail all checks to 1400 Van Buren St. NE #200-239, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

FULL CONFERENCE MEMBER RATES

$220 - Member Pass [$265 after July 9]
$240 - Member Director/Purchaser Pass* [$285 after July 9]

FULL CONFERENCE NON-MEMBER RATES

$320 - Non-Member Pass [$365 after July 9]
$340 - Non-Member Director/Purchaser Pass* [$385 after July 9]

TUESDAY-ONLY RATES

$150 - Tuesday Only Pass [$170 after July 9]
$170 - Tuesday Only Director/Purchaser Pass* [$190 after July 9]

*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.

SUNDAY COURSES

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 17

$210 | SERVSAFE 8-HOUR COURSE & EXAM | Sunday, August 3, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Includes the 8:00 AM-12:00 PM ServSafe renewal course and the 12:30-6:00 PM Part 2 & Exam
This is a trademarked ServSafe course led by Michelle Hill, FoodSafetyGuy and includes a ServSafe Food Manager book with an exam answer sheet and proctored ServSafe Food Manager examination.
A box lunch will be provided.

$100 | SERVSAFE 4-HOUR RENEWAL COURSE | Sunday, August 3, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

This is a "refresher" course and only for those who need 4 hours of training.
This trademarked ServSafe class is led by Michelle Hill, FoodSafetyGuy.
The certificate for four (4) CEUs will be issued electronically after class and must be printed and sent to MDH along with the renewal application and $35.00 to the address printed on the back of the application form.
Lunch is NOT provided.

REGISTERING A GROUP?

Both members and non-members are able to register multiple guests through the registration form.

BOOK LODGING HERE

LODGING OPTIONS: Centerstone Plaza Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hyatt House Rochester Mayo Clinic, Kahler Grand Hotel

SCHEDULE OUTLINE

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

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 pro, this is the perfect chance to meet new faces and reunite with familiar ones.

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 attendees are responsible for their own transportation.

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.

SUNDAY SPICE CLASS (Registration Required - $25.00)

($25.00/person) In this Sunday class from 11:00-12:30 PM, our instructor will share easy ways to enhance your recipes with no-salt flavor combinations tailored to kids' tastes. You’ll learn important tips and tricks for storing spices, recipe scaling and customization, the different uses for fresh and dried herbs, and much more! And better yet, you’ll be able to take home your own spice blends in jars along with a recipe card, enabling you to utilize them in your school kitchens.

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!

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!

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.

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. (More details coming soon!)

GIFT BASKET RAFFLE

Revamped with exciting updates!

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 from Monday through Wednesday. All proceeds support scholarship winners. Thank you for helping build a brighter future for school nutrition.