Registration is OPEN NOW for the 159th Annual MNA Convention & Trade Show!
We’ve reduced the 2026 price for MNA members who register early! Register before Dec. 15 to lock in a $99 MNA member rate. From Dec. 16-Jan. 12, prices return to 2025 levels of $135. Late registration (after Jan. 12) is $185. The nonmember rate is $250 per person.
One of the top state news media association conventions in the United States, the 2026 MNA Convention & Trade Show is happening Jan. 28-30, 2026, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park. Reserve your hotel room at the $149 MNA rate today.
2026 MNA Convention Schedules
We’re adding details daily – check back often!
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Minnesota News Media Institute board meeting
Minnesota Newspaper Association board meeting
Noon: MNA/MNI board lunch
Noon-4 p.m.: Trade Show exhibitor move-in
MNA Advertising/Digital Committee
MNA Journalism Education Committee
Convention registration desk open.
MNA Member Services Committee
MNA Legislative Committee
5 p.m.: MNA Welcome Reception (ticketed), hors d’oeuvres & cash bar, in the Fireside Lobby and Northland Foyer.
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
Convention mainline events:
All Day:
MNI Silent Auction bidding to support MNA member training and internships, Northland Foyer.
Trade Show exhibitors, Northland Foyer.
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Trade Show Breakfast, Northland Foyer.
9:30-11:30 a.m. Concurrent sessions
Noon-1:30 p.m.: Opening luncheon (ticketed), Northland Ballroom. Includes:
- Keynote speaker: Secretary of State Steve Simon on the state of midterm elections.
- Half-Century Club inductions
2-3:30 p.m. Concurrent sessions
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Better Newspaper Contest & Student VIP reception, Northland Foyer. (cash bar)
7 p.m.: Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet & Gala (ticketed), Northland Ballroom.
Until midnight: BNC Afterparty. Celebrate together! (cash bar)
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Convention mainline events:
All Day: Trade Show exhibitors
7:30-9 a.m.: Trade Show Breakfast
8-9 a.m.: Trade Talk
7:30-noon: MNI Silent Auction bidding to support MNA training and internships
9:30-11:30 a.m. Concurrent sessions
Noon-1:30 p.m: Friday Luncheon (ticketed), Northland Ballroom.
2-3:30 p.m. Concurrent sessions
3:30 p.m.: MNA Annual Meeting, Hennepin Salon 3.
5:30 p.m.: Past President’s Dinner (ticketed, invitation-only)
Sponsorships and trade show spaces are available NOW.
Click here for details. Contact Devlyn Brooks at devlynbrooks@gmail.com or Lisa Schwarz at lisas@mna.org to join us.