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CGMC 2025 Summer Conference

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 10:00 AM - Friday, July 25, 2025 12:00 PM (CDT)

Description

Join us at the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference in July for engaging speakers and sessions, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, and more! The three-day conference will include*:

An in-depth look at the 2025 legislative session, the state budget, and where it all went wrong, focusing specifically on key impacts for Greater Minnesota
House members sharing their perspectives on the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that came with legislating in a tied House
Media experts and journalists exploring the decline of Greater Minnesota’s local newspapers and potential steps towards a solution
Flaherty & Hood’s labor and employment legal team providing updates and guidance on the key issues affecting Greater Minnesota cities
An exhibit hall featuring vendors experienced in working with Greater Minnesota communities
Guided historical tours of the city of Bemidji
Networking and social events with elected officials and staff from other Greater Minnesota cities, including pontoon rides, live music, bonfires, and mini golf
The annual Legislative Awards Dinner, where CGMC members, legislators, and other leaders from throughout the state gather to celebrate those who made key contributions to the CGMC over the past year
And more!

View the event flyer.

*Agenda is subject to change. Stay tuned as we finalize the schedule!

This page is for attendee registration only. Exhibitor information and registration is available here.

Conference schedule and agenda

Wednesday, July 23

10am - Registration opens

11:30am - Lunch served

12pm - Conference welcome

12:05pm - 4pm - Conference presentations & sessions

4pm - Break for hotel check-in

5pm - Dinner & evening activity

The City of Bemidji and Visit Bemidji will host a lakeside dinner on the Sanford Center patio, followed by a quick pontoon ride over to the Mississippi Music Festival, where attendees can listen to local music and explore downtown Bemidji!

Thursday, July 24

7am - Breakfast on your own

8am - Historical Bus Tour of Bemidji

Step into Bemidji's past and discover iconic landmarks, untold stories, and the rich history of our city! Transportation sponsored by Visit Bemidji.

10:30am - Exhibit Hall opens

Connect with the vendors and sponsors that help support the CGMC Summer Conference and enjoy snacks in the exhibit hall.

12pm - Lunch keynote presentation

1pm - Exhibitor break

1:30pm - Presentation

2:30pm - Exhibitor break

3pm - Exhibit hall closes

3pm - Presentation

4pm - Break

5pm - Cocktail reception

6pm - Legislative Awards Dinner

Join the CGMC at our annual Legislative Awards ceremony honoring the policymakers, elected officials, staff, and other leaders that have championed Greater Minnesota priorities.

Friday, July 25

8am - Breakfast

8:30am-10:30am - Presentations

10:30am - Break

10:45am - CGMC membership meeting

The CGMC membership will vote on the organization's dues policy, budget, and Board of Directors for the upcoming year.

11:30am - Conference adjourns

Hotel information

The CGMC room blocks at the Country Inn & Suites and the South Shore Hotel have closed. There may still be rooms available to book directly with the hotels.

Information for exhibitors

Businesses or organizations interested in exhibiting at the CGMC Summer Conference or sponsoring the conference should click here for more information and registration.