Minnesota Partners in Public Health Conference

The conference will feature a mix of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. 

Keynote speakers

Dr. Michael Yellow Bird: Cultural Humility, Relational Accountability, and Structural Decolonization: Advancing Equitable and Sustainable Public Health Systems.

Session description: This keynote presentation offers actionable strategies for building cooperative partnerships with Tribal nations. This session provides vital conceptual clarity for public health professionals seeking to understand Indigenous values, knowledge, and lived experiences. Attendees will explore a transformative framework that treats partnership as an ethical practice grounded in historical awareness, helping dominant-culture systems move from transactional engagement to true, reciprocal collaboration. By conceptualizing partnerships as a "relational ecosystem," this session introduces non-Indigenous workers to integrative frameworks like Two-Eyed Seeing. Finally, the presentation offers practical tools to cultivate ongoing cultural humility, de-escalate organizational stress, and utilize strengths-based Indigenous evaluation metrics to build a more responsive, collaborative, and reflexive public health workforce.

Speaker bio: Michael Yellow Bird, PhD, is a Professor and the former Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba. In July 2027, he will join The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto as the inaugural endowed Lee Wu Kee Ming Chair in Indigenous Social Work. He has held faculty and administrative leadership positions at several universities in the US and Canada. He has served as a Distinguished Visitor at the University of Auckland, New Zealand (2016), a Distinguished Visiting Teaching Scholar at Trent University (2024), a Visiting Scholar at Simon Fraser University (2025), and is Faculty Emeritus, Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, California (2009 – 2014).

Dr. Yellow Bird is a member of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) in North Dakota, USA and is a certified, internationally trained mindfulness meditation teacher, professional, and scholar. He is a Research Affiliate with Centre on Aging (University of Manitoba), the Co-Chair of the Mindfulness Council of Canada, a Member of the Board of Directors of Global Compassion Coalition, President of the Native American Humane Society (USA), a Member of the Indigenous Elders Mindfulness Advisory Council (Santa Fe, New Mexico), and an External Advisory Member of the Brown University Mindfulness Center.

His research and scholarly interests focus on colonization, decolonization, neurodecolonization, neuroscience and Indigenous Peoples, healthy Indigenous aging, mindfulness, Arikara ethnobotany and traditional agriculture, artificial intelligence and Indigenous youth, and the cultural significance of Rez dogs. He is the author of several social work and Indigenous studies scholarly articles and book chapters, the co-editor of four books, and the co-author of four books.

Dr. Amit Sood: How to get more mileage from your brain

Session description: In this session, Dr. Sood will take you on a back-stage brain tour to help you understand the brain mechanisms that deplete resilience and vitality every single day. Based on that understanding, you’ll learn insights and skills to help you overcome these neural vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing your ability to handle change, uncertainty, and daily stressors, and improving your relationships. This approach has been tested and found effective in over 30 clinical trials for decreasing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and burnout, and increasing resilience, wellbeing, mindfulness, happiness, and positive health behaviors. Some of the most reputed organizations, companies, and largest health systems have implemented this approach as their core well-being solution.

Speaker bio: Dr. Sood, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.P, is the creator of the Resilient Option program and executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing. He was not only a professor of medicine but also held the position of Chair for student life and wellness at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Sood has presented at some of the highest impact forums like, TEDx, Lake Nona, Forbes Under 30 Forum, Conference Board, Beckers, YPO, NPR, NAMI, NBGH, NASA, keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, universities, foundations, and others.

Dr. Sood has authored or co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles, editorials, book chapters, abstracts and letters. He developed the first Mayo Clinic iPhone app for meditation training. He has also authored multiple books including The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, The Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness, Immerse: A 52-Week Course in Resilient Living, Mindfulness Redesigned for the Twenty-First Century, Stronger, SMART with Dr. Sood, 2021: Your Year of Healing, and That Makes Sense: Bite-sized resilience insights to lift your day.

Dr. Sood serves as member of the Everyday Health Wellness Advisory Board.

Learn more about Dr. Sood's work: Dr. Amit Sood

Dr. Jermaine Davis: Communicate like a champ! Why courageous conversations matter more than you think

Session description: In today's rapidly changing world, communication isn't just a skill! It's an organizational and leadership advantage. Every conversation matters. Whether you're building trust, navigating conflict, leading through change, or serving your community—courageous conversations are the foundation of stronger relationships, healthier teams, and a more productive workplace.

In this engaging and informative keynote, Dr. Jermaine combines humor, practical strategies, and real-world stories to help participants communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and compassion. You'll discover practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, reduce misunderstandings, and help people feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.

No matter your role or title, you will gain skills to communicate more effectively up, down, and across your organization. Walk away energized, encouraged, and equipped to build stronger relationships, foster greater collaboration, and confidently communicate like a champion.

Speaker bio: Dr. Jermaine M. Davis is a Minnesota Hall of Fame speaker, award-winning professor, and best-selling author of 10 books. He serves as Professor of Communication Studies at Century College and Professor of Organizational Leadership at St. Kate’s University. Dr. Jermaine earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Speech Communication and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.

Before stepping onto the stage and into the classroom, Dr. Jermaine built his career in corporate America, where he worked in sales and management. That experience ignited his life's work: helping individuals, leaders, and organizations get unstuck and perform at their best.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Jermaine has inspired audiences to navigate change, overcome setbacks, and turn challenges into strategic comebacks. From his first book, Get Up Off Your Butt and Do It Now, to his national Dump Your Slump research study, his mission has remained the same: helping people move forward when life, school, and work become chaotic, stressful, or overwhelming.

Dr. Jermaine has partnered with organizations including the Mayo Clinic, Best Buy, Cleveland Clinic, Microsoft, the FBI, Yale University, and West Point Military Academy. When he's not speaking, teaching, or writing, you'll find Dr. Jermaine cheering on his son, Zion, under the Friday night lights, enjoying his grandmother's homemade macaroni and cheese, or laughing at a local stand-up comedy show.

We rely on the support of vendors (sponsors and exhibitors) to make this conference a success! The financial support of sponsors and exhibitors helps fund meeting costs and increases access to this important learning and connection opportunity. We are grateful for your consideration of being involved! Read the full vendor prospectus: Vendor Prospectus 2026 (PDF).

Sponsors

Sponsors receive increased visibility and play a key role in ensuring a successful Minnesota Partners in Public Health Conference. Sponsorship price-points range from $2,500 to S10,000. When you apply to be a vendor at the conference, you will indicate on the application your interest in sponsoring. There are various sponsorship opportunities available, and conference staff will work with you to find the sponsorship package that perfectly fits your engagement goals and budget.

All sponsorship include:  

• Recognition of sponsorship from the podium during the conference
• Company logo on conference website, on signage at the conference, and on conference materials and/or the conference app
• Full page ad in high traffic areas of the conference
• Recognition of sponsorship with ribbon on nametag  
• Designated listing as a sponsor in the exhibitor guide  
• Exhibit table with central location in exhibit area  
• Free Registration with two conference tickets

Additionally, when you sponsor, you may enjoy the opportunity to:  

• Speak to all conference attendees from the podium about your company/organization
• Lead a breakout session
• Engage with attendees through a special hosted engagement activity
• Provide branded materials that all attendees receive 

Exhibitors

Exhibiting at the conference is a cost-effective way for you to make connections with conference attendees, promote products and services, and is ideal for non-profits and governmental programs. There are several exhibiting tiers. When you fill out the application to be a vendor, you will indicate what type of organization you are which will dictate your exhibitor price.  

Exhibitor levels:

• All for-profit companies and non-profit organizations with over 50 employees: $1,200
• Non-profit organizations with less than 50 employees: $600
• Governmental programs: $400

The exhibitor package includes:

• Exhibit table in exhibit area
• Listing in the exhibitor guide
• Free registration with one conference ticket

Apply to be a vendor

Vendors include both sponsors and exhibitors. The first step is to apply to be a vendor at the conference. Conference staff will be reviewing applications as they come in, and applicants will be sent further instructions on payment, registration, and lodging at the conference. For those that indicate an interest in sponsoring, we will send more information on the specifics of the different sponsorship opportunities.  

Apply to be a vendor now

Note that no payment is required when applying – filling out the application is simply indicating your interest in being involved.  Apply early so you don’t miss your chance to participate at the level you desire – for exhibitors in particular, a limited number of spots are available, and they tend to fill fast!  

Questions

If you have any questions about being a conference vendor (either a sponsor and/or exhibitor) please contact Alicia Rodriguez, LPHA Project Manager, at 651-789-4325 or email arodriguez@mncounties.org.  

We look forward to seeing you at the conference! 

The conference will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 17 through Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026. It will start mid-day on the 17th and go through mid-day on the 19th. The LPHA annual meeting will take place on the 17th before the start of the conference, and an awards ceremony recognizing leaders across our Minnesota public health system will be held during one of the evening dinners. 

Preliminary 2026 Conference Agenda (PDF)

More details about keynotes and breakout sessions coming soon.  

Registration opens Wednesday, Aug. 19 and closes Monday, Nov. 2.

• Early bird registration fee is $225 per person through Oct. 16
• Regular registration fee is $250 per person Oct. 17 through Nov. 2.

Registration includes access to the full 3-day conference and 4 meals, including dinner on Nov. 17, lunch and dinner on Nov. 18, and lunch on Nov. 19.

Local public health and Tribal health: Your agency does not have to be a member of LPHA to attend this conference. We want a wide representation of all those in local public health and Tribal health departments – if the cost of attending this conference is a hindrance to your attendance, please email us at health.mpphconference.MDH@state.mn.us as a limited number of scholarships are available: 

MDH: Please speak to your direct supervisor to plan for your attendance at the conference.  

How to register

We will be using a new registration software this year! When you register, you will be able to register yourself, yourself plus other people in your organization, or only other people in your organization.  Please follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure you are registering correctly: Registration Instructions 2026 (PDF)

Register now!

Prepare to register yourself and/or others:

On the registration form, you will be asked to provide the following information for each person you’re purchasing a conference ticket for.  

• Name
• Email
• Organization/Agency
• Title
• Dietary restrictions
• What meals they will take at the conference, and if they will attend the LPHA Annual meeting
• If they consent to their likeness being used by LPHA and/or MDH for future promotional purposes. The full MDH photo consent statement can be found here.

Once registered, an invoice will be generated which can be paid by check or by credit card.  

Attendees are responsible for making their own lodging reservations. For more information on lodging at the conference, please see your registration confirmation email, or you can read more under the Location and lodging section below.  

Cancellation policy

Cancellation requests must be received in writing; requests can be sent to Mary Lyon at mlyon@mncounties.org. 

• Requests received by Nov. 2 will receive a refund of the registrant’s registration cost MINUS a 3% cancellation processing fee.
• After Nov. 2, conference tickets may be transferred to someone else, but no refund will be given if you are not able to attend. 
• No refunds will be given if inclement weather forces cancellation of the event or a pivot to an online-only format. We will give as much notice as possible to those who are registered should such a circumstance arise. 

The conference will take place at the Park Event Center, 500 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387.

Lodging reservations

You are responsible for making your own lodging reservations, and if necessary, cancelling any room reservations no longer needed. Room blocks are being held for this conference at the two hotels attached to the Park Event Center: Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn. The rate at both hotels is $162/night + tax and includes breakfast. 

Hilton Garden Inn

• Booking Link: https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/sy2h9d
• Arrival/ Departure Dates: Nov. 17-19, 2026 
• Block cutoff date: Oct. 17, 2026
• Guests can also call the hotel directly at 320-640-7990 and use GROUP CODE: 932 to get the same discounted rooms

Residence Inn by Marriott

• Booking Link: https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1770753230268&key=GRP&app=resvlink 
• Arrival/departure dates: Nov. 17-19, 2026 
• Block cutoff date: October 17, 2026
• Guests can also call the hotel directly at 320-640-0200 and use GROUP CODE: MNC to get the same discounted rooms

After the cutoff date, availability and block pricing is no longer guaranteed. Please see your hotel confirmation email for cancellation policies.  

• Jennifer Anderson, City of Richfield
• Christy Bectold, Emergency Preparedness and Response, MDH
• Kristin Bye, Otter Tail County
• Cory Couillard, Communications Office, MDH
• Lindsi Darco, White Earth Nation
• Michelle Ebbers, Des Moines Valley HHS
• Amy Evans, Dodge County
• Andrea Hickle, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease, MDH
• Paula Keller, Injury Prevention and Mental Health, MDH
• Erin Melz, Aitkin County
• Naomi Montesa, Office of American Indian Health and Tribal, MDH
• Emily Poncik, Maternal and Child Health, MDH
• Josh Ramaker, La Sueur County
• Sarah Reese, Polk County
• Julie Shelton, Fond du Lac
• Mina Spalla, White Earth Nation
• Maureen (Mo) Spike, Isanti County
• Duzong Yang, Environmental Health, MDH

Staff

• Murphy Anderson, Public Health Strategy and Partnership, MDH
• Tara Carmean, Public Health Strategy and Partnership, MDH
• Mary Lyon, LPHA
• Alicia Rodriguez, LPHA
• Deanna White, Public Health Strategy and Partnership, MDH

Can our agency use FPHR, LPH, Minnesota Infrastructure, or RSG funding to support conference attendance? 

Yes. Local and Tribal public health may use Foundational Public Health Responsibilities, Local Public Health, and Minnesota Infrastructure Grant funding to pay for staff attendance. Response Sustainability Grant funding may be used to support preparedness staff attendance. 

I am a local public health professional but not a member of LPHA. Can I attend?

Yes! LPH agencies can send as many people as they want, whether they are an appointed LPHA member or not. Those in leadership and staff positions are all welcome and encouraged to attend.  

I work at a Tribal health department but am not a member of LPHA. Can I attend?

Yes! This conference is open to all those who work in Minnesota’s tribal health departments, whether the Tribe is a member of LPHA or not.  

I work at MDH – how do I know if I can attend?

It is important to have representation from across MDH at this conference. Please speak to your direct supervisor as early as possible if you are interested in attending and work together to determine next steps.

Will continuing education hours be offered?

A certificate of attendance that can be used for continuing education contact hours will be made available to participants after the conference. Number of contact hours TBD.

Will parts of the conference be recorded or live-streamed?

No. This conference will be an in-person event only and there is no plan to record or live-stream parts of the conference.  

If I can’t attend the conference in-person, is there a virtual option?

There will be no virtual attendance option for this conference.

The cost to attend the conference (registration, lodging, travel), is prohibitive to my attendance. Are scholarships available?

Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available to cover the costs associated with attending this conference for those in local or Tribal public health. Please contact us at health.mpphconference.mdh@state.mn.us to learn more.  

Will different dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, when you register, you will be able to share your dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Note that if you have severe allergies, we cannot guarantee that food is prepared in an allergen free environment, so in that case, you might consider bringing your own food to supplement the conference meals.  

I’m not finding the answer to my question.

This website is always the best place to go for the most up-to-date information about the conference, but if you can’t find what you need, you may reach out to conference planning staff at health.mpphconference.mdh@state.mn.us