More Than Education: Don’t Miss These Special Institute & Expo Experiences

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Sharon Hollister

The 2026 Institute & Expo – Change Makers – is Feb. 11-12 in St. Paul. Join us for two days of nonstop education for everyone on your team, plus the largest aging services expo in the region, special events, and valuable connections with peers.

Institute & Expo offers more than education. From networking and tools to fun and fundraising, be sure to check out these special features happening throughout the event.

Support Caregivers: Foundation Silent Auction & NEW Midway (Fundraisers)

Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Thursday, Feb. 12

Support the Gayle Kvenvold Commitment to Caregivers Fund by bidding in the 10th Annual LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Silent Auction or trying your luck at the new Foundation Midway, featuring fun carnival-style games and prizes. Preview items and activities in the Institute App.

Want to help now? Donate an item—personal and corporate donations are tax deductible.
Silent Auction Donation Form 2026

Silent Auction Ideas

Event App: Everything You Need, One Place (Free)

Sponsored by Colliers Securities | Colliers Mortgage, Consonus Healthcare, Lotus Pharmacy, and Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP

Schedules, maps, exhibitors, sponsors, and CEU info are all at your fingertips with the Institute & Expo mobile app. Watch your inbox for download instructions and be sure to install it before you arrive.

EduCare & OnTrack: Workforce Training Solutions

Stop by the EduCare and OnTrack display on the ballroom concourse to learn how providers are strengthening their workforce through flexible CNA training and personalized support.
Click here to get started today.

CaringCareersStartHere.com: Strengthen Recruitment

Discover how CaringCareersStartHere.com helps connect aging services employers with job seekers across Minnesota. Update your Employer Match profile to boost visibility with this free resource.
Learn more at CaringCareersStartHere.com.

Power of Peers Networking Discussions

Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Join facilitated peer discussions for leaders in finance, operations, HR, nursing, culinary, sales and marketing, and independent living. CEUs available.

Stars Among Us Awards Banquet – Open to All

Tues., Feb. 10, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Saint Paul Hotel

Celebrate the people who make aging services extraordinary at the Stars Among Us Awards Banquet, now open to all. Join us for an inspiring evening of recognition, connection, and storytelling honoring Minnesota’s outstanding caregivers, volunteers, leaders, trustees, and residents.  Purchase tickets here

From learning and networking to celebrating together—and supporting caregivers through fundraising—these special features help make Institute & Expo an experience you won’t want to miss.

Pre-Conference Intensives

Why not add on one of four Pre-Conference Intensive sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 10 for deep dive learning on a specific topic of interest? Separate registration and fee apply.

1. QAPI - Meeting and Exceeding Requirements to Drive Improvement

2. Cyber Resilience and Emergency Preparedness for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

3. Navigating Licensure, Accountability, and Board Engagement: Responding to Board of Nursing Inquiries

4. Leadership and Governance Intensive: Bold Ideas to Transform Aging featuring visionary strategist Bob Kramer

Need to Add More Staff?

There is still plenty of time to add more staff to your attendee roster. The flat registration fee design makes it affordable and convenient for more people to attend and includes both in-person and virtual events. Register your staff now for quick and easy check-in experience.

Lodging Update: Negotiated room blocks for the Institute expire on Jan. 20. As of today, rooms are still available at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Find more lodging details here.

Questions? Contact our education staff for assistance at education@leadingagemn.org.