Menu
Log in

2026 State Conference Information
October 12 and 13 | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center


Join us for our annual State Conference on October 12th and 13th at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, MN.

The MNSHRM State Conference is presented annually by the Minnesota SHRM State Council, a state affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  This is one of the largest HR conferences in the region attracting over 700 human resources professionals and vendors.

Representing virtually every industry and size of business, this is the place to be for professionals to network, grow, and learn about the human resources industry. You also have the opportunity to earn credits for both the HR Certification Institute and SHRM Competencies Certifications.


MNSHRM invites you to share your expertise and experience with our community of human resource professionals at our 2026 State Conference. Please click on the link below to submit your proposal. Our conference has a terrific history of dynamic and insightful content and we are excited to hear from you as we plan for this year’s conference. Proposals are due by February 28, 2026, and speaker selections will begin in March. Chosen speakers will be notified in April.  

Selected speakers will be required to provide a recorded version of your presentation prior to the conference. The on-demand video will be provided to learners post-conference, through the conference app, to earn additional education credit.


2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS




Scott Carley, known as The Change Energizer, is a high-impact keynote speaker, consultant, and Vistage Trusted Advisor who helps leaders build teams, cultures, and reputations that thrive in fast-changing environments. Scott has energized thousands of CEOs and senior leaders across 9 countries and all 50 states. His message is built around one powerful question at the heart of every business relationship: “Can I trust you?”

Scott is the author of Can I Trust You? The Silent Question Everyone in Business is Asking and creator of the Trust Credit Score™ System, a practical framework that helps organizations strengthen credibility, deepen loyalty, and accelerate results. Known for his energy, humor, and actionable takeaways, Scott delivers memorable keynotes that move audiences from intention to action. Off stage, Scott and his wife Carol are raising a blended family of five incredible adult children, and he loves international travel and touring the Texas Hill Country on his Indian Roadmaster motorcycle.


Steve Fredlund is an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx presenter, and bestselling author of Do the Unright Thing: Memoir of a People Pleaser. With a background spanning three decades as an actuary, executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, Steve brings a rare blend of analytical insight and heartfelt storytelling to every stage.

His journey took an unexpected turn after leading humanitarian efforts in East Africa, where he gained profound insights into life and leadership—and realized that doing everything “right” isn’t what leads to fulfillment or impact. That revelation sparked his mission to help others discover what he calls the Courage Advantage™—the everyday courage to move beyond expectation, lead with authenticity, and live in alignment with what truly matters.

Through his proprietary frameworks and powerful keynotes, Steve equips leaders and teams to navigate change, strengthen connection, and perform with greater purpose and impact.

Known for his laugh-out-loud humor, relatable storytelling, and ability to make complex ideas simple, Steve has inspired audiences across Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, credit unions, nonprofits, and global communities. Offstage, he enjoys disc golf, poker, and enduring the highs and heartbreaks of Minnesota sports.



Drew Moldenhauer is the Owner and Master Instructor at Blue Ethos Specialized Training, where he leads programs on situational awareness, de-escalation, and active threat response. As a seasoned law enforcement officer with over 17 years of experience, Drew brings field-tested strategies to his speaking engagements, helping teams and organizations navigate high‑stress environments with clarity and confidence.

In addition to his work in law enforcement, Drew is an adjunct professor at multiple universities, teaching courses on crisis response, tactical leadership, and public safety fundamentals. His academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership from St. Cloud State University, reinforcing his commitment to education and leadership development.

Drew is also a published author and co‑wrote How Smart Police Officers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety. His thought leadership has been featured on platforms such as Police1 and Officer.com, where he continues to influence how public safety professionals train, lead, and respond in today’s evolving landscape.



Accreditations and Awards

                                

We want to hear from you!


admin@mnshrm.com


2025 © Minnesota State SHRM Council. All rights reserved.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software