CONFERENCE FAQ

 

​How much does it cost?

We want to make this conference as accessible as possible. Main Street members receive special rates. Full Conference tickets cover all sessions Thursday and Friday, with light breakfast both days, lunch Thursday, and evening social Thursday.

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“Main Street Basics” is a session for new directors, board members, volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more about the Main Street Program in Minnesota. This is a separate registration from the full conference but is free to attend. If you plan to attend Main Street Basics, you need to do so in addition to the conference. If you’re a Lincoln Park local, you can attend the Main Street Basics session without attending the full conference, but you still need to register here.

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​Where should I stay?

Book your accommodations now, because rates WILL increase! ​​​Room Block Rates have been extended, but are only good until May 14th. Please be sure to use the appropriate code or link as listed under your hotel description.

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What should I know about driving and parking?

We will share a parking map for registered conference attendees prior to the conference. Most on-street parking has a two-hour limit, but there are a few public lots. If you are staying at the Radisson, the majority of the busses passing by will take you directly into the heart of Lincoln Park. Home - Duluth Transit Authority. If you bring or rent a bike, all of the selections on the sheet are within a ten-minute ride, mostly on protected bikeways. For those staying at one of Lincoln Park's boutique hotels, you should be able to walk to most, if not all locations. Of course, Lyft, Uber, cabs, and carpooling are all available options as well. 

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Where are the conference locations?

We will be sharing conference locations soon but can confirm that all sessions except the Director's meeting will take place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Friday's paid tour will meet in Lincoln Park but will tour all over Duluth.

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How should I dress?

We will be moving between spaces in Lincoln Park, so plan to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. And because Duluth's weather can literally change within 10 minutes depending on if the wind is blowing off the lake, layers are your friend. Even if it is very warm where you live, don't be fooled. BRING A JACKET, SWEATER, OR SWEATSHIRT, especially for the Thursday tours. To quote a Duluth resident, "I have watched Fourth of July fireworks more than once with a jacket and long pants. There is a reason we are called 'the air-conditioned city'." 

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday 6/4

3 - 5 pm: Main Street 101 Ecolibrium3 (Third Street Location indicated on the map)

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5 - 7 pm: Social Hour/Registration at Ursa Minor

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Thursday 6/5

8:30 - 9:30 am: Registration/Coffee & Pastries

at Caddy Shack

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9:30 - 11:30 am: Welcome Rethos Staff & Cassie Ernest, President, North Shore Federal Credit Union, Remarks MN Minnesota Auditor Julie Blaha, Keynote "The Science of Retail", Michele Reeves at Caddy Shack

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11:30 - noon: Box Lunch pick -up/walk to breakout

 

Noon - 1: Breakout 1 - Legacy Grant Funding for Main Street Communities (MNHS) at Eco3

OR Rural Life 2025: Living in the Middle of Everywhere (Ben Winchester & John Bennett) at All American Club

 

1 - 1:30 pm: Walk to tour meeting spot & tour instructions at Corner Park

 

1:30 - 3 pm: Tours (Craft District with Kaylee Matuszak, Makers Tour with Cameron Kruger, or Lincoln Park Art Walk with Shannon Laing)

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3:00 - 3:15 pm: Ice Cream Break at the Corner Park

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3:15 - 3:30 pm: Walk to Breakout

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3:30 - 4:30 pm: Breakout 2 - Construction Communication (Annie Harala) @ Eco3 OR Welcoming Communities (Shaun Hainey & Amber Lewis)

at All American Club

 

4:30 - 5:30: Free Time

 

5:30 - 7:30: Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Duluth Grill

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Friday 6/6

8:30 - 10:30 am: Registration/Coffee & Pastries at

Bent Paddle

Keynote "AARP in Minnesota:

Making Main Street Work for All Ages, Cathy McLeer at

Bent Paddle

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10:30 - 10:45 am: Walk to Breakouts

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10:45 - noon: Breakout - Hotel Solem in Cloquet

(Holly Hansen & Chad Scott) at All American Club

OR Integrating Community for Public Space Development (Jodi Slick & Eco3 Staff) at Eco3

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Noon: Conference concludes

 

OPTIONAL 1:30 - 3:30 pm: Paid tour of Duluth (Cameron Kruger & Shannon Laing)