Conference Central
2026 MASE Best Practices Conference
2026 Best Practices Conference
May 13-15, 2026 | Madden’s on Gull Lake | Brainerd, MN
Join us May 13–15, 2026 at Madden’s on Gull Lake for the MASE Best Practices Conference.
This year’s theme, Unity in Complexity, brings together special education leaders from across Minnesota to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our impact.
Spend three days surrounded by colleagues who understand the challenges and opportunities of today’s educational landscape. Engage in meaningful conversations, gain practical strategies you can implement immediately, and leave feeling renewed, supported, and inspired.
Meet Our Keynote Presenter!
Keynote: Sherlonda Sharp
Sherlonda Sharp is a powerhouse of leadership, laughter, and lasting impact. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, public speaking, engagement, and comedy, she blends wisdom with wit to create experiences that stick. Her career has been defined by championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—always with a people-first approach.
From mentoring future leaders to captivating national audiences, Sherlonda’s magic lies in her ability to meet people where they are—then inspire them to aim higher. She’s as comfortable in a boardroom as she is on a comedy stage, bringing authenticity, insight, and a healthy dose of humor to every interaction.
When Sherlonda speaks, people don’t just listen—they lean in, laugh out loud, and leave with new tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of possibility.
In today’s dynamic educational environments, leaders at all levels are frequently called upon to engage with a wide range of personalities—each bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and communication styles. “Navigating Challenging Personalities: Leading with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm” is a practical, research-informed keynote designed to empower educators and administrators with the tools to lead effectively without losing their center.
Participants will explore how personality dynamics influence workplace interactions, learn strategies for recognizing and adapting to different styles, and build confidence in responding to difficult conversations with professionalism and poise. Through real-world scenarios common in school settings—staff meetings, parent engagements, performance conversations, and collaborative decision-making—this session underscores how intentional communication and self-awareness strengthen relationships and foster a positive organizational culture.
Attendees will walk away with:
- A framework for identifying and understanding challenging behaviors before reacting
- Evidence-based techniques to de-escalate conflict and promote mutual respect
- Practical communication strategies that reinforce clarity, consistency, and calm
- Tools to sustain healthy workplace dynamics while honoring individual differences
This keynote is ideal for educators, administrators, and school support professionals who want to enhance their leadership impact and create more resilient teams through thoughtful, confident engagement.
Registration Rates
Conference Registration includes access to
| Category | On or Before 4/10 | After 4/10 |
|---|---|---|
| Members | $339 | $399 |
| Nonmembers | $399 | $469 |
| Retirees | $95 | $95 |
| Students MASE member, college student, not employed |
$95 | $95 |
| Meal Tickets* | $70 | $70 |
*Meal Tickets: If you are NOT staying at Madden’s, your dinners and breakfasts are not included with your conference registration fee or exhibitor booth fee. Madden’s no longer sells meal tickets directly, so if you want to dine, please order them through MASE by [DATE]. If you are staying at Madden’s, you do NOT need additional meal tickets. Indicate during registration which meals you are purchasing: breakfast on 5/14, dinner on 5/14, and/or breakfast on 5/15.
Hotel and Travel
Madden's on Gull Lake
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
P: (218) 829-2811
RESERVE ONLINE | Reserve by Phone: 1-800-642-5363
MASE Fall Leadership Package includes:
- Single or Double guestroom accommodations
- Dinner & Breakfast: Starting with dinner on day of arrival, ending with breakfast on departure day
- Use of beaches, swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center, and business center
- Complimentary wireless internet throughout property
- Complimentary self-parking
Policies:
Cancellations made before or on April 26 will be charged a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations made after April 27, 2026. Participants are responsible, without exception, for abiding by Madden's cancellation policies. MASE is not responsible for any penalties associated with a cancellation or early departure. No-shows will be billed. Submit a cancellation request.