Conference Central

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 Presenters!

Opening Keynote: Phyllis Wolfram

Phyllis Thompson Wolfram is a nationally recognized leader in special education and the Executive Director of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), where she champions professional learning, policy, and advocacy for school leaders across the globe. With more than 40 years in public education—including 29 years in special education administration spanning rural to large urban districts—Phyllis brings unmatched experience, insight, and passion to her work. A former CASE President and respected policy voice who collaborates closely with the U.S. Department of Education, she is a sought-after keynote speaker and trusted thought partner in advancing effective, equitable leadership. Honored with both state and international distinguished service awards, Phyllis continues to shape the future of special education while remaining deeply committed to the educators, students, and families she serves.

Title: Stronger Together: Advocacy and Collective Leadership in Complex Times

In an era defined by rapid change, evolving challenges, and increasing complexity, our strength lies in unity. This keynote explores how collaborative advocacy empowers educators and leaders to move from uncertainty to impact. Drawing on the theme of “Unity in Complexity,” participants will examine how collective voice, shared purpose, and strategic leadership can influence systems, shape policy, and create meaningful change. This session will inspire renewed commitment to standing together, leading boldly, and harnessing the power we hold as a unified professional community.

Closing 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.

Title: Navigating Challenging Personalities: Leading with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm

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 all sessions, exhibits and daily lunches. If you stay at Madden's, your breakfasts and dinners are included in that reservation.

*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 April 22. If you are staying at Madden’s, you do NOT need additional meal tickets. Indicate during registration which meals you are purchasing: dinner on 5/13, 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

Arrival: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 for Dinner
Departure: Friday, May 15, 2026 after Breakfast
Room block deadline: April 9, 2026 or when room block is filled, whichever comes first.

2-Night Lodging & 4 Meal Package:
Run of House Rooms $648.58 Single Occupancy; $433.84 Multiple Occupancy, per person
Two-night package includes lodging, breakfast, dinner, use of pools, sauna, whirlpool, beaches, fitness center, business center, and applicable sales tax. Lunch is included in your MASE registration fee.

Hotel Cancellation Policy: You are responsible for your entire stay; early departures or reservations reduced in length are not refundable. Package payments are refundable, less a $25.00 cancellation fee if you cancel by April 19, 2026. Any cancellations made after April 9, 2026 will not receive a refund (replacements are gladly accepted). Reservations made after the deadline are non-refundable.