Frequently asked questions about the 2026 LMC Annual Conference.
-
Arriving at the Conference and Getting Around
Q: Where can I park? How much does parking cost?
We strongly encourage you to consider walking to the Mayo Civic Center from your hotel. Parking is available at multiple public parking ramps and lots within walking distance of the Mayo Civic Center. The Civic Center ramp and the Civic Center North lot are the closest parking options. Other nearby ramps include the First Street Ramp and the Second Street Ramp. View this interactive Rochester Public Parking map for specific parking rates and locations.
All public parking lots and ramps in Rochester have designated handicapped parking spaces available. In addition, vehicles with state-issued disability plates or permits may park at city meters for up to 4 hours with the exception of 30-minute meters.
Door 29 of the Mayo Civic Center, located along Civic Center Drive, is the closest accessible entrance to our conference area.
Q: How will I know where to go?
All the meeting rooms will be listed on the 2026 LMC Annual Conference Agenda, which will be available onsite at the Welcome Center (located in the Grand Lobby West). You can reach the Mayo Civic Center via the skyway entrance or the doors along Civic Center Drive right below the skyway. Once you are in the Mayo Civic Center, follow the signs pointing toward the LMC Annual Conference to find the Welcome Center.
If you have any questions about where to go when you are at the Mayo Civic Center, our friendly staff in the Welcome Center will be happy to assist you.
Q: How should I check in for the conference?
Check-in will be in our Welcome Center, located in the Grand Lobby West on the first floor near the doors along Civic Center Drive right below the skyway. If entering via the skyway, the Welcome Center is located at the bottom of the stairs after entering. You can check in and print your name badge any day of the conference.
The Welcome Center is open:
- Wednesday, June 24: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 26: 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Q: What hours will the skyway and pedestrian subway be open?
General open hours for the skyway and pedestrian system are 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. during our conference; however, many parts of the system are privately owned and managed and may have different hours. Map of the skyway and pedestrian subway system.
-
Throughout the Conference
Q: What can I find or do at the Welcome Center?
Our Welcome Center is staffed each day of the conference with staff who can help you with a variety of conference needs. Stop by if you need directions to a session, to re-print your conference badge, or grab ibuprofen, bandages, stain removing wipes, mints, etc.
The Welcome Center is open:
- Wednesday, June 24: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 26: 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Q: Will breakfast be provided?
Yes! A hot breakfast buffet will be provided on Thursday and Friday.
Q: What is the dress code?
In general, the dress code is “business casual,” but feel free to dress however you feel comfortable. The Mayo Civic Center is a large facility and meeting rooms are in various locations, so we recommend you wear footwear that can handle a lot of walking. We also recommend dressing in layers as room temperatures can vary.
Q: Will the sessions be recorded?
No, in order to allow for authentic discussions in the educational breakouts we do not record the sessions.
Q: Can anyone attend the networking sessions? Do you need to register for them?
Various networking opportunities are available throughout the conference to connect with other attendees who have similar roles or professional interests. All opportunities are open to everyone; you do not need to register ahead of time.
Q: I’m excited about the conference and want to post about it on social media. How can I engage with the League’s social media?
We encourage you to join the conversation on LinkedIn (League of Minnesota Cities), X (@minnesotacities), Facebook (facebook.com/MinnesotaCities), and Instagram (@Minnesota_Cities). Share and like our posts and create your own using #MNCities.
-
Cancellation Policy
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be sent via email to [email protected] on or before June 12, 2026, and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. We are unable to issue refunds for any reason after June 12, 2026. If you need to cancel after this date, we recommend that you consider sending a substitute. Substitutions are permitted up to the day of the event. Please notify staff at the Welcome Center of any on-site substitutions.
-
Special Accommodations
Q: I have an accessibility need. Who can I speak to about ensuring I have access at the conference?
Ahead of the conference, please reach out to our registrations team at [email protected] or (651) 281-1200. On site, please visit the Welcome Center in the Grand Lobby West and speak with any LMC staff member.
-
Pre-conference Workshops and Mobile Tours
Q: Is there still time to sign up for a mobile tour or a pre-conference workshop?
Registration is open through June 12. Read about the pre-conference workshops and read about the mobile tours. If you have already registered for the conference and would like to join a mobile tour, please contact us at [email protected] or (651) 281-1200. Please note that additional fees apply.
Q: I’m signed up for a pre-conference workshop. Where should I go?
Check-in at the Welcome Center (first floor) and staff will direct you to the workshop room.
Q: I’m signed up for a mobile tour. Where should I go?
Check in at the Welcome Center about 15 min ahead of the mobile tour start time and staff will direct you to the bus location.
-
Annual Business Meeting
Q: What happens at the business meeting? Should I attend?
We strongly encourage all city leaders to attend the business meeting on Thursday morning. This is when our members elect officers and board members, so it is important that your city is represented to cast its vote. The meeting is also an opportunity to hear from LMC leaders about our organization’s recent accomplishments and goals for the future.
Q: How does the voting process work at the business meeting?
Each city may cast one vote per measure. If more than one person from your city is attending the conference, we encourage you to designate one person to cast the official votes on behalf of the city. The designee should pick up a voting card from tables in the back corner of the ballroom. The designated voter will raise the card to cast that city’s vote.
-
Awards Reception & Dinner
Q: What happens at the Awards Reception?
The Awards Reception is a chance for all conference attendees to mingle and enjoy some cold beverages! All conference attendees will receive tickets for two free drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). A cash bar is also available.
Q: What happens at the Awards Dinner?
The Awards Dinner is where we recognize outstanding city projects and leaders from across the state. The evening includes dinner and an awards program emceed by KAAL-TV meteorologist Randy Brock. Attendees may use their free drink tickets at the awards dinner and the reception. A cash bar will also be available.
Q: What is the dress code for the awards reception and dinner?
The dress code for the awards reception and dinner is the same as it is for the rest of the conference. In general, the dress code is “business casual,” but feel free to dress however you feel comfortable.
