FAQ for Attendees

Q: Where can I park? How much does parking cost?

Please note, there are several other large events happening at the Mayo Civic Center during our conference and parking may be in high demand near the Civic Center and at our conference hotels. 

If staying in a hotel, we strongly encourage you to park at your hotel upon arrival and walk to/from the Civic Center for the duration of the conference to retain your parking space. All conference hotels are within a half mile or less from the Civic Center.

Conference hotels will allow guests to park before check-in and keep their vehicles parked through the end of the conference on Friday. Please contact your hotel directly to confirm parking instructions.

If you are commuting daily, we have an additional parking option available on a first come, first serve basis. Please reach out to Cindy at [email protected] for additional information by Friday, June 19.

There are 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. View this interactive Rochester Public Parking map for specific parking rates and locations.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

All public parking lots and ramps in Rochester have designated handicapped parking spaces. Vehicles with state-issued disability plates or permits may also 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.

Q: How can I navigate construction in downtown Rochester? 

The most up-to-date information regarding construction travel impacts can be found by visiting the Downtown Rochester Construction website. If you need any navigation assistance, Monika Kopet with Experience Rochester can be reached directly at (763) 222-4010.

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: The conference is a fragrance-free event. What does that mean? 

We have attendees with chemical intolerances and/or allergies to synthetic fragrance found in products containing fragrance. To support a healthy event space, we aim to reduce the use of products containing fragrance as much as possible at this event. Conference attendees and speakers are asked not to wear fragrant products such as perfumes, colognes, clothes washed with products containing fragrance (detergent, “scent beads,” dryer sheets etc), fragrant soaps, or lotions containing fragrance.

Fragrance is comprised of chemicals that can cause a range of adverse reactions, including asthma and other respiratory problems, skin issues, dizziness, migraines, and other neurological symptoms. These health outcomes can be caused by the fragrance chemicals themselves or by other chemical components in the products. Please note: “unscented” products commonly contain synthetic fragrance. Look for products labeled as “fragrance free” or “free and clear,” and check ingredients lists for the words “fragrance,” “perfume,” or “parfum” to ensure they are safe for this disability accommodation.

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 breakfast be provided?

Yes! A hot breakfast buffet will be provided on Thursday and Friday.

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: How can I connect with LMC staff and learn more about LMC services?

There are multiple ways! On Wednesday, look for LMC staff wearing nametags and yellow shirts. On Thursday, the Ask LMC Center will be staffed 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. where you can talk to LMC staff, learn about our services and programs, and ask any city-related questions you may have. There will also be opportunities to connect with LMC staff in the LMC booth in the exhibit hall on Wednesday and in educational sessions.

In addition, our friendly staff at the Welcome Center will be available throughout the entire conference to answer questions or put you in touch with other staff members who can help with specific inquiries.

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.

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.

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.

Q: Will a private wellness/lactation room be available?

Yes, a private lactation room with a small refrigerator will be available. The room is located on the first floor between the main box office and Suite 101. Please stop by the Welcome Center to get the passcode.

Q: What’s happening in the exhibit hall?

The exhibit hall, which is open 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, is an opportunity to connect with more than 100 businesses and other potential partners for your city’s projects, learn about LMC products and services, and network with fellow conference attendees and LMC staff!

Q: Will there be food and beverages in the exhibit hall?

Yes! There will be an appetizer buffet and three cash bars.

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.

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.

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.