The City of Minneapolis is organizing the Feb. 8, 2025, Community Connections Conference around the power of participating in your community and local decision-making. The theme is Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow. The annual free conference connects Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. You can register now.
Community Connections Conference
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Exhibitor check-in 8 a.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E
1301 Second Ave. S.
Conference highlights
- More than 100 exhibits from the City of Minneapolis, other public institutions and community groups.
- Workshops and community dialogues.
- Performances from local artists.
- Free lunch.
- A fun scavenger hunt side quest.
Theme
The theme this year – Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow – invites people to:
- Speak: Voice their opinion about important upcoming projects and decision-making.
- Act: Take action by voting, joining a neighborhood organization board or a City appointed board.
- Grow: Learn skills and information they can use to improve their neighborhood, community and lives.
Not just any event
We believe:
- People from all communities should feel welcome in City spaces.
- It should be easy for everyone to get involved and influence important decisions.
- People from all communities should get information about programs and policies in language they understand.
This conference aims to bring in people who are often underrepresented in local decision-making to:
- Meet City departments and leaders in a friendly, welcoming environment.
- Celebrate successes and connect.
- Learn about new opportunities to get involved.
- Gain new skills and resources.
Volunteer or exhibit
We welcome volunteers to help spread the word about the conference and to volunteer on the day.
We also invite everyone in the community to share information, skills, resources and opportunities through exhibitor booths.
Apply for your exhibit space by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 12 or before space is full. We are especially looking for informative, fun, interactive exhibits for both children and adults. Exhibit space is free for nonprofits and public institutions, and conference partners will also have booth spaces.