01 / OPENING MOMENTS
Setting the tone
Opening remarks and a keynote from Lance Knuckles brought the room together around possibility, purpose, and what it means to rise together.
OUR FLAGSHIP EVENT · SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
More than a conference.
A community in motion.
One unforgettable day of connection, conversation, recognition, and possibility.
EXPLORE THE RECAP ↓MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 2026 CONFERENCE RECAP
THE 2026 CONFERENCE / THE STORY
We came together.
We left connected.
On September 26, 2026, MN Rising Professionals welcomed more than 150 professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus for a day centered on relationships, ideas, and opportunity.
From powerful keynote conversations to community-centered panels, a pitch competition, and an evening reception, the experience reflected what our organization is all about: creating intentional spaces where people can connect, grow, and rise.
September 262026 · Saturday
150+Professionals in attendance
MinneapolisUniversity of St. Thomas
A DAY WORTH REMEMBERING
On stage. In conversation.
In community.
02 / CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER
Leadership & ownership
Our Community Leadership and Entrepreneurship & Ownership panels brought local voices together to share lessons, perspectives, and real-world experience.
03 / IDEAS IN ACTION
New possibilities
The pitch competition invited fresh ideas to the stage, while the awards program recognized the people and organizations making a difference.
04 / BEYOND THE STAGE
Connections that continue
The celebration carried into an evening reception — a reminder that the most important part of any gathering is the people who make it meaningful.
WITH GRATITUDE
Made possible by our partners.
To the sponsors and community partners who believed in this vision: thank you for investing in people, possibility, and the next generation of leadership.
Sponsor logos will be featured here in a future update.
TO EVERYONE WHO SHOWED UP
Thank you for being
part of the story.
To our attendees, speakers, panelists, honorees, volunteers, production partners, and every person who brought their energy into the room — thank you. You made the 2026 MN Rising Professionals Conference what it was. We're excited to keep building with you.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Fall 2027.
We're just getting started.
The MN Rising Professionals Conference returns in Fall 2027. Stay tuned for more details.
STAY CONNECTED ↗