MGS 2026 Conference – Speaker Information

April 29-30, 2026

Welcome to the 50th Annual MGS Conference! We deeply appreciate your contributions as speakers and your willingness to share knowledge with fellow professionals in the aging field. This event brings together gerontologists, educators, students, social workers, and industry experts committed to advancing age-friendly studies.

Below, you’ll find important details to help you prepare for your presentation.

Conference Details 

April 29 - Day 1 – Virtual | Hosted via Zoom  

April 30 - Day 2 – In-Person | Humphrey School of Public Affairs

301 19th Avenue South | Minneapolis, MN 55455 

Speaker Registration

By now, you should have completed the Speaker Registration Form from our initial email. 

If you submitted the form, MGS has already registered you, and no further action is needed.

If you have NOT submitted the form, please register here by April 10th

• Complimentary Registration: Speakers receive one free day of attendance on the day they present.

• Discount for Attending Both Days: If you plan to attend both conference days, you’ll receive 50% off the second day’s rate. If applicable, an invoice will be emailed to you. (AFMN grantee speakers are exempt from this.)

Presentation & Handout Submissions

To ensure smooth execution, please submit your materials by April 7, 2026. UPLOAD FILES HERE

• Presentation Slides: Upload your PowerPoint (PPT) or PDF file here and label it with your First and Last Name (e.g., Joe_Smith).

• Handouts: If you have handouts for attendees, submit your Word or PDF document here and label it with your name & handout (e.g. Joe_Smith handout).

Technology & Equipment

• Laptops: All speakers must bring their own laptops. If you need MGS to provide one, please notify us by April 10. The venue will have HDMI cables available to connect to the projector.

• Moderators: Each session will have a moderator available to introduce speakers, manage time,  assist with slide advancement if needed and monitor Q&A.

Session Details

Virtual Presenters (April 29 – Zoom)

• Platform: Sessions will be hosted on Zoom, with four breakout sessions running simultaneously.

• Session Support: Each session includes a presenter, moderator, and tech assistant. You will receive an email with the name of your moderator once they have been assigned.

• Joining Your Session:

• • The Zoom link will be emailed 10 days before the conference.

  • Log in 15 minutes before your session for setup assistance.

  • If you experience issues the day of, text Heidi Holste at (612) 708-1982

• 2 Virtual Dress Rehearsals are available on April 8th and 9th (these are optional but recommended)

• • Please join us for a brief but helpful walk-through to ensure you feel confident and prepared with the technology we’ll be using during the conference. Our tech partner, Andy Brown from Trellis, will demonstrate how breakout rooms will function during sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice sharing your slides, receive Zoom presentation tips, and confirm that the tech setup supports your presentation needs.

  • Choose your preferred session and register using the links below:

  • • MGS Dress Rehearsal 1 – April 8^th from 8 am to 8:30 am

    • Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fLnlqUerTPuU7zKV8Kqh3w

    • MGS Dress Rehearsal 2 – April 9^th from noon to 12:30 pm 

    • Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dONVHoYEQRSKKJRfV8RZ8w 

In-Person Presenters (April 30 – Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the U of M)

Check-In & Arrival

• Check-in at the Registration Desk, where we will direct you to your presentation room.

• Arrive 15-20 minutes before your presentation

• Equipment Provided in each room: Podium, large screen, and microphone. If you are part of a panel, please advise how many chairs you’ll need - email rronayne@holsteconsulting.com

Venue & Parking

• Venue Location: Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55455 

• Parking: The closest ramp to the venue is: 19^th Ave Ramp, 300 S 19^th Ave Minneapolis, MN 55445 

• • Note: Parking fees are not covered by MGS – estimated day rate is $15 

Exhibit & Networking

• Enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch

• Take time to network with attendees and explore the exhibit booths

We are excited to have you as part of this year’s conference and appreciate your contributions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Robin at rronayne@holsteconsulting.com or 952-210-1079

See you soon!