MN SEEDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
2026 Annual Meeting & Workshop
December 16–17, 2026
The Park Event Center | 500 Division Street | Waite Park, MN
Two days of education, industry updates, and networking for Minnesota’s seeding, erosion control, and construction professionals.
Attend Wednesday, Thursday, or both days!
REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 30WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 16
Native Vegetation & Stormwater Workshop
9:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Site preparation, seed selection, vegetation establishment, plant identification, and field case studies.
Presented in partnership with MN Seeders, MECA & BWSR.
THURSDAY | DECEMBER 17
MN Seeders Annual Meeting
7:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Leadership, contracts, HR, economic outlook, seeding challenges, field communication, and MnDOT updates.
Industry speakers, technical experts & networking.
Explore the Agendas
Click either day below to view the complete schedule, including speakers and presentation times.
Wednesday, December 16 — Workshop Agenda
Managing Native Vegetation and Stormwater on Construction Sites: Roadway, Utility, Solar, and Beyond
Presented by MN Seeders, MECA, and BWSR.
9:00–9:30 AM — Registration, Breakfast & Vendors
9:30–9:40 AM — Welcome & Introductions
9:40–10:30 AM — Ecological Benefits of Native Vegetation
Dan Shaw & Jason Beckler | BWSR
10:30–11:00 AM — Access & Management Considerations
Warren Tuel | MnDOT; Dan Shaw | BWSR
11:00–11:10 AM — Break & Vendors
11:10 AM–12:00 PM — Soil & Site Preparation
Ken Graeve & Warren Tuel | MnDOT
12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch & Vendors
1:00–1:45 PM — Seed Mixes & Seeding Techniques
Dan Shaw | BWSR; Ken Graeve | MnDOT
1:45–2:15 PM — Vegetation Establishment & Management
Jason Selvog | Stearns Conservation District
2:15–2:45 PM — Break & Vendors
2:45–3:30 PM — Native & Weed Seedling Identification and Seeding Evaluation
Paul Bockenstedt | Stantec
3:30–4:10 PM — Field Case Studies
Jason Selvog | Stearns Conservation District; Shawn West | Stearns County Highway Department
4:10–4:15 PM — Closing Remarks
Thursday, December 17 — Annual Meeting Agenda
7:30–8:30 AM — Registration, Breakfast & Vendors
8:30–8:45 AM — Welcome & Year in Review
8:45–9:45 AM — Leading When It Matters Most: How to Engage, Motivate & Lead People When the Pressure Is On
Kyle Kuepker | President, Quality Equipment
9:45–10:30 AM — Protecting Your Business: Contracts, Change Orders & Getting Paid
Aaron Dean & Madeline Davis | Partners, Spencer Fane LLP
10:30–11:00 AM — Break & Vendors
11:00–11:30 AM — HR Headaches Every Employer Faces
Betsey Lund Ross | Revermann Lund Ross
11:30 AM–12:30 PM — State of the Industry: Economic Outlook for Contractors
King Banaian | St. Cloud State University
12:30–1:30 PM — Lunch & Vendors
1:30–2:00 PM — Why Seeding Projects Fail (and How to Reduce the Risk)
Warren Tuel | MnDOT; Dwayne Stenlund | University of Minnesota
2:00–2:30 PM — Working Better Together: Field Communication & Lessons Learned
Dwayne Stenlund | University of Minnesota
2:30–3:00 PM — What’s That Plant? Field Plant ID & Resources for Construction Professionals
Emilie Justen | Minnesota Department of Agriculture
3:00–3:15 PM — Afternoon Break & Vendors
3:15–4:15 PM — MnDOT Updates & Technical Guidance
Warren Tuel, Ken Graeve & Steven Gebauer | MnDOT
4:15 PM — Closing Remarks & Homeward Bound!
Wednesday Evening Welcome Reception
Join us Wednesday evening for an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and industry professionals before Thursday’s Annual Meeting. Additional details will be shared as available.
Hotel Accommodations
Two hotels are conveniently connected to The Park Event Center, with discounted lodging options available for attendees.
Hilton Garden Inn St. Cloud
Book Your Room Online
Call 320-640-7990 and request TPEC LNR 3371751.
Residence Inn by Marriott
Book Your Room Online
Call 320-640-0200 and request TPEC LNR.
Hotel booking dates: December 15–17, 2026. Contact the hotel directly for additional nights.
Ready to Join Us?
Register for Wednesday, Thursday, or both days!
Registration deadline: November 30, 2026
REGISTER NOW