For Attendees

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PATIENCE!

Registration is NOW OPEN for the virtual convention!

Check it all out in the sample schedule for the Virtual MWC.

While this year’s Midwinter Convention was canceled, MMEA’s commitment to connection, learning, and student experience remains unchanged. In response, we are moving forward with a virtual Midwinter Convention to be held on the originally scheduled dates, February 12–14, 2026, with options for both synchronous and asynchronous participation.

The virtual convention will include:

– Three relicensure sessions provided by Perpich

– Online offerings from a number of presenters (our very own MN educators and experts, in addition to members of the NAfME community and colleagues from across the country have stepped forward to offer time, expertise, and presentations in support of this virtual experience)

– Programming from the PLUG

– Virtual Exhibit Hall

Check it all out in the sample schedule for the Virtual MWC.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the virtual convention!

Over the weekend, we will be scheduling a number of additional presentations from applications to support MMEA from all over the United States. Look forward to updates on Monday, February 9, 2026. Those registered for the VIRTUAL Convention will receive access to this file complete with links to landing pages for more information and zoom access to tune in! Recordings of sessions will be available for ASYNCHRONOUS access to the entire convention the week after the convention. If you have not yet registered for the convention and would still like to take part in the virtual event, online registration will open in Monday 2.9.26! Registration for the virtual event is 50% the regular convention rate. #WeAreMMEA

Monday, January 26, 2026. A note from the Board of Directors:

After many hours of discussion by the Executive Board and MMEA Board of Directors, the decision has been made to cancel the in-person 2026 Midwinter Convention and MMEA’s associated in-person student events in Minneapolis. MMEA cannot uphold its mission to develop, promote, and support equitable and comprehensive music learning and teaching when the health and safety of many in our communities are at risk. Please click the LINK for a message from MMEA’s Board President, Dr. Christopher Rochester.  

Please know that this decision was very difficult. The safety of our students, presenters, performers, teachers, and exhibitors must be our first priority despite the large financial strain that will be put on the organization. MMEA is contractually obligated to all of the service contracts the MWC requires including the Hilton, Minneapolis Convention Center, Orchestra Hall, Dakota, and equipment rentals that make the in-person experience special. 

MMEA believes that music is core to the human experience and in order to support our Minnesota communities, we are diligently working on a way to create an online format to host sessions and performances as well as exhibitors and sponsors. We will miss being together in person, but we still want to offer the opportunity for Minnesota’s dedicated music educators and students to be able to connect with the wider community.

Please know that there will be a lot of replanning happening in the coming week to assess exactly what MMEA can offer digitally, and how to best offer refunds for those that have already invested in registration for convention and other student programming. We ask that you please hold your questions regarding refunds for now, as our capacity to respond to emails right now is limited. We will have an avenue to refunds available soon. 

Please stay tuned as we continue to work on ways to connect with our music community!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding through this process. We will send further communication about an online event and refunds soon. We hope to see you there!

All the best,

MMEA Board of Directors and Staff

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Register for MWC 2026 Today!

Get Ready for MWC 2026! 

    • Relicensure Package (Sponsored by Perpich Center for Arts Education)
      • 1 Using My Story to Prevent Suicide in the Music Classroom
      • 2 Examining MN American Indian Culture and History through the Arts
      • 3 Connect, Engage, and Empower English Language Learners in Music
    • Dr. Arreon A. Harley-Emerson – Choral (Sponsored by MN-ACDA)
    • Dr. Elizabeth Jaakola – DEIA (Sponsored by MacPhail Center for Music)
    • Michele Fernández – Instrumental (Sponsored by MBDA)

LINKS COMING SOON!

  • PERFORMANCES AND INFORMANCES 2026
  • SESSIONS 2026
  • P.I.T. STOPS 2026
  • EXHIBITORS 2026
  • 2026 MWC RESOURCE BOOK

  • CONTINUED THIS YEAR! You can register for ONE DAY ONLY and discount the above rates by 50%.  We hope you make time for all three days, but we know it is becoming more and more challenging to get subs.  We hope those that haven’t been able to attend MWC in the past will be able to attend in 2026!
  • Reminder: Member registration rates are only available to current NAfME/MMEA members. Renew your membership or JOIN NOW at nafme.org.
  • We encourage you to register online. You will need your NAfME ID number handy to access the membership rate! If you are not able to register online, download a paper registration form. If your school or organization requires paper forms, download the registration form, mail completed form and include check by the due date to receive the best rates.
  • We know that you need to connect with others to be stronger educators! There are breaks in the sessions schedule for visiting exhibit booths and networking. We are also providing you with three days of content that will make you better for your students.
  • WOW! 2026 All-Star Elementary Choir Conductor: Dr. Bret Amundson (Check out how to have your students involved HERE!)
  • COMING SOON: 2026 MMEA Midwinter Convention Letter to Administrators
  • Sign up to Volunteer HERE and get a coupon code to reduce the cost of registration!
  • Reserve your room online at the Hilton in the block of rooms reserved for MMEA! 2026 Discounted block rate is $133/night with code MM26 if you call (no code is needed if you reserve online).
  • WE ARE SORRY TO REPORT: University of St. Thomas will not be able to provide Graduate Credits for participation in MWC 2025
  • COMING SOON: Purchase your tickets for the All-State Ensemble Concerts! 100% of February Concert admission proceeds go towards MMEA Scholarships! 100% of February Concert admission proceeds go towards MMEA Scholarships! In 2025, MMEA awarded a total of $62,972.50 in scholarship funds and 112 scholarships to students for the 2025 All-State Camps.