UPDATE: A VIRTUAL EVENT IS COMING TOGETHER FOR THE SAME DATES.
MONDAY AN UPDATED SCHEDULE WILL BE RELEASED ALONG WITH REGISTRATION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PATIENCE!
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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MMEA Midwinter Convention 2026
February 12-14, 2026 at the Minneapolis Convention Center
Exhibitor Opportunities:
☑ Rent a space in our Exhibit Hall
☑ Take advantage of access to over 10,000 music educators, students, parents, and friends! Extended breaks each day between sessions for convention attendees to visit the exhibit hall! Midwinter Convention is THREE DAYS* in 2026!
☑ Support ongoing music education through your participation in this opportunity. Your participation in the convention enriches the experience for everyone! Recruit talented young musicians for your future programs! Help an educator find a solution for their upcoming ensemble or classroom programming! Nurture your relationship with your target market!
How to Submit Your Exhibit Hall Request:
☑2026 Exhibit Hall is returning to our historical location on the lower level Hall A. If you have questions, please email the Exhibit Hall Chairs, Chip Williams and Joni Sutton, at exhibits@mmea.org.
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☑ Download and read all 2026 MMEA Exhibit Hall Information.
☑ Download and read Exhibitor Instructions.
☑ Booths: 10′ x 10′ Standard Booths are $700. (NOTE: Premium Booths for 2026 are SOLD OUT. 10′ x 10′ Premium Booths are $750) We assign booths in order of paid invoices. Sign up and pay early to get a $50.00 discount and increase your chances of getting your preferred booth location (before November 1, 2025).
☑ NOTE: As of December 1, 2025, if you would like to exhibit, please contact the Exhibit Chairs at exhibits@mmea.org to see about availability. After confirming space with the Exhibit Chairs you will receive a link to submit your 2026 Exhibit Booth Request. Include multiple booth preferences. (Registration for full benefits on or before January 10) Here is a PDF of the exhibit request form to help you prepare.
☑ Receive contract and invoice from MMEA by email.
☑ Booth assignment priority process: MMEA Convention Sponsors get first choice of booths before opening to all exhibitors. Booths are assigned in order of paid Invoices.
☑ 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).
☑ Questions? Email exhibits@mmea.org or info@mmea.org.
