2026 National Conference – Minneapolis
Mark your calendar!
Image by Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
The FIRST National Conference 2026 will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Longtime Minneapolis resident and FIRST community member (mother of three daughters) Sarah Aughenbaugh is delighted to welcome attendees to the city she and her family have proudly called home for more than 16 years. Sarah shares her perspective on what makes Minneapolis such a vibrant place to gather, from its beautiful lakes and lively arts scene to the strong sense of community that mirrors the spirit of FIRST.
The snow is melting and the days are getting longer, seasonal signs that summer and FIRST’s National Conference will soon be here. As Minneapolis residents of more than 16 years, my family is thrilled to welcome FIRST and the ichthyosis community to the city we call home.
There’s something truly special about summer in Minneapolis. Within the immediate vicinity of downtown and the conference hotel, there is a multitude of things to see and do. The city shines as the Chain of Lakes come alive with swimmers, cyclists, and kayakers. The Mill City farmers market overflows with local vendors and live music. Rooftop patios teem with friends and families out for a bite to eat and drink. The renowned arts scene bustles with life from First Avenue concerts to Guthrie Theater performances to Walker Arts Center and Sculpture Garden exhibits (the museum is free on Thursday evenings and the Sculpture Garden is always free). Minneapolis is a city that loves to highlight what makes our community special. In summer, it really shows off.
Beyond Minneapolis, the broader Twin Cities community and state of Minnesota offer many options to extend your visit. Pay tribute to Prince at Paisley Park, the museum founded in his home and recording studio. Shop ‘til you drop at the Mall of America. Cheer on any one of our home teams in an athletic event. Visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park. There are as many options and adventures as there are lakes in Minnesota.
Every two years FIRST’s national conference brings people together from across the ichthyosis community. This is a precious opportunity to connect, share, and support one another in line with FIRST’s core values of compassion, hope, integrity, and responsiveness. We’re honored that so many people in this cherished community will be coming together in this beautiful, vibrant city. Hope to see you soon in Minneapolis!
There’s something truly special about summer in Minneapolis. Within the immediate vicinity of downtown and the conference hotel, there is a multitude of things to see and do. The city shines as the Chain of Lakes come alive with swimmers, cyclists, and kayakers. The Mill City farmers market overflows with local vendors and live music. Rooftop patios teem with friends and families out for a bite to eat and drink. The renowned arts scene bustles with life from First Avenue concerts to Guthrie Theater performances to Walker Arts Center and Sculpture Garden exhibits (the museum is free on Thursday evenings and the Sculpture Garden is always free). Minneapolis is a city that loves to highlight what makes our community special. In summer, it really shows off.
Beyond Minneapolis, the broader Twin Cities community and state of Minnesota offer many options to extend your visit. Pay tribute to Prince at Paisley Park, the museum founded in his home and recording studio. Shop ‘til you drop at the Mall of America. Cheer on any one of our home teams in an athletic event. Visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park. There are as many options and adventures as there are lakes in Minnesota.
Every two years FIRST’s national conference brings people together from across the ichthyosis community. This is a precious opportunity to connect, share, and support one another in line with FIRST’s core values of compassion, hope, integrity, and responsiveness. We’re honored that so many people in this cherished community will be coming together in this beautiful, vibrant city. Hope to see you soon in Minneapolis!
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June 26 – 28, 2026
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
The room rate will be $209++ per night.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
We want to reassure all attendees, partners, and exhibitors that upcoming events and conferences in Minneapolis are moving forward as planned.
The safety and security of our guests remain our highest priority. We are working closely with local officials, venue partners, and security teams to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
Our venues are operating under standard security protocols, and there are no known safety concerns affecting attendees or event operations in the Twin Cities. Events are happening throughout our communities and people are participating at normal levels of engagement.
We look forward to welcoming you and delivering the exceptional experience you expect.
The safety and security of our guests remain our highest priority. We are working closely with local officials, venue partners, and security teams to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
Our venues are operating under standard security protocols, and there are no known safety concerns affecting attendees or event operations in the Twin Cities. Events are happening throughout our communities and people are participating at normal levels of engagement.
We look forward to welcoming you and delivering the exceptional experience you expect.
Follow the links on the right for all of the conference information
More Conference Information
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FIRST is once again using the Whova app for conference participation. Reach out to us for the app invitation code.
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