2024 National MRPC Annual Meeting
Winona, MN
Join commissioners, members, interpretive centers, and partners from the 10-state Great River Road region September 18-20, 2024, in Winona, Minnesota, for the 2024 MRPC Annual Meeting – Arts, Outdoor Recreation and the Mississippi River: Bringing it Together on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway & All-American Road.
This meeting will engage attendees on topics related to economic development and tourism along the Great River Road. We’ll learn from each other as we see and hear examples from Winona and throughout Minnesota. Find engaging sessions with ideas to take home and time to network and collaborate across the four technical committees. Together, we’ll celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the best of what has been accomplished across the Great River Road states.
Hotel Reservations Are Open
Riverport Inn & Suites
riverportinn.com – Use code “MRPC24”
(507) 452-0606 – Refer to MRPC Annual Meeting block
King Rooms are $139
Double Queen Rooms are $149
*Room block ends on August 18.
Travel Suggestions to Winona:
- Fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and rent a car (approximately 2 hour drive along the Great River Road) or use GROOME Transportation
- Fly into LaCrosse, WI Regional Airport serviced by American Airlines through Chicago O’Hare and rent a car (approximately 30 minute drive along the Great River Road) or use GROOME Transportation
- Fly into Rochester, MN Airport and rent a car (approximately one hour drive) or use GROOME Transportation
- Amtrack services Winona from Chicago’s Union Station (approximately 5.5 hours)
- Drive the Great River Road
Agenda (Working):
Wednesday, September 18
- 2:30 – 4:30pm: MRPC Board of Directors Meeting
5:30 – 8:00pm: Opening Night Welcome Reception at Minnesota Marine Art Museum (800 Riverview Drive, Winona) – Heavy hors d’oeuvres and education at galleries and pollinator garden
Thursday, September 19
- 7:30am: New Member Orientation
- 8:00am – 4:30pm: Plenary and Working Sessions, Lunch and Technical Committee Sessions
- 5:30 – 9:00pm: Educational Field Session, Banquet and Awards at Winona County Historical Society
Friday, September 20
- 7:00am: Breakfast and State Commission Meetings
- 8:00 am – Noon: Plenary and Working Sessions
Topics and Speakers Include:
Keynote: Sarah Strommen, Commissioner, MN Department of Natural Resources
Panel – Keys to Effective Partnering for the Byway
Minnesota technical partner representatives will describe how they effectively partner with Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission and each other to achieve common goals for the byway.
Takeaways:
- Forging mutually beneficial working relationships.
- How to maximize the resources of the commission and those of the technical partner for measurable shared outcomes.
- Having fun while working to bring more people to the River on the Great River Road!
Panel – Events that Build Regional Tourism for Great River Road Byway Communities
Hear from Minnesota communities that host or participate in events highlighting the arts and nature to draw visitors from a wide region, thereby boosting their local visitation and economies.
Takeaways:
- Arts and nature events can draw visitors to your community from a broad region.
- Some events only require your participation.
- New events can take time to become established.
Panel – The Growth of Outdoor Recreation and its Economic Impact on Winona, Minnesota
Winona stakeholders will discuss how a Minnesota river town came to embrace and enhance its outdoor assets through dreaming, planning, implementing, and promoting.
Takeaways:
- Byway communities of any size can maximize outdoor opportunities for the benefit of residents and visitors.
- Outdoor Recreation activities and organizations show substantial economic impact year-round.
- Collaborations across communities can enhance the feasibility and success of new outdoor recreation endeavors.
U.S Bike Route
Looking at steps ahead and what the designation brings
Operation Pollination
Learn more about efforts and how to get involved
Working with Great River Road Interpretive Centers
Improving communication and partnerships