2026 Evergreen Conference
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The Evergreen Conference is northern Minnesota’s premier training event for youth-serving professionals, held annually in Bemidji at the Sanford Convention Center. This year marks the 21st year of bringing youth-serving professionals together, who stand in the gap, open doors, and help hope to bloom in the lives of young people in our community who are navigating a complex world.
This year’s theme, Where Hope Blooms, celebrates the work of youth-serving professionals, while elevating their ability to provide hope and a way forward for young people through connection, growth, and community support. It also reflects the environments we create together where youth, families, and communities can grow and thrive.We are still taking breakout session proposals and sponsorships are also available. Registration will open soon!
2026 Featured Speakers
Anton Treuer is an Ojibwe author, professor, and public speaker whose work focuses on Indigenous language revitalization, education, and cultural understanding. A descendant of the Leech Lake and White Earth Bands of Ojibwe, he has dedicated his career to sharing knowledge rooted in lived experience, scholarship, and community engagement.
Treuer is the author of more than twenty books on Native American history, Ojibwe language, and contemporary Indigenous life, including works widely used in classrooms, libraries, and community programs. As a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, he works closely with students and elders to support language learning and cultural continuity.
Through writing, teaching, and public speaking, Anton Treuer engages audiences across the United States, offering talks and workshops for schools, universities, tribal communities, nonprofits, and public organizations. His work emphasizes relationship-building, respectful dialogue, and practical pathways toward equity and understanding.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Q, affectionately known as the Heart-Centered Educator. My journey began in classrooms, where I first noticed the transformational power of education and love-driven interactions.
This revelation inspired me to spark a revolution in leadership education, extending from classrooms to boardrooms, bridging the gap between emerging leaders of tomorrow to loving, impactful leaders today.
My approach is firmly rooted in love, compassion, and human connection. I believe this is the secret ingredient that truly changes humanity and yields powerful outcomes. As a coach, consultant, speaker, industry leader, and author, I am dedicated to educating leaders about the power of leading with love.
"Love, Laugh, and Lead," my mantra, encapsulates my philosophy, highlighting the importance of human connection before leadership. This approach not only nurtures an environment of mutual respect but also enhances morale and productivity across all sectors.
Paul Meunier, M.A., is President and CEO of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), where he supports the growth of youth-serving agencies and professionals across the country. He holds a master’s degree in psychology and is the author of Relationships Are Everything: What Youth Workers Teach Us About Leadership. Paul speaks on relationships, leadership, and the personal growth that makes both possible. His presentations are known for their authenticity, humility, and genuine passion for helping people grow.
Conference Schedule
2026 Conference Sponsors & Supporters
Evergreen Community Impact Award
In 2023, Evergreen created the Evergreen Community Impact Award (ECI Award). The inaugural award was unveiled and presented to the first recipient at the Evergreen Gala that year. The ECI Award was established to honor an exceptional individual, organization, or business who has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people and families in northern Minnesota. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to strengthen connections, inspire hope, and create opportunities for growth and belonging for youth and families.
Since 2024, this award has been presented at the Evergreen Conference. Each year, the award recipient will embody Evergreen’s mission of strengthening youth, preserving families, and building relationships by leading with compassion, creativity, and commitment. Through their dedication and service, they uplift and empower others while leaving a legacy of positive change for their community.
Past Award Recipients:
2025: Danae Alamano, United Way of the Bemidji Area
2024: Amy Merschman, Bemidji School District
2023: Gary Russell, Evergreen Youth & Family Services
Nominations now open for 2026!
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