2026 MREA

Keynotes

Opening Keynote

Lonnie Moore, Franklin Covey  | Who Believed in You? The Power of Connections

lonnie-moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 8:30 AM

Lonnie Moore is one of FranklinCovey’s most dynamic and requested speakers, having delivered more than 3,000 speaking engagements over the past twenty-three years. His ample experience as a teacher, coach, consultant, and product developer has prepared him to help schools discover solutions that result in long-term change.

Since joining FranklinCovey in 2000, Lonnie has successfully contributed to content development and the global growth of the Leader in Me Leadership Model. In his current role, he guides high schools to effectively design and implement FranklinCovey-based leadership solutions that help teens become life, college, and career ready.

Prior to his work with FranklinCovey, Lonnie was a middle and high school math teacher. In his third year in the classroom, he was recognized as Mainstream Teacher of the Year in Pinellas County, Florida.

As the author of The High-Trust Classroom, Raising Achievement from the Inside-Out (2009) and co-author of The Inspirational Teacher (2007), Lonnie helps educators become inspirational leaders, sharing how to build trust and engage learners in the classroom.

Legislative Keynote

Sam Walseth  |  What's Next for Rural Schools?

sam_walseth

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 8:30 AM

Coming off the 2026 Legislative Session, Sam Walseth is addressing what's next for rural districts. Sam will dive into the details of the 2026 session and give updates on MREA priorities going into the 2027 session.  

For 24 years, Sam has been working on behalf of MREA and its members to advocate for rural Minnesota education at the legislative level.  Each fall, MREA works with members to determine their legislative priorities for the upcoming session, which is developed into the MREA platform. Sam takes the platform issues and advocates on MREA’s behalf during the legislative session. He serves as the point of contact for people inside of the state Capitol Complex on issues relating to rural education. He drives the MREA agenda with other advocacy organizations and key policy makers, keeping MREA members focused and abreast of what’s happening at the state Capitol.

Closing Keynote

Steve Fredlund | Embrace the Adventure: How to Keep Moving Forward When the Path Isn’t Clear

steve-fredlund

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 9:45 AM

In a world of constant change, rising expectations, and ongoing uncertainty, it is easy to feel stuck between wanting to move forward and not knowing how. The instinct is to wait for clarity, fix what feels broken, or regain control. But in today’s environment, that approach often leads to hesitation, frustration, and burnout.

In this uplifting, story-driven keynote, Steve “Safari Dude” Fredlund invites audiences to see uncertainty differently. Drawing on unforgettable safari experiences and real-world leadership insight, he reframes work and life as an adventure, one that cannot be paused until conditions improve.

After this session, audiences will be better able to:

  1. Recognize uncertainty as a normal and unavoidable part of the journey
  2. Clarify how they want to show up so decisions are not made by default
  3. Strengthen alignment and connection with the people around them
  4. Take decisive action that creates forward momentum even without full clarity

Rather than eliminating uncertainty, this session equips both leaders and teams to navigate it with clarity of purpose, renewed energy, and confidence.