Co-op Futures Summit
Minneapolis, MN | February 20-21, 2027
Calling the next generation of cooperators! Join fellow students and emerging cooperative leaders and professionals for this two-day conference focused on building a stronger future for co-ops. Together, we’ll explore how cooperatives can actively engage the next generation, and how you can be a part of it. With a two-track agenda, this conference is designed to meet participants where they are in their cooperative knowledge. Whether you’re new to the space, you work at a cooperative, you want to start a cooperative, or you’re an experienced cooperator looking to engage the next generation, you’ll find relevant sessions, practical tools, and meaningful interactive opportunities.
Agenda
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Pre-Conference Session: Co-ops 101
This optional session will provide an overview of cooperatives for those new to the sector. It will detail the history of the cooperative movement, and the various types of cooperatives in the United States today and how they are structured.
Welcome
National Farmers Union staff will introduce the conference and what to expect, and lead participants through an icebreaker to create meaningful connections.
Building an Engaged Membership
Many cooperatives focus heavily on recruiting members, but less on keeping them actively involved. How can cooperatives build an engaged membership designed for longevity? This session will explore how to measure member engagement, how to create opportunities for meaningful participation, and how to make membership relevant to younger audiences without alienating long-time members
Growing Relevance: Modern Marketing for Cooperatives
This session will examine how consumer expectations are changing, explore strategies for attracting younger audiences, learn how to measure marketing effectiveness, and share cooperative success stories.
The Cooperative Difference in the Community
This session will highlight a cooperative success story, and how cooperation has made a difference in the business’ community.
Optional Tour of Cooperatives in the Twin Cities
This optional session will provide an overview of cooperatives for those new to the sector. It will detail the history of the cooperative movement, and the various types of cooperatives in the United States today and how they are structured.
Reception at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative
This optional session will provide an overview of cooperatives for those new to the sector. It will detail the history of the cooperative movement, and the various types of cooperatives in the United States today and how they are structured.
Sunday, February 21, 2025
Board Simulation
This interactive workshop will walk the audience through what it means to serve on a board and challenge participants to work through common scenarios board members may face
Building the Next Generation of Cooperative Leadership
This interactive workshop will bring all participants together to identify practical ways to strengthen leadership pipelines, improve governance, and create opportunities for the next generation.
Conference Wrap-up and Networking Lunch
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Thank you to our supporters!
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Inside the Co-ops of Minneapolis and St. Paul
See some of the cooperatives National Farmers Union has featured at the College Conference on Cooperatives in this behind-the-scenes video.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to reach out to a staff member, please email emccormick@nfu.org.
How much will the Co-op Future Summit cost?
There are three tiers of registration. Select the one that fits you best:
Student/Faculty: $115. This registration is for students attending with their faculty or a student group, students referred to the program by their faculty, and faculty attending with their student groups. This cost includes single lodging for faculty lodging for students (2 students per room).
Farmers Union members: $115.
Non-Farmers Union members: $200. Not a member and want the discounted rate? Join Farmers Union now!
When do I need to reserve my hotel room?
National Farmers Union has negotiated room rates for this event for the nights of Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20.
King rooms are $139/night. Double rooms are $159/night.
If you are registering as a student or faculty, you do not need to reserve a room. Farmers Union staff will reserve your room for you.
You must reserve your room by January 28, 2027.
You can reserve a room using this hotel reservation link.
Is there parking at the hotel?
There is $30 overnight self-parking and $57 overnight valet parking available.
What tours will participants go on?
More information about the tours and the full tour schedule will be announced on this page in the coming weeks.
Is there financial assistance available to attend?
Please reach out to your state Farmers Union office regarding financial support to attend this conference.
Photo Gallery
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