projects, pedagogy, and play 2026
May 6-8 2026
Minneapolis MN
Register now
Connect, share, and celebrate with like-minded innovative educators at our cool school "unconference" experience in Minneapolis! More Educators. More Innovation. More Play.
Project, Pedagogy & Play is back—bigger, bolder, and more connected than ever. This year, we will be welcoming 150+ educators and innovators to a larger venue designed to spark meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, and real collaboration.
This is an opportunity to explore learner-centered education, project-based learning, and the power of play alongside like-minded educators from across district schools, public charter schools, private schools, and higher education. The event is a collaboration of Northwest Passage High School, Terra Nova School, and Headrush Learning.
THURSDAY (OPTIONAL):
Join us on a bus tour visiting two innovative schools. First, New Country School in Henderson, MN, (the 'Coolest School in America') , then enjoy lunch on our way to Northwest Passage High School in Coon Rapids, MN (2024 Building Hope Impact Award – National Innovation Award). Refresh back at your hotel and then join us for food, drinks and an informal welcome in the Embassy Suites Atrium!
School Tour Details
We recommend coming into town Wednesday night (5/6). The bus leaves promptly at 8:15a and the first school tour starts at 9:30 am.
The first school tour is 43 miles (45 mins) drive from the hotel.
To respect the the fact these schools will be operating a normal day, we are capping the number of available slots, so please register early to ensure your spot.
FRIDAY (ACTUAL CONFERENCE):
Hosted in the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport, the venue is a hotel-provided shuttle ride from the MSP airport; minutes from the Mississippi River, Mall of America, and downtown Twin Cities. The agenda includes 2 group cross pollination sessions and 12 topical sessions, themed on Projects, Pedagogy, or Play.
Those who stay Friday are invited to an informal dinner and hang after program closeout with educator and Zac Brown Band guitarist Coy Bowles.
Travel Info
Fly into MSP airport Wednesday night and ideally leave Saturday morning. Take the Embassy Suites hotel shuttle from the airport to the hotel at no extra cost.
Thursday's bus tour will leave promptly from the Embassy Suites at 8:15a. If you drive yourself, you will still need to purchase a Thursday tour ticket. We have hotel rooms reserved Wednesday and Friday nights, those who stay Friday are invited to an informal dinner and hang after program closeout with educator and Zach Brown Band guitarist Coy Bowles.
Conference Hotel Room Block
Book your room using our group rate ($164/night) with the button below, or by phone: Call 1-800-317-8143, and let them know you need to make a reservation in the Headrush room block. Let them know the group code is 90L.
**The group rate is valid until midnight 4/15/26 or once the room block has been filled, whichever comes first.