Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel

The 28th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference will be held April 26-28, 2023 at the Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel. We’re thrilled to offer another in-person conference with all of the latest information on autism, all in one place. This year’s conference will feature keynote speakers Eric Garcia, Kari Zweber Palmer, and Dr. Mona Delahooke, as well as 28 breakout sessions tailored for all audiences including autistics, family members, educators, and professionals. Visit the AuSM Shop, gather information from key autism exhibitors, and spend your conference days networking and learning from expert speakers. This year’s conference features a NEW Foundational Workshop on April 26 that is ideal for those just beginning their autism journey or experienced participants who want to review essential information.

The goal of AuSM’s annual conference is to advance understanding of ASD through educational content, community connections, and resources like exhibitors and the AuSM Shop. Whether you are new to autism or have decades of experience, there’s information for you. We strive to make the conference accessible, with features like a quiet space, captioning for all presentations, and name badges that let you indicate your openness to socialization.

View the conference brochure.

Click here to see a full detailed schedule of the conference.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship has now closed.

Conference Guides

Looking for information specific to your role in the autism community? Curious about what sessions are right for you? We’ve created audience specific guides to the conference to make things more approachable. Click below to see each.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers receive a $60 discount on their conference registration! We’re looking for individuals to volunteer with registration, in the AuSM Shop, reading introductions for breakout sessions, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Kelly at kulrick@ausm.org for more information.

Pricing

Full Conference Registration (Includes Foundational Workshop and virtual content)
AuSM Member: $295
Non-Member: $355
Autistic Individual: $125

Foundational Workshop Only
Member: $105
Non-Member: $125
Autistic Individual: $40

Virtual Content Only
$100

To reserve a hotel room at a discounted cost of $159 per night, click here.

COVID Policies and Procedures

AuSM is committed to the safety of our community. We continue to monitor state, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and local guidance to create policies and procedures surrounding COVID during our events. AuSM and our venue, the Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel, recommends but does not require you to be vaccinated or wear masks during our conference, but note that we will be in an indoor space with a large audience. As always, we will provide updates as necessary.

CEU Credits

The Autism Society of Minnesota has submitted requests to provide CEUs for licensees under the following governing boards (CEU provider #CEP-911). Approval is pending and will be updated here once AuSM receives confirmation.

MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (LPC/ LPCC) (pending approval)
MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (confirmed)
MN Board of Psychology (confirmed)
MN Board of School Administrators (confirmed)
MN Board of Social Work (confirmed)

Regarding CEUs for MN Educators, the Professional Learning Renewal Opportunities (PELSB) and your local teacher association can assist with questions pertaining to qualifying conference session topics for relicensure. You can also consult PELSB Renewal Requirements Chart for a high-level overview of all requirements for MN Educator Licensing. The MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board does not have a singular application for CEU providers to seek approval to provide CEUs. Certificates of attendance will be provided to every attendee post-conference.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds less a $25 processing fee will be given for cancellations received in writing to events@ausm.org ten business days prior to Wednesday, April 26. Following this date, no refunds will be given. Requests for transfers of registration to another individual will be considered. If you require assistance to register, or do not have internet access, please call Zephyr James at 651.647.1083 ext. 123 or email zjames@ausm.org.

This year’s conference will begin with a foundational workshop held from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26.

The Minnesota Autism Conference is a place to dive deep into many topics related to autism, but if you’re new to the community or looking for a refresher of your basic skills, this Foundational Conference Workshop is a must.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition. Understanding ASD as a form of neurodiversity helps shift your mind to think of ASD as a difference, rather than a disorder. Although no two individuals on the spectrum are alike, it is likely that you will interact with an individual who is on the spectrum at one time or another. This introductory workshop will help you to understand the experience of autistic individuals, and expand your idea of what ASD is. In this session we will talk about what ASD is (as isn’t), different ways that ASD can impact how someone thinks, behaves, and interacts, and strategies to promote success across environments.

The final hour will be spent broken into smaller groups to discuss support strategies relevant to your life. Whether you’re a new educator, family member of someone with a new diagnosis, or an autistic just entering the community, this workshop is the place to build your foundational understanding of ASD to help you get the most out of the conference.

In recognition of the valuable partnership our organizations have developed after co-hosting two years of virtual conferences, the Autism Societies of Minnesota and Greater Wisconsin are collaborating to offer on-demand, bonus virtual content as part of our 2023 in-person autism conferences. We are proud to be able to extend our partnership in a way that increases access to the rich educational content featured at each of our conferences.

Thirteen select breakout sessions from our separate, in-person 2023 conferences, will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing for one month (May 1-June 1, 2023) as part of your in-person registration for Minnesota’s conference. Bonus content will include access to thirteen select breakout sessions only and will not include keynote presentation recordings. This content is also available to purchase as a standalone.

See virtual sessions

Sponsorships

• Bringing the community together for three days of learning, networking, and resource gathering.

• 400+ caregivers, parents, educators, individuals with autism, professionals, and more participate.

• More than 25 educational sessions presented by experts, including four keynote speakers.

• Participants come eager for resources; exhibits are open and busy throughout this three-day event.

View the sponsorship flyer.

Become a Sponsor

AuSM is dedicated to making our events as accessible as possible. To help our participants feel more comfortable, we’ve created a document laying out the accommodations in place, those available when requested, and current barriers. We are also working on a social narrative, which you will be able to find here when it’s ready.