Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Safety Seminar
September 18–19, 2026
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
About the Event
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association's September Safety Seminar! This annual event brings together seaplane enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of education, connection, and fun. Each year features a spectacular seaplane fly-in, engaging safety and educational seminars, more than 20 aviation-related vendors, and networking opportunities with fellow pilots and aviation professionals.
This year's event will include:
- Keynote speaker Bruno Brasileiro Ferreira, known by his social media handle @FlyWithBruno, who showcases adventures and challenges in his 1978 Grumman AA5B Tiger on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- Friday morning Seaplane Ground School with Mark Cook
- Friday Social Hour and buffet dinner
- Saturday accuracy landing contest and banquet dinner
- Silent auction and prize drawing opportunities
Program details and registration information will be available in summer 2026.
Attendee Registration
Cost:
- Single registration (includes Saturday only): $50
- Double/Couple registration (includes Saturday only): $75
Please note: Attendee registration will be led by AirTAP for the 2026 event. You will be required to create an account with the University of Minnesota to register for this event. If you don't already have an account, please follow the prompts under "new user" when registering.
Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration
Sponsorships are available at the platinum, gold, and silver level. All sponsorships include exhibit space. Learn more about sponsorship benefits and register now.
Please note: You will be required to create an account with the University of Minnesota to register for this event. If you don't already have an account, please follow the prompts under "new user" when registering.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are not included with lodging or registration. The MSPA has reserved seats for Saturday lunch at Wilson Bay and attendees must pay for their own meals. If you do not lodge with Madden’s, Friday and Saturday evening dinners must be purchased separately.
Purchase Friday and Saturday dinners via the attendee registration link by September 3rd, 2026 to guarantee your seat. A limited number of walk-in banquet meals will be available.
Cost:
- Friday evening dinner: $80
- Saturday evening banquet: $70
Lodging
To reserve your lodging by August 18, 2026, use this special link or call Madden’s at 1-800-642-5363.
The MSPA package rate includes:
- Guest room accommodations
- Friday and Saturday night dinner
- Recreational amenities including beaches, swimming pools, saunas, whirlpools, fitness center, and business center
- Discounted golf green fees on Madden’s courses
- Free shuttle to and from East Gull Lake airstrip. $40 round trip to and from Brainerd Regional Airport.
A two-night minimum stay is required. Friday and Saturday room rates per person, not including tax, are listed below. Additional dates are available to reserve at a discounted rate (September 15–17 and September 20–22) — please contact Madden’s for details.
Room Type | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Triple Occupancy | Quad Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 Hotel and Golf Villas | $282.00 | $173.50 | $137.33 | $119.25 |
Tier 2 Villas and Cottages | $343.00 | $204.00 | $157.67 | $134.50 |
Tier 3 Suites | $383.00 | $224.00 | $171.00 | $144.50 |
Upper Sunrise Villa with loft | $392.00 | $228.50 | $174.00 | $146.75 |
Two-Bedroom Cabins | $453.00 | $259.00 | $194.33 | $162.00 |
Madden House (5 bedrooms) | $348.00 | $206.50 | $159.33 | $135.75 |
Rates for Child Occupants
Room Type | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy | Triple Occupancy | Quad Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Teens age 13–18 | $65.00 | $65.00 | $65.00 | $65.00 |
Child age 4–12 | $32.50 | $32.50 | $32.50 | $32.50 |
Questions?
Please contact [email protected].
Sponsors
This seminar is brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association, with support from the Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP).