September 18–19, 2026
Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
Expand the sections below to see session details from the conference. Please refer to the printed program at the event for any updates or changes.
Preliminary Agenda
Friday, September 18, 2026
Fly-In, Seaplane Ground School, Pilot Safety Seminar, and More
Noon–4:00 p.m. — Wipaire Poker Run!
- 11:00 a.m. — Poker Run Registration
- 11:30 a.m. — Pilot Brief
- 4:00 p.m. — Return
- 4:30 p.m. — Winner Announced (Must be present to win)
Noon–4:00 p.m. — Seaplane Ground School: Mark Cook, FAA (Location: Town Hall)
4:00–5:30 p.m. — Event Registration (Location: Town Hall)
4:30–6:00 p.m. — Social Hour; Exhibit Area Open (Location: Town Hall)
6:00–7:30 p.m. — Buffet Meal; Entertainment TBD (Location: The Pavilion)
7:45–8:30 p.m. — FAA Seminar, “The Relationship Between Pilots and Mechanics”: Troy Siekas (Location: Town Hall)
8:30 p.m. start — Seaplane Sundown (Location: O’Madden Pub)
8:30 p.m. start — Night Golf (Location: Madden Inn Pro Shop)
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Fly-in, Seminar Sessions, Activities, and More
7:00–9:00 a.m. — Breakfast (on your own, not provided by event) (Location: Madden Inn)
8:00 a.m.–Noon — Event Registration (Location: Town Hall)
9:00–9:10 a.m. — Welcome and Introductions: Joe Birkemeyer, MSPA
9:10–9:50 a.m. — Minnesota Aviation Update: Jim McCanney, MnDOT Aeronautics
9:50–10:25 a.m. — My Seaplane Adventures: John Mohr
10:25–10:45 a.m. — Break
10:45–11:25 a.m. — RAF Introduction: Amy Gesch, Wipaire
11:25 –12:10 p.m. — Be Paranoid... Silent Killers are out there — Power Lines: Steve McCaughey, Seaplane Pilots Association
12:10–1:00 p.m. — Lunch: Seats reserved at Wilson Bay
1:00–1:40 p.m. — Floatplane Maintenance: Martin Holte, Wipaire
1:40–2:00 p.m. — Invasive Species: Charles Scott, DNR.
- All members must attend
2:00–2:20 p.m. — Break
2:20–3:00 p.m. — TBD
3:00–3:40 p.m — AOPA Town Hall: Kyle Lewis, AOPA Air Safety Institute
3:40–3:50 p.m. — Drawing for a two-night stay at Madden’s Resort
- Must be registered and present to win!
3:50–4:00 p.m. — Break
4:00–4:15 p.m. — Accuracy Landing Contest Brief
4:30–5:45 p.m. — Accuracy Landing Contest: Seaplanes (Location: Steamboat Bay)
- Sign up early
- MUST attend Accuracy Landing Contest Brief immediately following last speaker
5:30–7:00 p.m. — Social Hour in Exhibit Area (Location: Town Hall)
7:00–9:00 p.m. — Banquet Dinner and Guest Speaker: Bruno Brasileiro Ferreira; Grand Prize Drawing — Must be present and current with MSPA dues (Location: Town Hall)
9:00 p.m. start — Seaplane Sundown (Location: O’Madden Pub)
9:00 p.m. start — Night Golf (Location: Madden Inn Pro Shop)
Questions?
Please contact [email protected].