Projects, Pedagogy, and Play Conference 2026

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!

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.

• 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.
  

NOW LIVE: Book your room using our group rate ($164/night) at:
Online: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/headrushmaylodging2026/

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.

• 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.

Info: 210 Main St, Henderson, MN 56044

Info: 11345 Robinson Dr, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

Info: Anyone in town Thursday night is welcome to join us for and informal welcome and kickoff serving complimentary food and drinks at Woolley’s Kitchen & Bar located in the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport.

Info: Stick around and join us for a fun get together after the conference. Details will be announced by April 1st.

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Host or Publisher NWPHS,JGESA, and Headrush Learning