2026 Annual Convention - March 19 & 20
The Manitoba School Boards Association’s 62nd Annual Convention will take place on March 19 and 20 in Winnipeg.
PLEASE NOTE: NEW FOR 2026, THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN REVERSED.
DAY 1 will focus on Association business and conclude with the President’s Banquet, a great opportunity to connect with colleagues. DAY 2 will include elections for positions on the Provincial Executive and feature a full day of professional development sessions designed to support and inspire delegates, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Program Highlights - Keynote Speakers
David A. Robertson
photo courtesy David A. Robertson
David Robertson stands as one of Canada's most influential voices in literature and public discourse. A member of Norway House Cree Nation, he is a celebrated author, graphic novelist, and podcaster. His work offers profound insights into critical topics like Indigenous themes, mental health, and freedom of expression. Throughout his career, his extensive body of work has earned him widespread acclaim. This includes two Governor General's Literary Awards and numerous other honours. On the world stage, he is Canada’s nominee for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. Furthermore, his significant contributions to the arts have earned him honorary doctorates from both the University of Manitoba and the University of Lethbridge. David will be presenting on DAY 1 (Thursday, March 19).
Niigaan Sinclair
photo courtesy Niigaan Sinclair
Niigaan Sinclair, an Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation, is an award-winning writer, editor, and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, recognized by Maclean’s in 2022 as one of Canada’s most influential people. A former secondary school teacher and 2019 Peace Educator of the Year, he is a celebrated columnist (Canadian Columnist of the Year, 2018) whose work appears in the Winnipeg Free Press, on CBC, APTN, and in his podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger. His debut book, Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (2024), became a national bestseller and won the Governor General’s Award for Non-fiction. Niigaan will be presenting on DAY 2 (Friday, March 20).
Registration Now Open!
Please note: Workshop selections can be made when the choices become available.
Schedule at a Glance
Subject to change. Check back often for updates.
| DAY 1: Thursday, March 19 | DAY 2: Friday, March 20 | ||
| 7:30 am | Registration/Breakfast | 7:30 am | Registration/Breakfast |
| 8:30 am | Call to Order | 8:30 am | Greetings Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Tracy Schmidt |
| 8:45 am | MSBA President's Address Alan Campbell | 8:45 am | MSBA Executive Elections |
| 9:00 am | Keynote Address David A. Robertson | 9:15 am | Regional Meetings/Director Elections |
| 10:15 am | Health Break | 10:15 am | Health Break |
| 10:30 am | Resolutions | 10:30 am | Workshops A |
| 12:00 noon | Lunch | 11:45 am | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Resolutions | 12:30 pm | Workshops B |
| 2:15 pm | Health Break | 1:45 pm | Health Break |
| 2:30 pm | Resolutions/Cross-Region Discussions/Networking | 2:00 pm | Keynote Address Niigaan Sinclair |
| 4:00 pm | Board Chairs Meeting with Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning | 3:30 pm | Closing |
| 5:00 pm | Pre-Banquet Reception | ||
| 6:00 pm | President's Banquet/Award Recogniton | ||
President's Banquet
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at this year’s President’s Banquet on Thursday, March 19! Enjoy a delicious meal and outstanding live music from acclaimed singer Jesse Bandura, while we come together to celebrate the remarkable contributions within our education community.
The program will feature the presentation of the Presidents’ Council Award, recognition of retiring executive, and a special tribute to long‑serving trustees whose dedication continues to shape public education in Manitoba.
To learn more about MSBA’s awards and the stories behind them, visit our Awards page.
Jesse Bandura
photo courtesy Jesse Bandura
Jesse Bandura is a Winnipeg-born country-rock singer, songwriter, and musician whose powerhouse vocals, skilled guitar work, and electrifying live presence make him a natural fit for any stage — from intimate bars to major festivals. His single “Good Time” hit #1 on Canada’s Indigenous Music Countdown, and his music has been featured on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country and Indigiverse, earning him national recognition. Click here to learn more.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring our event? Choose from one of the prebuilt sponsorship packages offered or contact MSBA directly to build a custom package at sponsor@mbschoolboards.ca.
Accommodations
The Delta Hotel in Winnipeg is the 2026 convention hotel. MSBA sent the hotel guest room booking information via divisional mail to all boards on January 7, and the details are also provided following registration for the event.
Alternate hotel accommodations:
Hampton Inn by Hilton - Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg Downtown
Radisson Hotel - Hotel in Winnipeg, MB | Radisson Official Site | Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown
Fort Garry Hotel - The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Committees:
| Nominating Committee | Resolutions Committee |
|---|---|
| Sandy Nemeth Louis Riel | Sandy Nemeth, Louis Riel |
| Floyd Martens, Mountain View | Floyd Martens, Mountain View |
| Robert Rivard, Seine River | Robert Rivard, Seine River |
| Jack Bogaski, Lord Selkirk | |
| Henk Warnar-Brown, SD of Mystery Lake | |
| Josh Watt, MSBA staff |
Downloads
- Nominations to Date
- Call for Nominations & Resolutions
- Rules of Procedure - Notice of Motion
- Resolutions Primer
- Sponsorship Opportunities
Coming Soon:
- Workshop Details
- Resolutions and Special Business
- Candidate Profiles
Charity of Choice
Supporting a Good Cause!
CancerCare Manitoba Foundation will be the recipient of monies raised by our very popular raffle. Thank you to our member boards for their generous support of this endeavour.
Convention Countdown