Programs & Events


Professional Development

Fall Forum

Annually in Fall/Winter

TBD

Fall Forum is a comprehensive, day-long event meant to bring both high school counselors and college admission professionals together. We will learn from each other and discuss best practices in guiding and supporting students pursuing higher education.

Learn more about Fall Forum.

MIDWest Conference 2025

May 17-19, 2026

Madison, WI


This Spring's conference is a two day event meant to present a broad range of sessions, as well as facilitate networking opportunities and engagement between both high school counselors and college admission professionals from across the state.

Learn more about MIDWest Conference.

Admission Counselor Institute

July 27-28, 2026

College of St. Benedict

This two-day in-person conference is geared to new admissions professionals who have completed one admission cycle (or less).

Learn more about Admission Counselor Institute.

Inclusion, Access, and Success

College Fair Workshop

September 21, 2026

College of St. Benedict - St. Joseph, MN


A pre-MEF College Fair event for high school students to explore postsecondary options, learn what to expect at a college fair, and gain the skills to navigate the experience with confidence by asking meaningful questions and connecting with admissions counselors. 

View the tentative schedule.

Education Opportunities Expo

October 29, 2026

Metro State University


An interactive event designed to empower adult or non-traditional learners and transfer students as they explore higher education options. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about postsecondary pathways, financial aid, credit transfer opportunities, or engage in guided reflection to build a personalized plan for achieving their educational and career goals.

View the tentative schedule.

Show on the Road

February 9, 2026

Minnesota State University Moorhead


Show on the road is a traveling professional development conference providing high school counselors around the state with resources and presentations on subjects like hot topics in admissions, regional career forecasts, and financial aid.

Learn more about Show on the Road.

Camp College

June 27-29, 2026

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Camp College is a FREE pre-college experience where current Minnesota high school juniors will learn valuable information about their postsecondary education options, applying to colleges, navigating financial aid opportunities, and more!

Learn more about Camp College.

Government Relations

Day on the Hill

March 24, 2026

Minnesota State Capitol


Day on the Hill is an annual event in which we advocate for our students. As experts in our field, we make sure that our senators and representatives know the issues that impact our students and our institutions.

Learn more about Day on the Hill.

NACAC Professional Development

NACAC National Conference

October 8 - 10, 2026

Minneapolis Convention Center


Learn more about the NACAC Annual Conference.

Guiding the Way to Impact

July 28 - 29, 2026

Washington, DC

Learn more about Guiding the Way to Impact.

Member Programs

Mentorship Program

The program seeks to assist in building connections between new members and those who have been involved in the profession and organization for several years.

Learn more about the Mentorship Program.

Leadership Development Program

This unique program is designed to provide opportunities for individuals to investigate, define, and further develop their leadership skills.

Learn more about the Leadership Development Program.

MACAC Chats

MACAC Chats is a virtual roundtable discussion program where we exchange questions and ideas related to our daily work with students.

Learn more about MACAC Chats.

College Fairs

Minnesota Education Fairs

Minnesota Education Fairs - MEFs are college fairs held throughout the state at high schools and other venues.

Learn more about the Minnesota Education Fairs.


Minnesota National College Fair

The 2026 National College Fair  will take place on Monday, October 5 and Tuesday October 6.

Learn more about the National College Fair.

Partnered Events

College Knowledge Month

Formerly Minnesota College Knowledge Month, Minnesota Goes to College consists of two state-wide college-going campaigns: College Knowledge Month and Minnesota College Goal, The goal is to provide every graduating high school senior with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply to college, especially underrepresented students (students of color, first-generation students, and low-income students. 

Please consider volunteering!  

Learn more about College Knowledge Month.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant is designed to support membership by funding professional development opportunities. The Professional Development Grant will cover the cost of registration, hotel, airfare, meals and membership fee (when applicable). 

The Professional Development Grants are available to current MACAC Members. Secondary school counselors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn More About the Professional Development Grant.

Ready, Set, FAFSA Events

Free financial aid events will be available to Minnesota students and families via Zoom!


2025 Dates TBD. The series will cover general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. 

Read the press release here.

All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali and Hmong. Information for families about registering for the series is available here.

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