The Annual Family Consumer Science Education Workshop, FACS to the Max, is designed for FCS educators (grades 5-12), interested high school students, and FCS college students focusing on skills to maximize FCS classrooms.

Presented by the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

DATE/TIME:
Friday, April 25, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

SCHEDULE:

8:30 a.m. | Registration and Refreshments

9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Orientation

9:30 a.m. | Opening Session: Dr. Jill Conlon, FCS Education
"Such a Smarty Pants" - Weaving Hope Into the Future with Smart Clothing
Explore the rapidly evolving world of smart clothing and its applications for today’s consumer. Participants will see examples of the latest innovations in wearable technology, and we’ll examine the benefits and challenges of these advancements. Get a glimpse into how smart wearables transform how we interact with our clothes, empowering us to make smarter, health-conscious choices with the hope that smart clothing will improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. With a future-focused lens, this presentation will also discuss how these developments intersect with Family and Consumer Science, offering practical insights for educators to bring back to their classrooms and communities.

10:15 a.m. | Break & Transition Time

10:30 a.m. | Group 1 Workshop (workshop choices)

11:15 a.m. | Break & Transition Time

11:30 a.m. | Group 2 Workshop (workshop choices)

12:15 p.m. | Lunch - University Dining Hall

1:30 p.m. | Group 3 Workshop (workshop choices)

2:15 p.m. | Conclusion & Door Prizes

FEE (includes lunch and materials):  $85 per participant

• No fee for full-time college students. College students:  Contact Dr. Conlon for the free code to use for registration.
• No fee for high school students.  FCS teachers:  Email jennifer.brady@mnsu.edu for free code to use for registration.

REGISTRATION: 

• You will be prompted to enter your workshop choices prior to final checkout.
• All attendees must register.
• Advance registration is requested.  Registration closes April 18!
• Contact Center for Workforce Professional Education at workforce@mnsu.edu or 507-389-1094 with any registration questions.

ALTERNATE PAYMENT METHOD: If unable to pay by credit card, contact Center for Workforce Professional Education via email at workforce@mnsu.edu.

MEALS & LODGING:
Lunch and refreshments during breaks are included in the registration fee.  Lunch will be served in the dining hall on campus, just a short walk from the workshop.  Many choices will be available, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

A list of lodging convenient to the University is available at:  https://www.mnsu.edu/academics/academic-support/scholarly-communities/new-student-and-family-programs/parents-and-family/family-weekend/hotels--local-attractions/.  Visitor information can be found at http://www.visitgreatermankato.com/mankato/visit/.

CONTACT HOURS:  Up to three (3) hours available.  Certificates will be distributed at the workshop.

PARKING, CONFERENCE LOCATION & DIRECTIONS:
The conference will be held in the Wiecking Center (WC) on the campus of Minnesota State Mankato.  Please use the entrance at 314 Ellis Avenue.  (Watch for signs.)

Free parking is available in Lot 16 - GREEN rows only.  (Do not park in any other location, or you will be ticketed.)  Disability accessible parking is available in Lot 18 at the south entrance to Wiecking Center (with disabled parking permit).
University Map | Main Roads & Streets to Minnesota State Mankato

QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION:  Contact Center for Workforce Professional Education at workforce@mnsu.edu or 507-389-1094.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Contact Jennifer Brady at jennifer.brady@mnsu.edu or 507-389-2421.