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The MN Field Trip & Activity EXPO
August 12, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
You’re Invited To Attend The 2025 EXPO
On Tuesday, August 12, meet exhibiting Providers & Attractions from MN in person!
Decision-makers (like you) can meet MN’s best providers!
If you plan field trips, activities, fundraising & entertainment throughout the year this show will be valuable for you!
The activity ideas they present will apply to all age groups, from youth & students to active adults & seniors.
Two Workshops – See accordian below for Speaker Bios & Full Descriptions
Morning Workshop: Providing a Welcome Space for Students with Invisible Disabilities
Details will roll out soon.
Afternoon Worshop: Grant Writing Teaser & Practical Tips
Presented by Jonathan C.W. Jones from Ideation4
2025 will be our 13th Annual MN Field Trip EXPO!
Get ready to meet enjoyable and professional providers in-person!
What: The 2025 MN Field Trip EXPO
Who: YOU and PROVIDERS talk business – in person!
Where: Whirlyball Twin Cities, 2405 East Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington, MN 55425
When: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Exhibit Time: 10am – 3pm
Cost: No entry fee!
• 100+ Exhibitors – Discover presenters, entertainers, field trips and fundraisers!
• Earn CEU Credits – Earn free CEU clocktime when interviewing providers. Take your CEU certificate home with you.
• Exhibitor Drawings – Sign up to win free/discounted field trips, activities & prizes when you visit the exhibits!
• MN Field Trip GUIDES – Take this year’s new Guides home with you and your organization.
• You work directly with the providers you meet. As producers of this popular event, we are NOT a booking agency.
Hundreds Of Activity Planners & Decision-Makers Will Be Attending
- SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS – Public/Private/Charter, Community Ed, Homeschool Co-ops
- YOUTH ORGANIZATTIONS – Park & Recs, Daycare, Afterschools, Libraries, Scouts, Church & Youth Organizations,
- ACTIVE ADULTS & SENIORS – Retirement, Senior, Alumni and Church Groups
- GROUP TOUR PLANNERS – Operators, Receptives, Charter, Travel & Affinity Clubs, Group Leaders
- FUNDRAISING DECISION-MAKERS – For schools, sports, clubs, churches and more – youth to adults!
Providers will be exhibiting at the 2025 EXPO with their field trips, school events, entertainment needs, classes, camps and activities. Plus fundraising opportunities!
Exhibitors Include:
• Field Trip Destinations
• Educational Presenters
• Entertainers
• Youth Party Venues (birthday, etc)
• Camps
• Travel Destinations for Tour Groups
• Event Venues
• Fundraising Programs
Meet them in person!
Trying this is easier than explaining!
Experience something new and exciting with WhirlyBall. Jump in a bumper car and take on your friends in a fast-paced game combining basketball, hockey, and lacrosse.
Who: Adult Group Planners will receive two free tickets to jump in a game exclusive to our event attendees.
Where: 2nd floor court is reserved for Field Trip EXPO Guests
2025 EXPO Schedule
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Exhibit Times
- 10am-3pm Exhibits Open
- 10am-3pm What’s Whirlyball? Court on 2nd Floor is available for Adult Planners to give it a try.
- 10am-3pm HUNGRY? Visit the Whirlyball Kitchen & Bar
- 11:00 am Including Special Needs Students in the Fun of Field Trips.
- 1:00 pm Grant Writing Teaser & Practical Tips, presented by Presented by Jonathan C.W. Jones from Ideation4
- 3pm End of 2024 EXPO
Thank you for coming!
Presented by Dr. Karen Ruth-Jarmon & Christy O’Shea Novak
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 11:00 AM
The summer is wrapping up and teachers, families and students are looking forward to the upcoming school year. They will be on the lookout for field trips and other activities that hold students’ interest and provide supplemental learning opportunities. What if the activity you’re looking forward to isn’t accessible to you? How would you feel? This seminar helps decision makers and field trip locations prepare to welcome students with invisible disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning Delays. Come join us for a lively brainstorming discussion about strategies for supporting ASD and LD students and their families!
BIO of DR. KAREN RUTH-JARMON
About your Presenter: Dr. Karen Ruth-Jarmon is an Experiential Learning Outreach Manager for Junior Achievement North. Her previous position was that of an 8th grade Science Teacher in the St. Paul School District. Prior to her career in education, Dr. Ruth-Jarmon held several management positions in the biotech and medical device industries. She is dedicated to elevating the knowledge of middle and high school students about financial literacy, meeting the educational needs of underserved communities, elevating science education for students of color, and delivering student preparation for higher-level education or student employment. Dr. Ruth-Jarmon is also the current president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education and the organization’s National Treasurer.
BIO of CHRISTY O’SHEA NOVAK
Membership and Sales Manager, Minnesota Children’s Museum
Christy O’Shea Novak brings more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Minnesota Children’s Museum, where she leads efforts to grow and nurture the museum’s membership and sales programs. As Membership and Sales Manager, Christy leverages her understanding of early childhood development and her passion for play-based learning to connect families, schools, and community organizations with the museum’s mission: sparking children’s learning through play.
Participants attending this workshop will earn an additional hour of CEU credit.
Led by Jonathan C.W. Jones
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 1:00 PM
Grant Writing Teaser & Proctical Tips
Join us for an enriching workshop tailored for educators as we embark on a transformative journey into the realm of grant writing.
Immerse yourself in “Grant Anatomy,” where the intricacies of a compelling grant proposal will be unveiled. Explore the essential components that underpin a successful application, equipping yourself with the tools to craft a captivating narrative that resonates with potential funders.
Dive into a wealth of “Gems” as you unearth expert tips and strategies that are instrumental in elevating your grant writing proficiency. Discover tactical techniques to set yourself apart in a competitive landscape, amplifying your chances of securing sought-after grant funding and propelling your initiatives towards unparalleled success. In essence, unravel the keys to locating grants and embracing best practices in the art of grant writing.
Participants attending this workshop will earn an additional hour of CEU credit.
BIO OF JONATHON C.W. JONES
About your Presenter: Jonathan C. W. Jones embarked on his professional journey delving into special education studies at the esteemed HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana. Building on his foundation, he furthered his expertise with a master’s degree in special education from Penn State University. Jonathan translated his knowledge into impactful practice as an educator in Minnesota, transitioning from classroom teaching to pivotal district leadership positions. His experience includes roles as an instructional coach and most recently as an assistant principal at Saint Paul Public Schools, where he applied his K-12 principal administrative licensure earned from the University of Minnesota. A decorated educator, Jonathan champions the convergence of education, business, and philanthropy, culminating in his current role as Executive Director of UpLiFT Movement.
Parking – Free and available right at Whirlyball to front and side of building. Overflow parking is permitted in attached hotel parking lot.
Address
Whirlyball Twin Cities, 2405 East Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55425
Contacts To Reserve An Exhibit Space