2025 Trainer and RBPD Specialist Symposium

Thursday, April 24–Saturday, April 26, 2025
Ruttger’s Resort in Brainerd Lakes, MN

Join us for a retreat-style event for trainers, RBPD specialists, and course writers. Get up to 14.5 hours of Develop-approved training! Stay tuned for all the details of the phenomenal lineup of topics and presenters we have in store for you.

  • Registration fee is $425 for a single room or $300 if you share a room. It includes lodging for both nights, all meals, snacks, and all sessions.
  • Join us Thursday for an intensive session with Beth Menninga.
  • Keynote addresses Thursday evening and Friday morning with Jim Hoar on “Being a More Facilitative Trainer.”
  • Dive deep with power sessions on Friday! Sessions begin in the morning and reconvene after lunch for more learning on the same topic. Session details coming soon!
  • KARAOKE! Friday night fun awaits! Bring your favorite card or board game to play.
  • Learning continues Saturday. Session details coming soon!
  • The Symposium wraps up with a fantastic session from David R. Myles on “Cultivating Intercultural Agility.”

Each day is approved for professional development hours in Develop; see our Snapshot Agenda below for the number of hours each day. If you are a professional who requires a certificate for hours completed, please inquire onsite at the event.

Registration

Have professional development funds you need to spend before end-of-year? Register now! Know someone who would love this event? Registration makes a great holiday gift!

Registration closes April 1.

We’re pleased to announce that scholarships are available! For information and to apply, please email tarss@umn.edu.

Snapshot agenda

Thursday

12-5:30 p.m. Check-in | Location: Church
12-1 p.m. Lunch | Location: Church
1–4:15 p.m. Welcome | Intensive session with Beth Menninga | Location: Isle
4:30–5:30 p.m. Reception | Location: Bear Pine
5:30–7 p.m. Dinner | Location: Isle
6:30-7:30 p.m. Keynote with Jim Hoar | Location: Isle
7:30-9:30 p.m. Free time | Bonfire | Game time | Location: Bear Pine and Ruby’s

Total Develop-approved hours: 4

Friday

7:30 a.m. Breakfast | Location: Isle
8:30-9:30 a.m. Keynote with Jim Hoar | Location: Isle
9:45–11:45 a.m. Power sessions part 1 (choose from four)
11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch and break | Location: TBD
1:30–3:30 p.m. Power sessions part 2
3:30–5:30 p.m. Free time
5:30–7 p.m. Dinner | Location: Ruby’s
7–9 p.m. Karaoke | Location: Bear Pine Bar

Total Develop-approved hours: 6.5

Saturday

7:30–8:30 a.m. Breakfast | Location: Ruby’s
7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Check-out | Location: Lobby
8:45–10:45 a.m. Morning session (choose from three)
11 a.m-12 p.m. Lunch | Location: Ruby’s
12:15–2:15 p.m. Keynote with David R. Myles

Total Develop-approved hours: 4

Intended Audience

Early childhood trainers and RBPD specialists

Scholarships

We’re pleased to announce that scholarships are available! For information on availability and on applying for a scholarship, please email tarss@umn.edu.

Funding

The Trainer and RBPD Symposium is sponsored by the Trainer and Relationship-based Professional Development Specialist Support program (TARSS) funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Questions?

Contact us at tarss@umn.edu.