Join the Center for Chronic Disease Reduction and Engagement Across Minnesota (C2DREAM) for our 5th Annual Conference, May 28 - 30, 2026! This multi-day conference brings together practitioners, researchers, youth, and community partners to share learning and foster collaboration around the C2DREAM initiative. On Thursday, May 28th, the program will feature an opening reception with a brief talk by Sean Sherman, an award-winning chef, educator, author, and activist.

Each day of the conference takes place at a different location, offering a unique set of sessions:

• Thursday, May 28, 5:00 - 7:00 PM CT at the Bell Museum.

  • On Thursday, Sean Sherman will open the conference with a brief talk, followed by a networking session.

• Friday, May 29, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CT at the American Swedish Institute

  • ​​​We have a full schedule on Friday! There will be presentations from C2DREAM Projects, pilot grantee highlights, a youth panel, and a data walk.

• Saturday, May 30, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM CT at the CCRB at the UMN

  • ​​​​​​​On Saturday, the conference will conclude with part two of the data walk, and a lacrosse presentation and game.

Conference Objectives

These objectives serve as the foundation for developing and organizing the conference:

1. Engage with C2DREAM research and activities on improving heart health and reducing chronic diseases across Minnesota.

2. Strengthen authentic community engagement and collaboration to co-create solutions addressing health disparities among relatives from all walks of life.

3. Generate and gather community knowledge, wisdom, and strategies to promote community-driven interventions and dissemination through partnerships to improve heart health and reduce CVD across Minnesota.