FACS to the Max 2026

Friday, April 24, 2026
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Wiecking Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato

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. 

Schedule:

8:30 a.m. | Registration and Refreshments

9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Orientation

9:30 a.m. | Opening Session: Danielle Stallings

Danielle is a Design Account Executive for Sherwin-Williams, working with designers, architects, builders and students across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has been with Sherwin-Williams for over a decade in all design-related roles and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design. Danielle is excited to bring the top design influences and principles to FACs to the Max and share how trends are interdisciplinary and impact each specialty and interest included in Family & Consumer Sciences.

This presentation will review evidenced based findings impacting the various Family & Consumer Science professions. There will be a priority focus on Health, Safety and Wellness requirements that are found throughout the main industry influences. We will explore the macro trends that include global, technological, historic, psychological and sustainability factors. Specific topics will include positive regression, neurodesign, inclusive environments, emotional balance, restorative principles, localism and sustainability. Attendees will leave feeling inspired and educated on how current design principles can be applied across culinary, hospitality, fashion, marketing, etc. fields.

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

10:30 a.m. | Group 1 Workshops

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

11:30 a.m. | Group 2 Workshops

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

1:30 p.m. | Group 3 Workshops

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

Fee:

•  $90 per participant (includes lunch and materials)
• No fee for full-time college students. College students:  Email Krysten Dane for the free code to use for registration.
• No fee for high school students.  FCS teachers:  Email Jennifer Brady  for free code to use for registration.

Long sleeve t-shirts available for purchase:

Cost: $25.00
Sizes: Small - 2XL (Unisex sizing)

Registration: 

• You will have the option to register for FACS to the Max Registration Only OR FACS to the Max Registration and t-shirt. 
• You will be prompted to enter your workshop choices prior to final checkout.
• You will be prompted to enter your t-shirt size. If not ordering a t-shirt, choose N/A.
• All attendees must register.
• Advance registration is requested.  Registration closes April 17!

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 through Visit Mankato.

Contact Hours:

Up to three (3) hours available. Certificates will be distributed after 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).
Campus Visitor Parking and Directions 

FCS Poster Contest:

QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION:  Email Center for Workforce Professional Education or call 507-389-1094.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Email Jennifer Brady or call 507-389-2421.