Seminars

Maximize your success on remodeling and landscaping projects by attending one or more of our complimentary 45-minute Seminars offered throughout the day.

Discover current trends and solutions, and develop strategies to accomplish your remodeling, garden and landscape dreams. All Seminar presenters are experts in their field and will inspire you to create the house, garden or yard of your dreams!

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2026 Seminars  

Noon – 12:45 pm

Evolving Gardens – Room 208

Kate Netwal, U of M Master Gardeners

 Change in our gardens and landscape are inevitable.  In this program we will discuss creative ways to manage environmental and personal changes impacting our gardens to create a more sustainable landscape.

Designing a Home That Evolves with You – Room 213

Jill Beuch, Cadence Interiors

Learn how thoughtful design decisions can help you create a forever home that supports both today’s needs and the years ahead. This session will explore universal design and aging-in-place strategies, with practical guidance on features to consider for a functional and beautiful home

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Kitchens: Remodel or Just Update? – Room 219

 This seminar walks you through every part of the kitchen remodeling process—from layout, cabinetry to countertops, lighting, and finishing details. Learn how each element works together to create a functional, beautiful kitchen, whether you’re planning a simple update or a complete transformation. Get expert insights, design inspiration, and practical solutions to remodel with clarity and confidence.

Bath Remodeling 2026: Small Innovations to Total Renovations – Room 223

 Before and after photos illustrate the latest trends, technologies, and universal design features to incorporate into your dream kitchen. Innovative solutions include options to cost-effectively change your space.

1:00 – 1:45 pm

Vegetable Gardening – Room 208

Sonya Burke, U of M Master Gardeners

Want tips on how to get the most from your vegetable garden throughout Minnesota’s short growing season? Learn which vegetables can be replanted for a second harvest, how to plant to maximizes garden space, and more.

Bathroom Remodeling – Let’s Get Started – Room 219

Nicole First, Neighborhood Building and Remodeling

 Learn the latest design trends, smart layout ideas, and innovative solutions to common remodeling challenges. Whether you’re planning a refresh or a full renovation, this seminar will give you the inspiration and practical guidance to remodel with confidence.

Kitchen Remodeling 2026: Small Innovations to Total Renovations – Room 223

Lynn Monson, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

 Before and after photos illustrate the latest trends, technologies, and universal design features to incorporate into your dream kitchen. Innovative solutions include options to cost-effectively change your space.

2:00 – 2:45 pm

The Power of Design in the Process of Renovation – Room 208

Eric Hansen, EJ Hansen AIA

This seminar will focus on saving older homes, going through the process of design to explore what you can do with an existing structure. Often, you can “stay inside the box” and renovate or add on and make a new and better space. 

Porches & Decks 101 – Room 213

Brent Fuqua, Castle Building & Remodeling 

Here you’ll learn the basics of planning your new outdoor space. Get tips on planning the layout, learn about deck and railing material options, and hear the pros, cons, and prices of different options. We’ll help you plan the project that best fits your lifestyle. By seeing samples and exploring available options, you’ll be inspired and equipped with all the information needed to start your outdoor living project.

Overwhelmed? How to Get Started on Your Remodel – Room 219

What to expect and how to ensure successful results

Timothy Ferraro-Hauck, Owner/Founder, Bluestem Remodeling

A remodeling project can be exciting — and overwhelming. Many homeowners jump in without clear expectations, only to face budget surprises, miscommunication, or results that don’t match what they imagined.

In this seminar, you’ll learn how to start smart. We’ll cover what to do before you hire a remodeler, how to talk openly about budget and priorities, and the most common mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them). You’ll leave with practical guidance, better questions to ask, and a clearer understanding of how to plan a remodeling project that feels well-managed and successful from the start.

How to Create a Master Plan for Your Forever Home – Room 223

Björn Freudenthal, New Spaces Design-Build-Remodel

 Björn Freudenthal will take you through a compelling homeowner remodeling story showing you the before and after transformation of a 1980’s Architect-Designed Home. Experience a 3D virtual tour, photos and floor plans. Learn current design trends, master plan tips and tricks and get you started into design. Björn will be answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process as well.