Fall Conference

Iraq War veteran, St. Paul Park American Legion Post 98 member and motivational speaker John Kriesel is the keynote speaker for the Fall Conference.

In December 2006, the blast from a 200-pound improvised explosive device killed two of his best friends. Kriesel lost both of his legs and suffered many broken bones and internal injuries. He wasn’t supposed to survive, and he died three times on the operating table. He spent nine months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Yet he is alive today. Kriesel is director of veteran services for Anoka County, a part-time radio personality and an award-winner author.

Come to the Fall Conference and hear John Kriesel share his message of hope and how to overcome life’s obstacles.

2025 Fall Conference

Cost to register for the Fall Conference is $20. Catered meals are available for $15 per meal. (Here’s the deal: The conference hotel has a restaurant, but it gets filled fast, so many Legion Family members prefer the catered meals.)

To pay by check, download this PDF, print it, fill it out and mail your check to the address indicated on the form. Download the printable registration form.

The Fall Conference is one of our most important gatherings of the year. It is our annual school of instruction. There is discussion, patriotism and camaraderie. We hope it’s the kind of event you can talk about when you return to your post home and your fellow Legionnaires.

Your attendance at the annual Fall Conference shows your dedication to our great organizations and the four pillars of The American Legion.

“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” — Herbert Spencer

The Details

📍 Where: River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
📅 When: Oct. 24–25, 2025
🧾 Who: Hosted by the Department Convention Corp.

Schedule

Thu, Oct. 23: Committee meetings (afternoon) & DEC meeting (evening)
Fri, Oct. 24 – Sat, Oct. 25: Training sessions

Registration

$20 if received by Oct. 13 (check payable to Minnesota American Legion Convention Corp., P.O. Box 166, Princeton, MN 55371)
$30 at the door
Online payment available via the Zeffy

Meals

Pre-purchase for $15 each (Fri & Sat breakfast, Fri lunch)
Indicate meals with your check or purchase via Zeffy

Lodging (book directly)

Headquarters Hotel: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn St. Cloud – 320-253-0606
Nearby:
- Courtyard by Marriott St. Cloud – 320-654-1661
- GrandStay Residential Suites – 320-251-5400

✨ Memories last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing our Legion Family at the Fall Conference!

FULL SCHEDULE

For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.