Spring 2026, either March or April....Still TBD.

When we first started planning, we just wanted to offer a more affordable convention option for mermaids stuck midland. So we started working on a 1 day event; no hotel blocks or vending or anything too complicated (or expensive), just a small group of mermaids, some panels, some pools, and some fun. Something you know..."mini".
Add in that we are based in MINNEsota...and, well, it seemed like a good place to start.
Since then, "Minne" MerCon has grown and expanded at an abshelloute stunner of a pace...

For year 3, even though we are adding both a hotel block AND a vending hall... as well as several other fun new shenannigans...  we are staying in MN and keeping the small community vibe going strong, and so feel "Minne" MNMerCon will continue to serve us well.

Glad you asked!
Minne MNMerCon is held across multiple venues.
If you have a weekend badge, you are welcome at any of the locations that are included  for programming (hotel & GRWP]. Additional locations may require a seperate fee; we do this to help keep the cost of the basic badge lower while allowing people to add on more if they wish.

1] We will be BACK at Great River Water Park in the Jimmy Lee Rec Center in St.Paul MN, located at 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104 for our MAIN MERFOLK pool.
This pool covers 25m and goes from 3.ft to a nice depth.
CLICK HERE for a google map link to G.R.W.P.

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2] OUR HOTEL WILL BE:

TBD​

Absolutely not.
Events over the past year have made it apparent that Sea Quest is no longer a business that aligns with our values, and we do not believe they are upholding a safe and sustainable environment for their animals, their employees, or their mermaids.
We are thankful to report that most locations have been closed and animals rehomed.

ANYONE & EVERYONE willing to adhere to the convention code of conduct and terms of attendance agreement is welcome! Part of OMPAS (our sponsor] mission statement is to "provide safe and sustainable access to arts & ecology education through engaging edutainment and events".

All facilities have family changing rooms as a locker room option for any of our guests.

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A note on AGES: While all ages are welcome to attend,  our programming this year is best suited to age 13+.
Also, DUE TO AGREEMENTS WITH OUR FACILITIES, NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 13 CURRENTLY MAY SWIM IN A TAIL. 
We will be working toward seeing if there are acceptable safety parameters we can work toward.

Our pricing structure is another place where we build accessibility into our programming; having a base ticket price with the option to add on additional classes, certifications, & events helps us keep the base badge price point lower. 
That doesn't mean lower quality however; the majority of MNMC activities & events are included in the badge package.

Pricing for 2026 is as follows:
BADGES:
FULL WEEKEND BADGE early bird pricing: $100.00 plus tax

More badges added soon.

** IF YOU PURCHASE A BADGE BEFORE WE ANNOUNCE DATES AND END UP HAVING A CONFLICT, WE WILL REFUND OR RE-ALLOCATE YOUR TICKET FEE**

OUR HOTEL WILL BE:

TBD

We will be offering several ticketing options, including daily passes or a weekend pass.
Early Bird Full Weekend Badge: $100.00*
Full Weekend Badge: $120.00*

Friday Only Badge: $50.00*

Saturday Only Badge: $80.00*

Sunday Only Badge: $30.00*
*does not include tax, may be subject to change

In order to keep ticket costs low, Minne MerCon offers a base badge w/ included programming and the option to add on  elective activity options. There may be additional fees and registration required for some of these events & activities.
 

Your badge will allow you access to the main convention at BOTH the hotel and the pool site; MerCon badges are required to access all MNMerCon programming. Badge fees pay for the insurance and pool rental space to make these events possible; your support helps bring these events to the community. However, as always, please reach out if you have concerns and we can address them together. Also, fyi: As we will be at multiple sites, it will be important to keep your wristband on you at all times as this is how our host sites will be able to identify us in their guest population.  
MOST sessions, panels, and activities are included in your badge. Programming notes will clearly state what is included and what will be an additional (optional) fee.

Actually, yes!
We will be offering coffee, tea, water, as well as a light snacks at varying times throughout the weekend.
We will be including allergen warning and signage on all serving tables, but can not guarantee foods will be 100% in compliance with dietary needs so please note that you partake AT YOUR OWN RISK.

We got you, no problem. Please reach out to us, and we will make a plan together. 
 

We will be utilizing wristbands for our guests.
YOU MUST wear your wristband at all times while attending MerCon venues & sessions.

If you lose your wristband, please bring an I.D. to the registration table and we will work with you to replace it.
Wristbands will be replaced a maximum of 1x; after that you will need to purchase a new band.

 GRWP has FREE, ample parking on site. 

YES. ALL participants will need to purchase a ticket. Due to being a limited ticket event, we are only opting to sell day or weekend badges. Every person in the room counts toward our capacity,  even parents and mertenders, so we will not be offering specialized pricing.
In future years, as we expand event capacity, we look forward to offering an expanded variety of ticket options.

ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Yes! Tickets are transferable to other attendees, or toward future events/years.
Any transfers MUST occur before the convention begins; 12pm Friday is the cut off to contact us about transferring a ticket.
Please contact us so we may assist you if you do end up needing to transfer, and include: your original purchase confirmation email, your name, and the full name and address of the new attendee.

Get in touch with us via email! 
MNMerCon@gmail.com

Yes! We have multiple vendors from several states!
Please shoot us an email at: vendorsmnmercon@gmail.com​
or CLICK HERE if you are interested in learning more about vending.

GRWP's pool hall is 25 yards for it's 6 lanes, with depths ranging from 4ft all the way down to 25ft.
The pool has a smooth white and black tile finish, and is mer-mazing for big tails, big fluke, big flips, and big fun!
We are also super excited to be working with a hotel that is a tail friendly space too! Their pool IS smaller than GRWP, however for a hotel pool it is lovely. Plus they have a waterslide, hot tub, and plenty of space to play.

Yes! It's actually listed just below! Please look it over!
By purchasing a ticket and attending, you certify you have read thru our FAQ, read our Code of Conduct, and agree to abide by them and their policies.

We will have "pod parking" space available in the main convention hall AND on the pool deck. What's that? Consider it your tail check/gear drop spot at the Con.
When you arrive, you can check in with our team and they will help you get a space to store your things in the main hall. Once you hit the pool deck, there is also a space set aside for us to leave gear...especially wet gear you don't wanna haul around multiple times.
We will have a staff member monitoring both "pod parking" zones the ENTIRE TIME, so you can enjoy other aspects of the con without having to worry about gear left out.