Location:
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Ave S
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Minneapolis Convention Center Website »

Early Registration Price: $450.00
Early Registration Cutoff Date: On/Before 7/10/2026
Use Discount code “LAI-EARLYBIRDMSP” at checkout for the early registration price.
NOTE: We must receive registration form (with payment arrangements indicated) by this date for early registration rate to be honored.
Regular Price: $550.00 After 7/10/2026

Conference Description

The place to learn is where the instructors are among the nation’s most respected labor arbitrators, the materials address today’s most challenging workplace issues, and the training is practical enough to apply immediately to grievance handling, investigations, contract administration, and arbitration advocacy. 
 
Join us in Minneapolis for a full day of instruction focused on labor law and labor arbitration. Learn from arbitrators who collectively have heard thousands of cases and who bring both deep subject matter expertise and a passion for teaching. Sessions will explore evidence, contract interpretation, past practice, due process, insubordination, discipline and discharge, and effective arbitration advocacy. 
 
The agenda provides additional detail about the topics covered throughout the day. 
 
We welcome you to Minneapolis and look forward to helping you strengthen your knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in labor relations and arbitration. 

The agenda link above gives more detail about what you will learn.

We welcome you to Minneapolis to learn with the best.

Faculty

Michael Eagleson is a distinguished arbitrator and graduate of Trinity Law School. He previously served as Executive Director of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Association and currently teaches at Cornell ILR School and the University of La Verne. 
 
Jeffrey Jacobs is a former labor attorney and distinguished labor arbitrator. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. 
 
Steve Befort teaches at the University of Minnesota Law School, is the former editor of the ABA’s highly respected Journal of Labor & Employment Law, and is a nationally recognized labor arbitrator. 
 
Mark Suardi is a distinguished labor arbitrator. Following graduation from St. Louis University School of Law, he practiced law and now serves on numerous arbitration panels throughout the country, particularly in the Midwest. 
 
All faculty members enjoy teaching and helping advocates process grievances, evaluate cases, and improve their arbitration advocacy skills. 

Recertification Credits

HRCI: This program has been approved for 07 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

SHRM: This program has been approved for 07 PDCs credit hours toward SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM recertification through SHRM.

CLE: This program may be eligible for CLE credit in your state. If you would like to self-report, we can provide you with the necessary materials.

To request any of these recertification credits, please send an email to ilrcustomerservice@cornell.edu upon completion of the program.

Facility Description

The conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, a first-class facility featuring comfortable meeting rooms and excellent audiovisual capabilities. Ample parking is available, and the classroom is located near the facility’s main entrances. Signs will be posted throughout the building, and attendees can expect a short walk from parking to the meeting room. 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS 
Several nearby hotels are within walking distance, with the closest accommodations less than ten minutes away on foot. 

Minneapolis Hilton • www.hilton.com • 1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55403 • 612-376-1000
Holiday Inn Express • www.hiexmpls.com • 225 So. 11th Street, Minneapolis MN 55403 • 612-341-3300
Hotel Ivy • www.thehotelivy.com • 201 So. 11th Street • Minneapolis, MN 55403 • 612-746-4600