Special Events Schedule
The special events at the conference are the perfect occasions to network, socialize, and celebrate with our LETR and Special Olympics family.
Welcome Night
Wednesday, October 15
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Come down to Brit’s Pub to reconnect with old friends and make a few new ones. Located just a few blocks from the Hilton Hotel, Brit’s offers a private space in the Long Room, along with a portion of its iconic rooftop patio, featuring stunning views of downtown Minneapolis. This is a great place to start a night out in the city!
This event is free to attend, but please note that it is not hosted. Both food and beverages will be available for purchase. You are encouraged to join us at any time between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. All attendees will receive a free raffle ticket to win various prizes throughout the night.
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Come down to Brit’s Pub to reconnect with old friends and make a few new ones. Located just a few blocks from the Hilton Hotel, Brit’s offers a private space in the Long Room, along with a portion of its iconic rooftop patio, featuring stunning views of downtown Minneapolis. This is a great place to start a night out in the city!
This event is free to attend, but please note that it is not hosted. Both food and beverages will be available for purchase. You are encouraged to join us at any time between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. All attendees will receive a free raffle ticket to win various prizes throughout the night.
T-Shirt Exchange
Thursday, October 16
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Submit your LETR program’s T-shirt for the 2nd annual contest during the annual T-shirt Exchange. A panel of SO athletes will judge and select the top 10 shirts for recognition and bragging rights. The winning design will be revealed at the general session on Saturday morning. Participate in this competition to showcase your program’s creativity at the conference.
T-shirt boxes can be received by SOMN between Monday, September 22, and Friday, October 3, 2025. Please ship to Alexander’s Mobility Services, Attn: LETR T-Shirt Exchange c/o Your Program, 2811 Beverly Drive, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Submit your LETR program’s T-shirt for the 2nd annual contest during the annual T-shirt Exchange. A panel of SO athletes will judge and select the top 10 shirts for recognition and bragging rights. The winning design will be revealed at the general session on Saturday morning. Participate in this competition to showcase your program’s creativity at the conference.
T-shirt boxes can be received by SOMN between Monday, September 22, and Friday, October 3, 2025. Please ship to Alexander’s Mobility Services, Attn: LETR T-Shirt Exchange c/o Your Program, 2811 Beverly Drive, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121.
- Please make sure to send your t-shirts in sturdy and well-packaged boxes.
- Clearly label each box with the sender and recipient program information.
- If you are sending multiple boxes, mark them sequentially (e.g., “1 of 2" and “2 of 2").
Thursday, October 16
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us at Surly Brewing Co., one of Minneapolis’s most iconic destinations. Located just a 15 - 20 minute bus ride, Surly’s expansive 8.3-acre brewery campus offers a dynamic space featuring a beer hall, full-service restaurant, event center, and lively outdoor beer garden and amphitheater - all in one vibrant setting. But the fun starts before you arrive - the celebration kicks off on the bus ride over. ADA-accessible transportation will be available for those who need it.
This isn’t just a party - it’s a celebration of talent, energy, and rock’n roll. The evening includes two bands - Pop Rocks and Ember. Throughout the night, enjoy great food, drinks, music, and nonstop entertainment.
Want to bring a guest? Non-attendee tickets will be available for $20 during registration on Wednesday and Thursday at the SOMN table.
Surly Brewing
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us at Surly Brewing Co., one of Minneapolis’s most iconic destinations. Located just a 15 - 20 minute bus ride, Surly’s expansive 8.3-acre brewery campus offers a dynamic space featuring a beer hall, full-service restaurant, event center, and lively outdoor beer garden and amphitheater - all in one vibrant setting. But the fun starts before you arrive - the celebration kicks off on the bus ride over. ADA-accessible transportation will be available for those who need it.
This isn’t just a party - it’s a celebration of talent, energy, and rock’n roll. The evening includes two bands - Pop Rocks and Ember. Throughout the night, enjoy great food, drinks, music, and nonstop entertainment.
Want to bring a guest? Non-attendee tickets will be available for $20 during registration on Wednesday and Thursday at the SOMN table.
Friday, October 17
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Get in on the action! You don’t want to miss this conference event. There is no cost to register or participate. Items to be auctioned include: autographed sports memorabilia, music and movie collectibles, police regalia, and many other one-of-a-kind items from the many Torch Run regions. Don’t miss an opportunity to bid on these and other terrific auction items.
Now Accepting Donations
Programs should ship to Special Olympics Minnesota, ATTN: LETR Auction, 900 2nd Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. All costs associated with auction items to and from the conference are the responsibility of the individual and/or Program. Please ensure that shipments arrive before Friday, October 3, 2025.
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Get in on the action! You don’t want to miss this conference event. There is no cost to register or participate. Items to be auctioned include: autographed sports memorabilia, music and movie collectibles, police regalia, and many other one-of-a-kind items from the many Torch Run regions. Don’t miss an opportunity to bid on these and other terrific auction items.
Now Accepting Donations
Programs should ship to Special Olympics Minnesota, ATTN: LETR Auction, 900 2nd Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. All costs associated with auction items to and from the conference are the responsibility of the individual and/or Program. Please ensure that shipments arrive before Friday, October 3, 2025.
Saturday, October 18
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Downtown Minneapolis
The 2025 LETR International Conference Torch Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025. Participants will proceed from the Hilton Minneapolis to the staging area on the street in front of the hotel, commencing at 10:30 AM. A brief welcome ceremony will follow at Target Field Plaza.
Torch Runners will run throughout downtown Minneapolis. The route will include a walking option this year also. Lunch will be provided at the end of the run.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Downtown Minneapolis
The 2025 LETR International Conference Torch Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025. Participants will proceed from the Hilton Minneapolis to the staging area on the street in front of the hotel, commencing at 10:30 AM. A brief welcome ceremony will follow at Target Field Plaza.
Torch Runners will run throughout downtown Minneapolis. The route will include a walking option this year also. Lunch will be provided at the end of the run.
Saturday, October 18
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
What better way to experience Minnesota than to do a Polar Plunge®? No need to go out to one of our 10,000 lakes either, we are bringing the lake to you! Just one block from the Hilton, we will be setting up the Plungester for everyone to cool off and have some fun.
Did you know that the Plungester originated in Minnesota? Now in multiple states throughout the country, come test it out and learn more about how to get one for your program as well.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
What better way to experience Minnesota than to do a Polar Plunge®? No need to go out to one of our 10,000 lakes either, we are bringing the lake to you! Just one block from the Hilton, we will be setting up the Plungester for everyone to cool off and have some fun.
Did you know that the Plungester originated in Minnesota? Now in multiple states throughout the country, come test it out and learn more about how to get one for your program as well.
Saturday, October 18
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Unified Exhibition Scavenger Hunt
In groups of approximately 3 or 4, you will be paired with an athlete to explore downtown Minneapolis. Your group will have clues to find some iconic Minneapolis spots. The route is about 1.5 miles and easily walk-able. It should take groups about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. At each stop teams will take a photo, then upload all your photos to the LETR Conference app. If you are an individual, we can pair you up with a group. Registration will be coming soon.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Unified Exhibition Scavenger Hunt
In groups of approximately 3 or 4, you will be paired with an athlete to explore downtown Minneapolis. Your group will have clues to find some iconic Minneapolis spots. The route is about 1.5 miles and easily walk-able. It should take groups about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. At each stop teams will take a photo, then upload all your photos to the LETR Conference app. If you are an individual, we can pair you up with a group. Registration will be coming soon.
Explore the comprehensive schedule for the 2025 LETR International Conference to make the most of your experience and ensure you don’t miss any key sessions or events.