Roughrider Conference
Combined Conference February 19-20, 2026
Keynote Address by Sam Mackey, CEO of Outsider
Friday February 20th
Sam Mackey recently retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service in the SEAL Teams. His passion for the outdoors started when he was a young kid, running around the woods in Illinois with his red rider chasing small game and building forts.
During his tenure in the SEAL Teams, Sam used hunting and time outside to relax and escape from the stress and fast pace of life. Watching the woods come to life at sunrise or sunset is the purest form of therapy for the soul.
All of Sam’s major life decisions over the last decade were made while spending time outdoors with mentors and friends. Sam wants everyone to experience how the great outdoors has enhanced his life.
Thursday, February 19th – Brewhalla
1400-1700 Conference Set-Up (Magic Factory)
1700-1900 Annual Association Meetings (NDNGEA – Magic Factory | NGAND – Odditorium)
1900-2200 Friends of the Roughrider Association Social (Odditorium)
- Military Attendees, Retirees, Corporate Partners & Guests
Friday, February 20th – Brewhalla (Magic Factory)
0730-0830 Registration / Refreshments
0830-0845 Welcome: Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance
0845-0900 CODEL Videos: Sen. John Hoeven & Sen. Kevin Cramer
0900-0930 National Guard Relief Foundation Brief: Kari Hegg
0930-0945 Break
0945-1045 NDNG Update: Brig Gen Mitch Johnson, the Adjutant General
1045-1100 Break
1100-1230 Lunch: Corporate Partner Recognition, Scholarships, Officer & Enlisted Awards, Quilts of Valor Presentation & Roughrider Awards
1230-1315 Capitol Hill Update: COL (Ret.) Jon Eisberg, NGAUS Vice President, Government Affairs
1315-1330 Break
1330-1530 Professional Development: Sam Mackey, Retired Navy SEAL & CEO of Outsider
1530-1545 End-of-Day Recap / Feedback
1545-1600 Door Prize Drawings
Silent Auction Payment
REGISTRATION
February 19th and 20th, 2026 Fargo Brewhalla
Free for first-time Attendees!
$25 / Person for returning members
Format includes:
Exciting Thursday evening social and Friday professional development sessions during the duty day.
All Conference activities & business concluding by 4 PM Friday
LODGING
Fargo Brewhalla Hotel
1702 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
701-532-0506
Lodging Cost: $110 + taxes
Room Block Closes 28 JAN
For room block booking, call Kayla 9am – 5pm
CONFERENCE POSTER
CONFERENCE BOOKLET & SCHEDULE
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP & BOOTH RENTALS
Add your voice to thousands of The Roughrider Society is designed to sustain and develop partnerships with our defense contracting community and North Dakota-based companies within our Guard communities.
2026 Corporate Sponsors
The NGAND/NDNGEA wish to say “Thank You” to our 2026 Conference Sponsors and Roughrider Association Members.
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Partner with us!
Our over 5,000 members are great customers! We come from every corner of North Dakota and from the surrounding states. We come from every walk of life, including many business owners, civic leaders, volunteer firefighters and first responders . . .
Partnering with the Roughrider Association will enable you to:
- Showcase your organization’s contribution to our National Defense
- Meet Congressional, State Government, and National Guard leaders
- Engage with product end-users, purchasing agents, and prospective college students
- Highlight your organization as a sponsor at North Dakota’s premier National Guard event