2026 Fresh Ideas Stage

Planning a home project—big or small—should feel exciting, not stressful. In this fast-paced 30-minute session, BBB’s Vice President of Accredited Business Services will share the smartest ways to find reliable contractors and avoid common home improvement pitfalls.

You’ll learn how to:

• Vet contractors with confidence

• Spot red flags and avoid scams

• Understand what BBB Accreditation really means

• Protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind

Plus, hear directly from BBB Accredited Businesses who will offer insider tips, real-world lessons, and answers to your toughest home project questions. You’ll walk away informed, empowered, and ready to hire right the first time.

New Spaces’ Björn Freudenthal will take you through a homeowner remodeling story showing you the before and after transformation of a 1926 Classic Minneapolis Home. You will experience a 3D virtual tour, photos and floor plans, as well as get an exclusive look at this extensive remodel.  Björn will be answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process as well. 

Traditional, Infrared, Hybrid.  Steam, Dry, or Smoke?  We unpack it all and dive into what actually goes into a home sauna.  Why it matters.  And, what you need to know to design the sauna of your dreams for yourself and your family!

Permanent vs. seasonal lighting, what makes professional lighting installation truly amazing, why proper licensing matters, and how UL-listed products keep Minnesota homes safe. 

Plan, Prepare and Don't Panic: What every homeowner should know for before starting and during a project.  
A focus on saving money, minimizing mistakes, gaining confidence and where to get help when needed.

Water Features: Living & Healing Artwork 

Step into a world where water is more than decoration. It is movement sound, light, and emotion working together to transform ordinary spaces into living artwork. In this session we explore how thoughtfully crafted water features can calm the mind, invite wildlife, spark creativity, and create a deeper connection to nature. Discover why the right blend of stone, water plants and flow is not just beautiful to look at but restorative to the soul. Whether you want a peaceful backyard retreat or a show stopping centerpiece this presentation will open your eyes to the power of water and how it can change the way you feel in your own space. 

Planning a home project—big or small—should feel exciting, not stressful. In this fast-paced 30-minute session, BBB’s Vice President of Accredited Business Services will share the smartest ways to find reliable contractors and avoid common home improvement pitfalls.

You’ll learn how to:

• Vet contractors with confidence

• Spot red flags and avoid scams

• Understand what BBB Accreditation really means

• Protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind

Plus, hear directly from BBB Accredited Businesses who will offer insider tips, real-world lessons, and answers to your toughest home project questions. You’ll walk away informed, empowered, and ready to hire right the first time.

Permanent vs. seasonal lighting, what makes professional lighting installation truly amazing, why proper licensing matters, and how UL-listed products keep Minnesota homes safe. 

Water Features: Living & Healing Artwork 

Step into a world where water is more than decoration. It is movement sound, light, and emotion working together to transform ordinary spaces into living artwork. In this session we explore how thoughtfully crafted water features can calm the mind, invite wildlife, spark creativity, and create a deeper connection to nature. Discover why the right blend of stone, water plants and flow is not just beautiful to look at but restorative to the soul. Whether you want a peaceful backyard retreat or a show stopping centerpiece this presentation will open your eyes to the power of water and how it can change the way you feel in your own space. 

Stephanie Hansen, Host of the Emmy-winning TV show “Taste Buds With Stephanie" and radio host of "Weekly Dish" on Mytalk 107.1.

·      Cooking with herbs for everyday cooking- What herbs provide maximum flavor in recipes

·      How can you use herbs to amp up and boost flavors with condiments

·      How to build an outdoor herb container kitchen garden

Straight from America's Test Kitchen, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison are live on stage! Featuring helpful cooking tips and tricks, as well as a behind scenes look at what a day is like at America's Test Kitchen.

New Spaces’ Björn Freudenthal will take you through a compelling homeowner remodeling story showing you the before and after transformation of a 1980’s Architect-Designed Home. Experience a 3D virtual tour, photos and floor plans. Learn current design trends, master plan tips and tricks and get you started into design. Björn will be answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process as well.

·      Cooking with herbs for everyday cooking- What herbs provide maximum flavor in recipes

·      How can you use herbs to amp up and boost flavors with condiments

·      How to build an outdoor herb container kitchen garden

New Spaces’ Björn Freudenthal will take you through a compelling homeowner remodeling story showing you the before and after transformation of a 1980’s Architect-Designed Home. Experience a 3D virtual tour, photos and floor plans. Learn current design trends, master plan tips and tricks and get you started into design. Björn will be answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process as well.

Sandy will share behind the scenes secrets, give a sneak peak about her book, share her tips for successful home reno projects, and more!

Traditional, Infrared, Hybrid.  Steam, Dry, or Smoke?  We unpack it all and dive into what actually goes into a home sauna.  Why it matters.  And, what you need to know to design the sauna of your dreams for yourself and your family!

Water Features: Living & Healing Artwork 

Step into a world where water is more than decoration. It is movement sound, light, and emotion working together to transform ordinary spaces into living artwork. In this session we explore how thoughtfully crafted water features can calm the mind, invite wildlife, spark creativity, and create a deeper connection to nature. Discover why the right blend of stone, water plants and flow is not just beautiful to look at but restorative to the soul. Whether you want a peaceful backyard retreat or a show stopping centerpiece this presentation will open your eyes to the power of water and how it can change the way you feel in your own space. 

Planning a home project—big or small—should feel exciting, not stressful. In this fast-paced 30-minute session, BBB’s Vice President of Accredited Business Services will share the smartest ways to find reliable contractors and avoid common home improvement pitfalls.

You’ll learn how to:

• Vet contractors with confidence

• Spot red flags and avoid scams

• Understand what BBB Accreditation really means

• Protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind

Plus, hear directly from BBB Accredited Businesses who will offer insider tips, real-world lessons, and answers to your toughest home project questions. You’ll walk away informed, empowered, and ready to hire right the first time.

Sandy will share behind the scenes secrets, give a sneak peak about her book, share her tips for successful home reno projects, and more!

Permanent vs. seasonal lighting, what makes professional lighting installation truly amazing, why proper licensing matters, and how UL-listed products keep Minnesota homes safe.