MFESTS: April EC Meeting
2025-04-24 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | A Microsoft Teams link will be provided after registration is complete
Meeting of the MFESTS Executive Committee for April. Send an email to president@mfests.org if interested in participating and to get the link.

INCOSE: 10th Annual Systems Engineering in Healthcare Conference
2025-04-29 - 2025-05-01 | Crowne Plaza AiRE MSP Airport – Mall of America, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
10th Annual Systems Engineering in Healthcare Conference

Minneapolis/Saint Paul April 29 – May 1, 2025
The Healthcare Working Group invites you to participate in the 10th Annual INCOSE Healthcare Systems Conference (2025) at Crowne Plaza AiRE Hotel, Bloomington, Minnesota. The INCOSE Conference on Systems Engineering in Healthcare enables participants to share the best practices in the latest Systems Engineering topics as applied to Healthcare. The conference theme is “Advancing the Practice of Systems Engineering in the Healthcare Industry.”
This conference has been described as large enough to include a broad mix of ideas and experience but small enough to feel intimate and encourage networking. Past attendees include the FDA, Accuray, Baxter, Boston Scientific, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Roche, Scaled Agile, and Stryker. Watch the Healthcare Working Group conference video to learn more.
The intended audience is Systems Engineers, product developers and testers and leaders of organizations developing complex healthcare products and services. Attendees from other domains interested in learning about systems methods in healthcare are welcome as well.

To learn about INCOSE visit www.incose.org.
Become an INCOSE member today.
The rest of the conference website will be updated this year as information becomes available.
Click here to register to attend the conference.
Click here to submit a presentation.
Visit Crowne Plaza AiRE here for reservations.
For questions and comments, please contact:
SE in Healthcare Chair
Chris Unger

INCOSE: SE in Healthcare Networking Social Hour
2025-04-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Crowne Plaza AiRE MSP Airport – Mall of America, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
SE in Healthcare Networking Social Hour

Join the North Star chapter for a networking event, hosted at the INCOSE Systems Engineering in Healthcare conference venue. Meet North Star Chapter leadership and local chapter members. Registration includes one drink ticket and light appetizers. Event is open to local chapter members, INCOSE tutorial participants, and others affiliated with the conference.
Date: Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM CST
Location: Crowne Plaza Suites – 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN

REGISTER HERE
Special Note on Reserving Your Spot: Due to limited space for this event, we are asking registrants to purchase a ticket for $3. This is a deposit for your attendance. We will refund this expense, minus the fees ($0.09), to all individuals who join us for the event.

If your plans change at least 48 hours prior to the event, your ticket price can be refunded, minus fees.
If your plans change within 48 hours of the event, you can either (1) arrange for an alternate attendee to take your place- please notify northstar@incose.net so we know who to expect; or (2) contact northstar@incose.net to see if someone from the waitlist is able to take your spot on short notice. Note: If we’re unable to fill your spot during that 48 hour window, the $3 collection will be considered a chapter donation for anyone who does not cancel at least 48 hours prior to the event and is unable have their spot fulfilled by a replacement attendee.

Once this event is at capacity, you will have the opportunity to add yourself to the waitlist, and we will contact you if additional spots open. Once contacted, you will have 24 hours to accept the ticket and make your payment.
UPCOMING EVENTS:

Mar 19, 6:00 – 8:00 PM CT, Dr. Gopal Gupta presenting Commonsense Autonomous Driving, Find Out More

Apr 2, 6:00 – 7:30 PM CT, INCOSE North Star: April Leadership Meeting, Location: 6715 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN

Apr 29, 3:00 – 5:00 PM CT, INCOSE North Star: Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Paper Exam, Directions to complete registration are available here.
Apr 29 – May 01, 10th Annual Systems Engineering in Healthcare Conference with Keynote Speaker Jim Peichel, Medtronic VP Cardiac Implantables TDC CRM, https://www.incose.org/hwg-conference/home

For any inquiries, please reach out to northstar@incose.net.
Thank you,
INCOSE North Star

NSBE: Annual Gala
2025-04-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Anderson Student Center, 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55102
Join NSBE in celebrating a successful year.

INCOSE: MBSE - Leverage Monte Carlo Simulation to Plan Uncertain Systems Development
2025-05-09 08:00 - 16:00 | Medtronic OHQ, 710 Medtronic Parkway NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55432
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INCOSE North Star Spring Tutorial: “MBSE – Leverage Monte Carlo Simulation to Plan Uncertain Systems Development”
Systems analysis methods include the simulation of logical, network-based models. If introduced early in systems life cycle planning, they can be more effective. This tutorial advances the case that earlier model-based planning to handle uncertain conditions is likely to improve MBSE. An afternoon hands-on experience clinic with computerized models transfers skills and knowledge.
Presenter: Keith Hornbacher, MBA (Biography)
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Medtronic OHQ; 710 Medtronic Pkwy NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432; Room – OHQ EDU LE 1B
Key Words: Systems Analysis, Simulation, Risk Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Applicable to: New product development (medical devices; technical innovations; aerospace/ defense); Large infrastructure development projects; Programmatic/project Life Cycle Cost analysis; Capital expansion decisions (plants, construction); Executive decision making across program lifecycle phases.
Goal: Increase participants’ confidence to handle uncertainty in planning systems Portfolio, Program, and Project Life Cycles using Monte Carlo Simulation of logical networks
Objectives:

Morning: Understand the SE System Analysis and Risk Management Processes, especially the activity “Analyze Risks”[1]

Clarify differences among types of uncertainty and risk (threats, opportunities)
Address uncertainty early enough in programmatic life cycles to enable favorable results
Learn to collect quality data, recognize personal biases, address organizational risk attitudes; all considered in context of AI’s emerging role
Communicating uncertain results to those in power who demand, “Just give me the number!”
Demonstrate how Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) of networked Program/project plans can advance implementation of MBSE beyond deterministic, qualitative thinking.

Afternoon: Demonstration and Clinic using MCS software[2]

Demonstration and executive level overview of key features (computer not required)
Clinic: Hands on computer lab

Experiment with simulation of logical network-based development plans in a workshop using world class MCS methods, tools; use case examples (participants may supply)
Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in MBSE context using simulation
Impact and handling Trade-off Analyses
Quantitative analysis of plans, technical/cost/schedule risk using MCS

[1] References include Figure 2.27 IPO diagram for Risk Management process and Figure 2.46 IPO diagram for System Analysis, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HANDBOOK, Fifth Edition INCOSE–TP–2003–002–05 2023; ISO-31000 (2018); ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 (2023); AACE International Recommended Practices; Project Management Institute (PMI); US General Accountability Office (GAO) Guides; NASA Handbooks and Guides

[2] Tools: Participants will receive instructions on downloading free personal copies of the demo software in advance of the tutorial and an invitation to a one hour Zoom session hosted by Mr. Hornbacher to test the software. If participants have a candidate case study for review, its suitability will be considered before the clinic.

Cost to attend:

Nonmembers – $325.00
(includes INCOSE Regular Individual Member – $175.00)
INCOSE Members – $150.00 (FULL membership only, excludes CAB memberships)

Learn More & Register

Please reach out to northstar@incose.net if you have any questions.
Thank you,
INCOSE North Star

MFESTS: Community Science Day at the Science Museum
2025-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Represent your organization at the MFESTS table at the Science Museum.
Please contact Venkat Parameshwaran @ pvenkat@gmail.com.

MGS: May Project Discussion
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Day Block Brewing Company, 1105 S. Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, United States
Topic TBD
Van Komurka, GRL Engineers

ECM: Monthly Meeting
2025-05-16 | Chester Bird American Legion, 8900 Golden Valley Road North, Golden Valley, MN, 55422, United States
ECM meeting held on the Second Thursday of each month.
To attend the meeting, please fill the form: https://ecmpls.org/attendance/. Meeting time will be shared with you after form is received.

MFESTS: May EC Meeting
2025-05-29 17:30 - 18:30 | A Microsoft Teams link will be provided after registration is complete
MFESTS Executive Committee meeting for the month of May. Send an email to president@mfests.org if interested in attending and for the link to the meeting.

MFESTS: Membership Drive @ Parktacular
2025-06-14 | Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55426
Activity on behalf of all MFESTS member societies to draw members to these.
Send an email to president@mfests.org if interested in this activity.

MFESTS: June EC Meeting
2025-06-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual webinar class, Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom
MFESTS Executive Committee Meeting. If planning to attend, please email Antonio Sacin @ president@mfests.org.

MFESTS: BOD Meeting Q2
2025-06-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Minnesota
Board of Directors meeting for Quarter 2. Will add more details later.

INCOSE: July Leadership Meeting
2025-07-02 18:00 - 19:30 | 6715 Lake Shore Drive South, Richfield, MN 55423, 6715 Lake Shore Drive South, Richfield, Minnesota, 55423
Leadership meeting

ASQ: Program Meeting July 2025 - ISO 9001 Updates
2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Webinar
July 2025 Program Meeting – “ISO 9000 & 9001: Changes coming in 2025, 2026 & 2027 – Perspectives from an ISO Working Group Member” by Mark Swanson

When: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Where: Virtual
Recertification units available:
0.1 RU Meeting (Business/Networking)
0.1 RU Workshop (1 hour)
Agenda:
6:30 P.M. Welcome, Announcements
7:00 P.M. Presentation: Mark Swanson, “ISO 9000 & 9001: Changes coming in 2025, 2026 & 2027 – Perspectives from an ISO Working Group Member”
7:55 P.M. Closing Notes
About the Presentation:
Title: ISO 9000 & 9001: Changes coming in 2025, 2026 & 2027 – Perspectives from an ISO Working Group Member
Attend this presentation to learn more about:

Restored appreciation for the content in ISO 9000 – we will outline how this sets the foundation for your quality management requirements and the expectations for the results that implementing a QMS should have
Understanding working group member perspective on ‘changes’ to ISO 9001
Thoughts on how to prepare for the publication of the revisions to ISO 9001
How you can provide input to the revisions of ISO 9000/9001 (and 9002)

Mark will answer your questions on the content of these key standards
About Our Speaker:
Mark Swanson (MBA, ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, CMDA) is one of the Founding Partners of Quality and Regulatory Expert Partners, LLC; a partnership focused on helping small to mid-sized companies have the same regulatory and quality management systems knowledge as large companies. Mark has more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry/quality management, including numerous quality and regulatory roles. He is a senior member of ASQ, RAPS member and a corporate AAMI member (serving on several AAMI standard development committees). Mark currently serves as the exam chair for the Certified Medical Device Auditor (CMDA) certification through ASQE.
Mark has spent the last several years as an active member of ISO Technical Committee 210 (ISO TC210), Working Group 1 (WG1) working on ISO 13485 that was published in March 2016. He is the project leader to update the Practical Guide (handbook) on ISO 13485 (ISO TS 23485) and in the AAMI group responsible for TIR 102, the comparison of ISO 13485 to the US FDA Quality System Regulation and contributor to the Advisory group for the final rule (new QMSR). He also participates with ISO TC176 on ISO 9000/9001:2015 and is currently part of both working groups on the revisions to be published in 2025/2026 and the secretary of the group updating ISO 9002. To add to this, Mark also participates in the US TAG for risk management (ISO 14971) and liaison from ISO TC210 to ISO TC262 for risk management. In this work he leads the discussions regarding the impact of changes in the ISO management system standards (MSSs) and how to effectively integrate these various international standards and other regulations into a single management system.
Register now using the link below!

More information

MFESTS: Summer Professional Networking Event
2025-07-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota
MFESTS will organize a professional networking event in the Twin Cities. Details coming soon.

MFESTS: July EC Meeting
2025-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Webinar – Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom
Details TBD.

MFESTS: Engineering Picnic
2025-08-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Wabun Park Pavillion A, 4655 46th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406
Join us for our annual summer picnic with other local engineering organizations!

INCOSE: August Leadership Meeting
2025-08-06 18:00 - 19:30 | 6715 Lake Shore Drive South, Richfield, MN 55423, 6715 Lake Shore Drive South, Richfield, Minnesota, 55423
Leadership meeting.

ASQ: Program Meeting August 2025 - Networking Event
2025-08-12 17:00 - 21:00 | Punch Bowl Social Minnepolis, 1691 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55416
Come join us…..
There is plenty of social space, and we will have lots to do, like Bowling, Bocce Ball, Corn Hole, Bucket Toss, and Giant Jenga. There will also be a buffet with two drink tickets per person.
Location: 1691 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416
Cost: $20 per person. A plus-one is welcome! Please register your guest as well. We have 50 spots available. Your guest does not have to be an ASQ member to join us.
Venue Information: https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/minneapolis/

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ASQ: What does CMMI, the FDA and Your Organization's Maturity Have in Common?
2025-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Webinar
What is maturity, when applied to a company? Simply, it is a quantifiable measure of how consistently and efficiently a company operates, and how well it can identify and meet its key process metrics.
In 2011, the FDA launched its Case for Quality. They saw that just being compliant with the Quality System Regulations (QSR) did not make companies produce better products. The FDA worked with Medical Alley to create a new public-private partnership so the FDA could work directly with industry. The FDA’s Voluntary Improvement Program (VIP), launched in 2018, is a way to assess your organization’s maturity to industry best practices while getting some preferential treatment by the FDA. The VIP program leverages the Capability Maturity Model for Integration (CMMI) model and lets you tailor the assessments to where you need help the most.
Join in the discussion with Mark as he reviews:

The history of MDIC
The history of CMMI
Organizational maturity concepts
The FDA VIP program and benefits
Effects of the new QMSR
Case studies

Who should attend? Individuals who want to promote continuous quality improvement beyond regulatory compliance.
Venue: Online. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants closer to the event date.
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm CST
Cost:

ASQ Members $15
Non-Members $25
Students, $10 when registering with your valid, current school email.
Groups of 5 or more will receive the Member rate.

Certificates of Completion: Issued via email, after event completion, for .2 ASQ RUs or .2 CEUs
Please contact Karen Peifer, Committee Chair, at asqmnbmc@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Your Speaker
Mark Rutkiewicz, Consiliso, LLC
For over 35 years, Mark Rutkiewicz has led Quality organizations and has managed company business processes in six medical device companies. He has designed Quality Management Systems for active and non-active implantables, disposables, combo devices, software and capital systems. Mark built and rebuilt online integrated corporate-wide quality/business systems. He has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Applied Liberal Studies from Hamline University. Mark retired in 2024, but started his own consulting company Consiliso LLC. Mark is the author of two books on Consiliso, which define how to create reconfigurable organizations and implement integrated business processes. He led efforts for the MDIC’s Case for Quality (CfQ) Voluntary Improvement Program (VIP) and is involved in the MDIC Safe Space program.
Sponsor Information
The MN ASQ Biomedical Consortium (BMC) is a group of quality professionals promoting and advancing quality tools, principles, and practices through educational events. We focus on the medical device industry but promote events for other regulated environments.

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed of upcoming events: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/90642322/

To become a member of the MN ASQ Biomedical Consortium, please contact Karen Peifer, Committee Chair or Sahi Datla, Committee Co-Chair, at asqmnbmc@gmail.com.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), is a knowledge-based global community of quality professionals, with nearly 80,000 members dedicated to promoting and advancing quality tools, principles, and practices in their workplaces and communities. As your career partner, ASQ membership benefits are designed to help meet your growing needs as a quality professional. Membership provides exclusive access to quality knowledge, solutions, and resources to solve challenges, and skill development to advance your career. ASQ is committed to providing enhanced expertise, professional networks, tools, and solutions to help our members advance their products, services, and industries.
ASQ: https://www.asq.org/
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MFESTS: August EC Meeting
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Webinar – Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom
Monthly meeting for the MFESTS Executive Committee.

MFESTS: September EC Meeting
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Webinar – Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom
Meeting of the MFESTS Executive Committee. If want to attend, please send an email to president@mfests.org.

MFESTS: Q3 Board of Directors Meeting
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Minnesota
Placeholder for MFESTS BOD meeting for Q3. More details to come.

MFESTS: Fall Professional Networking Event
2025-10-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota
Placeholder for the MFESTS Fall Networking Event.

MFESTS: October EC Meeting
2025-10-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Minnesota
Meeting of MFESTS Executive Committee. If wishing to attend, please email president@mfests.org.

MFESTS: 2025 Awards Dinner
2025-11-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Wildfire, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 3020, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344
Celebrate Excellence at the 2025 Awards Dinner of the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science & Technology Societies (MFESTS)
Get ready for an inspiring evening of recognition, networking, and community celebration — the annual Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science & Technology Societies (MFESTS) Awards Dinner returns on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the elegant Wildfire Restaurant in Eden Prairie. The night begins with welcome and mingling at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner and awards presentations at 7:30 PM.Register now on Eventbrite →

Honoring the 2025 MFESTS Award Recipients
This year’s MFESTS Awards Dinner will proudly honor three exceptional individuals whose achievements exemplify the spirit of innovation, leadership, and service that drive Minnesota’s STEM community forward.

Jon Ness, recipient of the Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award, is recognized for his outstanding career contributions and lasting impact on the engineering profession.

Rama Sahithi Datla, honored with the Young Science and Technology Professional Award, represents the next generation of scientific excellence, blending creativity and technical mastery to advance emerging technologies.

Rachel Scheu, this year’s Young Engineer of the Year, stands out for her remarkable professional growth, problem-solving acumen, and commitment to community engagement.

Together, their achievements highlight the breadth of talent and dedication within Minnesota’s engineering, science, and technology community — and serve as an inspiration to current and future innovators alike.

Why Attend?

Celebrate Excellence: Join the STEM community in honoring those who are shaping Minnesota’s technological future.

Network with Leaders: Connect with distinguished professionals, rising stars, and representatives from MFESTS’ member societies.

Support the Future of STEM: Attend as a guest, sponsor, or member society — and help strengthen Minnesota’s tradition of innovation and collaboration.

Enjoy an Elegant Evening: Experience Wildfire Restaurant’s refined setting, fine dining, and warm fellowship with peers who share your passion for engineering and science.

Event Details at a Glance
Date & Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025 — 6:30 PM Welcome & Mingling | 7:30 PM Dinner & Awards Location: Wildfire Restaurant, Eden Prairie, Minnesota️ Registration: Eventbrite — MFESTS 2025 Awards Dinner Who Should Attend: Members of MFESTS societies, professionals across STEM disciplines, students, sponsors, and anyone passionate about advancing science and technology in Minnesota.

Join Us
Mark your calendar for what promises to be an extraordinary evening of recognition, fellowship, and inspiration. Whether you’re cheering for this year’s honorees, connecting with leaders in the STEM community, or simply celebrating innovation in Minnesota, the MFESTS 2025 Awards Dinner is not to be missed.
Reserve your seat today →

MFESTS: November EC Meeting
2025-11-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Webinar – Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom

ECM: Membership Meeting
2025-12-11 11:30 - 12:30 | Chester Bird American Legion, 8900 Golden Valley Road North, Golden Valley, MN, 55422, United States
ECM meeting for members and prospective members.

MFESTS: December EC Meeting
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Webinar – Webex / Microsoft Teams / Zoom

MFESTS: Q4 Board of Directors Meeting
2026-01-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Minnesota
Placeholder for Q4 Board of Directors meeting + Networking Event
