SDSU Extension is seeking applications for a host community for the ninth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference.
This conference is designed to energize South Dakota’s rural communities by providing an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives, and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities, all while the host community showcases its own. The conference offers several sessions led by a nationally-known keynote speaker and South Dakota leaders who have found success in rural areas.
Previous Energize! Conferences have been hosted in DeSmet, Lemmon, Milbank, Fort Pierre, Wessington Springs, Hot Springs, Platte and Wall. At those events, a clear focus on bringing community leaders and business owners together to share their experiences and knowledge on a variety of topics proved to be powerful as groups learned from each other. Like the creative venues used for conference locations, this event offers creative possibilities for rural areas.
Application Details
Applications are due July 31, 2026, with the successful applicant to be notified by early October.
- Host communities must have a population of less than 5,000.
- Preference will be given to communities east of the Missouri River for the 2027 conference.
- The conference will be held in late spring of 2027, with dates selected in collaboration with the community selected.
- To be considered, at least one local committee member who contributes to the application must have attended a previous Energize conference.
If you are interested in showcasing your community but haven’t attended an Energize! Conference yourself, please reach out to one of the Community Vitality team members and we can see if we can connect you with a member of your community who has.
Download the application from the attachments section below and when completed return to Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director.
