SDSU Extension will host its eighth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities conference, May 6-7, 2026, in Wall at the Wall Community Center (501 Main St, Wall, SD 57790) and various locations throughout the community. This is a conference about rural communities held in a rural community. Bring your walking shoes because you won’t be sitting in a conference center!
The conference begins with a light lunch, registration, and networking with resource partners from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, May 6, and concludes early Thursday afternoon, May 7. Use your Chamber Bucks you receive in your registration packet to grab lunch in Wall before you head home energized to lead your community to success!
Registration
Early registration of only $99 ends April 1. Registration will cost $125 from April 2 through the registration deadline of April 20. When you register a group of three from the same community at the same time, the group will receive a $30 discount. Those under the age of 21 can register for $60 when entering your birthdate at checkout. Registration will be available at the door on a space-available basis for $175.
No refunds will be issued after Monday, April 20 due to deadlines for meal and amenity counts. If you choose to pay by check, payments must be postmarked by April 20 to be registered. Contact Peggy Schlechter, Kara Harders, Kellie Kolb, Emily Kluin or Chase Moon for more information.
Conference Details
Hear about rural community success stories on the following topics:
- Workforce Development
- Small Town Entrepreneurs
- Rural Tourism
- Funding Community Projects
- Attracting & Retaining Residents
- Marketing Rural Communities
- Arts & Culture in Your Community
- Community Placemaking
The popular Voices of the Next Generation Entrepreneur Panel is back again. Engage with young (and we mean young!) entrepreneurs currently operating successful businesses in South Dakota. Learn how you can support and encourage young entrepreneurs in your community.
Experience networking with residents from other rural communities and resource providers that have tools to help you improve your community all while taking the time to explore Wall. You will also enjoy great food and activities with an evening event hosted by the Wall Energize committee.
Come back later for a complete schedule of sessions and activities!
We invite you or your business to support this unique event. Sponsorship benefits vary by level and may include logo placement in the program, signage, social media exposure, and complimentary reserved seating.
Sponsorship Levels:
- Platinum: $2,000+
- Gold: $1,000-$1,999
- Silver: $500-$999
- Bronze: $250-$499
If you are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s Energize conference, contact Emily Kluin.
Americas Best Value Inn
(605) 279-2127
201 South Blvd., Wall, SD 57790
Badlands Frontier Cabins
(605) 279-2619
1101 Glenn St., Wall, SD 57790
Best Western Plains Motel
(605) 279-2145
712 Glenn St., Wall, SD 57790
Bin 2 Quinn Campground
(605) 515-3489
19797 US Hwy. 14, Quinn, SD 57778
Days Inn
(605) 279-2000
212 10th Ave., Wall, SD 57790
Econo Lodge
(605) 279-2121
804 Glenn St., Wall, SD 57790
Hansen Inn and Cabins
(605) 279-3566
114 4th Ave., Wall, SD 57790
Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park
(605) 279-2100
118 W. 4th Ave., Wall, SD 57790
Sunshine Inn Motel
(605) 279-2178
608 Main St., Wall, SD 57790
Super 8
(605) 742-0904
711 Glenn St., Wall, SD 57790
Travelodge
(605) 550-4806
211 10th Ave., Wall, SD 57790
Welsh’s Motel
(605) 279-2271
312 South Blvd., Wall, SD 57790
The Energize! conference is hosted annually and focuses on bringing community leaders and business owners together to share their experiences and knowledge on a variety of topics. To learn more about the history of this event, visit our Energize! Through the Years page.
