9th Iowa Rural Summit opens registration

Rural leaders from across Iowa will convene this spring for the annual Iowa Rural Summit, hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This year’s summit, themed “Rural Rocks! Energizing Communities through Connections,” will be on Thursday to Friday, April 10-11, at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames. Organizers say the event promises […]

Rural leaders from across Iowa will convene this spring for the annual Iowa Rural Summit, hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This year’s summit, themed “Rural Rocks! Energizing Communities through Connections,” will be on Thursday to Friday, April 10-11, at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames. Organizers say the event promises two dynamic days of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.   The IRDC Rural Summit will feature sessions focusing on the issues facing small towns and rural areas ranging from outdoor recreation and regional partnerships, to the next generation of leadership and disaster preparedness.  The annual gathering also celebrates the individuals who have made a significant contribution to their rural community, highlights small-town best practices and success stories, and offers networking opportunities for rural leaders. As in past years, community teams of three can register together for a reduced rate.  “We believe there is strength in numbers when a three-person team from a small town comes to the Rural Summit,” IRDC Board President Mark Reinig said in a news release.  “They can divide and conquer by attending different break-out sessions, compare notes afterward, and act as a local subcommittee when they return home.” He added “These teams have had big impacts in past years.” 

Rural Rocks in 2025

This year’s IRDC “Rural Rocks!” theme also will explore the role of arts and culture in small towns, which is a theme incorporated into various presentations. The summit also will feature live music performances by rural Iowans over the two days. The event also includes pre-conference activities on Wednesday, April 9, including a Collaborative Housing Symposium: Foundation for a Stronger Iowa, hosted by ISU Extension & Outreach; a Resource Connections Forum and a Welcome Reception.  Keynote speakers include: Kiley Miller discussing “Rolling to Where It’s Rocking: A Rural Road Trip;” and Dave Williams, who will present “We Can Work it Out: Navigating Civil Discourse.” Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham will present the closing discussion on “Driving Growth: Rural Opportunities and Challenges.” To register, visit www.iowardc.org/summit.