Join SDSU Extension and the community of Platte for the 7th annual Energize! Conference on May 6–7, 2025.  

This isn't your typical conference . . . This is a conference about rural communities and held in a new rural community each year. In addition, the Energize: Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is a "walking conference" so bring your walking shoes because you won’t be sitting in a conference center for long! Breakout sessions are held in local businesses giving attendees a chance to explore the community, meet local business owners, and exchange success stories with leaders from across South Dakota.

The conference begins Tuesday, May 6th with a light lunch, registration, and networking with resource partners and our 2025 Keynote speaker, Rebecca Undem. Attendees can then choose from four breakout session tracks: Rural Tourism, Funding Community Projects, Engaging Community Members and Arts and Culture in your Community. Get ready to get "Down and Derby" with Tuesday’s themed evening meal and entertainment,  hosted by the Platte Local Committee. Wednesday, May 7th will have more breakout sessions and then it is back to the Platte Community Center for the Closing Panel: Voices of the Next Generation - Young Entrepreneurs!

Expect to leave inspired and energized and with ideas to bring back to your own community!

Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors: Bush Foundation, SDSU Extension Community Vitality and our Gold Sponsors: SD Telecom Association, First Fidelity Bank & Fidelity Agency, Christiansen Land and Cattle, LTD and Platte Avera Health Center.

More information and registration available here:  https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/energize-conference