SDSU Energize Conference Spring 2026

In May, I had the opportunity to attend the Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference, held this year in Platte, South Dakota. This unique walking conference brings together more than 150 rural leaders and community members from across the state, all dedicated to growing, improving, and celebrating life in South Dakota’s small towns.

Energize! is designed to actively involve the host community. Breakout sessions are held at various locations around town, allowing attendees to engage directly with local business owners and community leaders. These sessions highlight real-life stories of rural innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience. As attendees explore the town on foot, they dine in local restaurants, shop in local stores, and stay in local lodging—creating a real and immediate economic impact.

In fact, the 2024 conference brought an estimated $34,000–$40,000 to the host community of Hot Springs in just two days, based on attendee spending on food, shopping, lodging, and fuel. Past host towns have included Hot Springs, Wessington Springs, Fort Pierre, Milbank, Lemmon, and De Smet, each benefiting from increased visibility and local investment.

Next year, the conference will return to West River, and I am working on submitting an application for Wall, and Wall EDC, to serve as the 2026 host community. This would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that Wall has to offer—our unique charm, vibrant businesses, and strong community spirit—while bringing leaders from across South Dakota to our doorstep.

Hosting the SDSU Energize! Conference would not only generate direct economic benefits for our hotels, shops, and restaurants, but also place Wall at the center of important conversations about rural innovation and development—conversations that align perfectly with our community’s vision and momentum.