BLOOMINGTON — The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement has officially opened its call for presentation proposals for the 2027 IU Rural Conference. The annual event will take place May 17–18, 2027, at the French Lick Resort Event Center in French Lick, Indiana.
The conference serves as a dynamic, two-day gathering designed to advance rural health, community resilience, quality of place, and economic growth across the state and region. It brings together local leaders and residents alongside professionals across government, business, education, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors, working in collaboration with IU faculty, staff, and students.
Presentation Formats
Organizers are seeking proposals for several session types to accommodate diverse learning and networking styles:
- Breakout Sessions: One-hour slots designed for informative presentations, panel discussions, and interactive conversations.
- Poster Sessions: Visual displays paired with dedicated discussion periods for direct dialogue between presenters and attendees.
- Demonstrations: Hands-on workshops, interactive training, and artistic or cultural activities.
Past attendees have expressed the highest enthusiasm for sessions that offer actionable community strategies, feature authentic local perspectives, and foster active participant engagement.
Featured Priority Themes for 2027
While all relevant proposals are welcome, the selection committee is prioritizing submissions that address three key focus areas:
- Capacity Building and Legacy Planning: Strategies for engaging youth voices, managing demographic and economic shifts, and recruiting, developing, and retaining local leadership talent.
- Land Use and Planning: Insights into local planning policy, resident engagement in community development, multifaceted development considerations, and creative approaches that establish clear frameworks for leaders, residents, and developers.
- Innovation: Models showcasing entrepreneurial initiatives, small business support, cross-sector community partnerships, and collaborative regional economic development.
Submission Guidelines & Deadline
Individuals and teams interested in presenting must submit their proposals by December 31, 2026.
Complete conference details, submission guidelines, and online application forms are available at go.iu.edu/2027rural.
