Indiana University Rural Conference

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 8:00 AM – Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 4:15 PM

French Lick Springs Resort
8670 West State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432

Save the date for IU Center for Rural Engagement's two-day conference, an event focused on celebrating and strengthening Indiana’s rural communities.

Connect with community and state leaders, residents, professionals, and Indiana University partners to share ideas, explore opportunities, and examine key issues shaping rural Indiana. Together, these conversations and collaborations spark new possibilities for building a more vibrant and resilient future across the state.

Registration includes all sessions and materials. Join us for both days or a single day. Doors open at 8 a.m. 

The full conference rate is $120 per person. The rate to attend for only one day is $75 per person. Scholarships are available. Contact iucre@iu.edu for more information.

Registration is open!

Register to attend the conference

Become an exhibitor or sponsor

Interested in presenting at the IU Rural Conference?

  • Presenter names, titles, and headshots
  • Presentation title
  • Presentation summary: Briefly describe your presentation topic in 100 words or fewer
  • Your presentation will include the following speakers (check all that apply):
    • Rural community leader or resident
    • IU faculty or staff
    • Student(s)
  • Contributing authors
    • List names of individuals who contributed to the presentation but will not be presenting in person.
  • Audience benefit
    • Explain how this session will benefit IU Rural Conference attendees. Be sure to include how your content supports marginalized and vulnerable populations in Indiana.
  • Preferred presentation format: Select your preferred method(s) of delivery or engagement
    • Breakout session / Hour-long sessions for focused presentations or interactive panels
    • Panel / Share insights and perspectives in a moderated group format
    • Demonstration / Showcase a hands-on training or creative activity
    • Poster session / Display a poster in an open space that allows for conversations between presenters and attendees
  • Willingness to share time: Would you be open to sharing your presentation time with others presenting on similar topics?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Available presentation dates: Please indicate which days you are available to present
    • May 19, 2026
    • May 20, 2026
    • Partial day availability
      • If you are only available for a partial day, please tell us about the times you are available
    • Accommodations or additional needs
      • Let us know if you require any accommodations or have specific logistical needs.
    • Additional comments or questions
      • Feel free to share any other thoughts, questions, or information you'd like us to know.
Submit a proposal by December 31

Feature topics

Taking Action for a Healthier Indiana

Breakout sessions will include rural mental health, local food systems and initiatives, substance use disorder interventions, and public health planning topics.

Collaborating for a Stronger Indiana

Breakout sessions will include arts and economic development, regional collaborations, environmental resilience, placemaking, and local arts topics.

Keynote speakers and breakout session topics will be announced in early 2026. Schedule details are subject to change.

As an institution of higher education, Indiana University encourages and supports the exchange of ideas and academic freedom. Indiana University does not limit speakers or visitors to the university on the basis of their points of view or beliefs. An invitation to speak does not constitute the university’s or the internal sponsor’s endorsement of the speaker’s views or opinions.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 a.m.Breakfast
9:00 AM-9:20 a.m.Opening remarks
9:20 AM-9:55 a.m.Keynote
10:15 AM-11:15 a.m.Breakout sessions
11:30 AM-12:50 p.m.Lunch and awards
1:00 PM-2:00 p.m.Breakout sessions
2:15 PM-3:15 p.m.Breakout sessions
3:30 PM-5:00 p.m.Poster Session and reception
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 a.m.Breakfast
9:00 AM-10:00 a.m.Keynote
10:15 AM-11:15 a.m.Breakout sessions
11:30 AM-12:50 p.m.Lunch  
1:00 PM-2:00 p.m.Breakout sessions
2:00 PM-2:30 p.m.Popcorn bar and entertainment
2:30 PM-3:30 p.m.Breakout sessions

Accommodations

Make reservations for rooms in the discounted block at French Lick Springs Resort with group code 0526IUR and password 0526IUR or by calling 844-241-6361 and using code 0526IUR. Special rates are guaranteed through April 16, 2026.

Things to do

French Lick has a wealth of activities and dining experiences. Check out the Visit French Lick website to see what's happening during your visit.

Collaborations

Together with our partners, we have become a national model for how universities can support the needs and futures of rural residents and communities. See how our collaborations are impacting rural Indiana.

Questions about exhibitor or sponsor opportunities? Contact us at iucre@iu.edu.

Contact us