Request for Presenters – 2021 Small Town and Rural Development Virtual Conference

Rural Partners of Michigan (RPM) is currently seeking innovative and engaging speakers and presenters focused on rural economic development at our 2021 virtual conference taking place April 13-14, 2021. RPM welcomes proposals from regional, statewide, national and international speakers and presenters who wish to bring their expertise and passion to the premier conference for rural community development in Michigan. 

The goal of this event is to inspire and equip practitioners and advocates with the community economic development strategies needed to recover through the COVID-19 pandemic, advocate for their communities, and build an equitable future for all. 

We are seeking proposals for: 1) 45 minute breakout sessions; 2) 45 minute plenary sessions; and 3) virtual networking/social event facilitation. 

Interested presenters should submit their proposal by the end of the day on Friday, November 13 through this google form, where you will be asked to submit your contact information as well as the: 

• Session title
• Session description 
• Audience/Objective 
• Content level (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
• Virtual engagement strategies to be used

This is an opportunity to showcase topics critical to rural economic development in a way that engages the audience, facilitates discussion of new ideas and moves ideas to action!

Topics of interest for the 2021 conference include (but are not limited to):

• Rural housing
• Broadband access
• Economic recovery for rural communities after COVID
• Alternative energy/infrastructure

Please contact Jessica AcMoody at 517.231.6139 or acmoody@cedamichigan.org if you have any questions or would like to discuss your session idea.