--- title: 2025 Rural Retreat | Great Falls, Montana image: https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hubfs/rural-retreat-2025-IEDC-Logo-1.jpg --- [![IEDC-Logo](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IEDC-Logo.png?width=600&height=600&name=IEDC-Logo.png "IEDC-Logo")](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org) Open main menu Close main menu - [Home](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org) - [Justification Letter](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/justification) - [Registration](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/register) - [Hotel & Travel](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/accommodations) - [Agenda](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/agenda) - [Immersive Experiences](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/immersive-experiences) - [Sponsors](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/sponsors) - [Advisory Council Partners](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/advisory-partners) - [Local Attractions](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/local-attractions) ## Rural Recharged: New Energy, New Possibilities ## June 23–25 ![IEDC-Logo](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IEDC-Logo.png?width=400&name=IEDC-Logo.png "IEDC-Logo") ###### Brought To You By ![2560px-Southwest\_Airlines\_logo\_2014.svg](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2560px-Southwest_Airlines_logo_2014.svg.png?width=300&height=46&name=2560px-Southwest_Airlines_logo_2014.svg.png "2560px-Southwest_Airlines_logo_2014.svg") ## Discover The Electric City [Register](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/register?hsLang=en) A cross-sector exchange on rural economic development to propel understanding, practice, policy, and progress in and for Rural America. Join us for an extraordinary convening of 400 of the most innovative leaders in rural economic development at the 2025 Rural Retreat: Rural Recharged in Great Falls, Montana, the Electric City. This first-of-its-kind event brings together a diverse community dedicated to creating new energy and opportunities for rural and tribal places across America. Over the course of three impactful days, this unique gathering will provide a rare opportunity to connect with peers, thought leaders, and changemakers, all united by a shared commitment to driving progress in rural and tribal communities. Whether you are a: - Rural economic development practitioner - Policymaker or public servant - Entrepreneur support organization or CDFI - Community college or other educational institution - Outdoor recreation or tourism professional - Storyteller or advocate for rural success …you will find a home here. This conference is planned by rural leaders, for rural leaders, and is a true partnership between rural and tribal organizations driving more equitable economic outcomes for small communities. ![DSC07527-1](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC07527-1.jpeg?width=2000&height=1355&name=DSC07527-1.jpeg "DSC07527-1") ![A0401649](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/A0401649.jpg?width=1968&height=1312&name=A0401649.jpg "A0401649") ![](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-04-21%20at%2012.40.51%20AM.png?width=970&height=700&name=Screenshot%202025-04-21%20at%2012.40.51%20AM.png) ## Pioneers On The Podium ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (10)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(10).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(10).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (1)-1](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(1)-1.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(1)-1.png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (11)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(11).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(11).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (7)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(7).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(7).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (5)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(5).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(5).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (4)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(4).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(4).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (3)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(3).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(3).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (2)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(2).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(2).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (6)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(6).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(6).png) ![2024 AC Speaker Web Template (8)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(8).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2024%20AC%20Speaker%20Web%20Template%20(8).png) [VIEW SPEAKERS](https://denver.iedconline.org/speakers2?hsLang=en) ## Embark On The Denver Experience ![LarimerSquare\_2020\_HiRes\_Nikki\_A\_Rae\_048 (3)](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LarimerSquare_2020_HiRes_Nikki_A_Rae_048%20(3).jpeg?width=2000&height=2000&name=LarimerSquare_2020_HiRes_Nikki_A_Rae_048%20(3).jpeg "LarimerSquare_2020_HiRes_Nikki_A_Rae_048 (3)") Hotel, meals, accessibility offerings, maps, and important contact info.  [ACCOMMODATIONS](https://denver.iedconline.org/plan-your-trip?hsLang=en) ![031v2\_blue\_bear (3)](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/031v2_blue_bear%20(3).jpeg?width=2000&height=2000&name=031v2_blue_bear%20(3).jpeg "031v2_blue_bear (3)") Sign up for one-of-a-kind tours and emerse yourself in all that Denver and its people have to offer. [TOURS](https://denver.iedconline.org/tours?hsLang=en) ## The Heart Of The Retreat [Agenda](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/agenda?hsLang=en) [Immersive Experiences](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/immersive-experiences?hsLang=en) [Download the Whova App](https://whova.com/portal/U49d671nwts3Zv11MOIXl57IBnP4u3Bw2X8@tsl2xSI=/?source=btn_link) Our agenda is designed to provide you with actionable strategies, meaningful connections, and inspired thinking that you can immediately apply in your community. Our 2025 Rural Retreat offers a unique opportunity to step beyond the conference room and directly engage with innovative rural economic development strategies across Montana. Download the Whova app to see the Rural Retreat agenda and more! ## See You In Great Falls! [View tracks and draft agenda](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/agenda?hsLang=en) [![Screenshot 2025-04-15 at 10.23.22 PM](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-04-15%20at%2010.23.22%20PM.png?width=526&height=684&name=Screenshot%202025-04-15%20at%2010.23.22%20PM.png)](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hubfs/IEDC%202025%20Rural%20Summit%20Draft%20Agenda.pdf?hsLang=en) > Explore groundbreaking strategies, share best practices, and discover innovative solutions designed to drive sustainable economic opportunity in rural and tribal communities. Engage in Cross-Sector Collaboration > From entrepreneurial breakthroughs to resilient community efforts, learn about the rich tapestry of successes that make rural places unique. Celebrate Rural Success Stories > This conference will be integrated throughout Great Falls, Montana and provide an opportunity to hear from and see progress being made on the ground. Explore a Rural Region That is Thriving > Gain access to the ideas, tools, and strategies necessary to bring effective rural development approaches to light—whether in the boardroom, the community, or in partnership with others. Expand Your Toolkit > Connectivity is the focus of this gathering of leaders from throughout rural and tribal lands. The focus of this conference is not just on the connections and conversations you build in person, but the opportunity to access a community of change makers and leaders that can continue to be a support to the work you are accomplishing. Connect with Other Rural Leaders > This event goes beyond just convening—it is about inspiring action. We’ll update the narrative of rural America by highlighting its assets, addressing its challenges, and building bridges between rural economic development leaders. Together, we will celebrate the richness and resilience of rural communities and ignite strategies that will shape the future for generations. Why Attend? ## Celebrating Our Sponsors ![2560px-Southwest\_Airlines\_logo\_2014.svg](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2560px-Southwest_Airlines_logo_2014.svg.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2560px-Southwest_Airlines_logo_2014.svg.png) ![amazon\_logo\_RGB (1)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/Sponsor%20Logos/amazon_logo_RGB%20(1).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=amazon_logo_RGB%20(1).png) ![2020 DCI Logo (1) (1)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/Sponsor%20Logos/2020%20DCI%20Logo%20(1)%20(1).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=2020%20DCI%20Logo%20(1)%20(1).png) ![Placer\_logo\_ai\_308px (4)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/Placer_logo_ai_308px%20(4).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Placer_logo_ai_308px%20(4).png) ![2020NAR\_COMMERCIAL\_REAL\_ESTATE (3)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2020NAR_COMMERCIAL_REAL_ESTATE%20(3).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=2020NAR_COMMERCIAL_REAL_ESTATE%20(3).jpg) ![channels4\_profile](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/channels4_profile.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=channels4_profile.jpeg) ![Accrisoft\_logo (3)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/Accrisoft_logo%20(3).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Accrisoft_logo%20(3).png) ![2020 Chmura Logo (2)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/2020%20Chmura%20Logo%20(2).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=2020%20Chmura%20Logo%20(2).jpg) ![GSEC\_logo-s (3)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/GSEC_logo-s%20(3).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=GSEC_logo-s%20(3).png) ![PEDCO Logo High Res (2)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/PEDCO%20Logo%20High%20Res%20(2).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=PEDCO%20Logo%20High%20Res%20(2).png) ![Primary\_Logo (5)](https://19924342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19924342/hubfs/Primary_Logo%20(5).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Primary_Logo%20(5).png) [VIEW Sponsors](https://denver.iedconline.org/sponsors?hsLang=en)            [![NEW IEDC\_Vertical\_Logo\_White-01-2](https://ruralretreat25.iedconline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NEW%20IEDC_Vertical_Logo_White-01-2.png?width=400&height=265&name=NEW%20IEDC_Vertical_Logo_White-01-2.png "NEW IEDC_Vertical_Logo_White-01-2")](https://www.iedconline.org) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/iedcONLINE/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-economic-development-council/?viewAsMember=true) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/IEDCtweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) ## [About IEDC](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/about-iedc/) ## [Member Center](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/member-center/) ## [Professional Development](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/schedule/) ## [Events & Sponsorship](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/events-page/) ## [Resources & Research](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/resources-research/)