Rural Empowerment Conference
June 3-5, 2026
Wednesday, June 3: Half Day
Thursday, June 4: Full Day
Friday, June 5: Half Day
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine, Texas
Real conversations. Bold ideas. Real impact.
This isn’t surface-level.
This is where the work gets real.
You won’t just hear what’s working—you’ll walk away knowing how to make it work in your community.
From workforce to education, higher ed to policy, and leaders across rural—this is where the right people and the right ideas come together to move things forward.
Join education, workforce, community, and policy leaders—alongside educators, students, and changemakers—for three days of connection, strategy, and momentum.
Together, we’re elevating bold ideas, strengthening partnerships, and investing in the future of rural Texas.
Join education, higher education, workforce, community, and policy leaders, along with educators, students, and changemakers, in a celebration of rural innovation and impact. This three-day event convenes voices from across Texas to uplift bold ideas, deepen partnerships, and invest in the future of rural communities.
This is the convening for anyone committed to shaping the future of rural Texas—you don’t want to miss it.
REGISTER TODAY!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SCHEDULE
OUR EVENT SCHEDULE
Event Schedule Overview
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Wednesday, June 3 – Half Day
Opening Session followed by an Evening Reception -
Thursday, June 4 – Full Day
Full conference programming -
Friday, June 5 – Half Day
Closing sessions
CEN STRATEGIC PILLARS:
The “Rural Empowerment: The North Star Venture” campaign will expand PK-12 program development while enhancing postsecondary outcomes for adult learners, strengthening rural voice, and capacity building in alignment with our Strategic Pillars.
