Energize! 2025
May 8 - May 9
Why should you attend Energize?
- Platte, a south-central South Dakota community of about 1,200, boasts a strong mix of retail, manufacturing, agricultural and tourist businesses and active nonprofit and volunteer community organizations.
- This isn’t your typical conference! Energize is a “walking conference,” a chance to explore the community, meet local business owners, and exchange success stories with leaders from across South Dakota. Expect to leave with ideas to bring back to your own community!
Registration
Early registration of only $99 ends April 1. Registration will cost $125 from April 2 through the registration deadline of April 18. When you register a group of three, from the same community at the same time, the group will receive a $63 discount. Those under the age of 21 can register for $60 when entering your birthdate at checkout. Registration will be available at the door on a space-available basis for $175.
No refunds will be issued after Friday, April 18 due to deadlines for meal and amenity counts. Contact Peggy Schlechter, Kara Harders, Kellie Kolb or Emily Kluin for more information.
Rebecca Undem
Keynote Speaker – Rebecca Undem has always been passionate about two things: people and talking to people. As an inspirational speaker, community advocate, author of How Mommy Got Her Groove Back™, and host of the podcast The Growing Small Towns Show, she’s put her gift of gab to good use.
Rebecca gained her chops as a people developer through an international talent management firm. She’s worked with hundreds of company leaders to improve their bottom-line results by focusing on their greatest asset: their people.
As Founder and Executive Director of Growing Small Towns, a non-profit organization, Rebecca helps the communities they serve be places people love to call home through programs that grow their human, social, and cultural capital.
Not one to let people down, Rebecca still lives up to her childhood label of drama queen. She binges on Netflix shows, coffee, and anything that makes her feel verklempt—her self-declared favorite feeling. Rebecca went against her youthful declarations and married a farmer, Jeremiah, and together, they have three amazing kids: Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee. They love their small town and the crazy-good life they get to live there.
Breakout Sessions – Hear about area success stories on the following topics:
- Arts & Culture in Your Community
- Engaging Community Members
- Funding Community Projects
- Rural Tourism
Networking – Experience networking with residents from other rural communities and resource providers that have tools to help you improve your community all while taking the time to explore Platte. You will also enjoy great food and entertainment with an evening event hosted by the Platte Energize committee.
Voices of the Next Generation Entrepreneur Panel – This popular panel is back again. Engage with young entrepreneurs currently operating successful businesses in South Dakota. Learn how you can support and encourage young entrepreneurs in your community.
A complete schedule will be posted at a later date.