2020 Summit

The 2020 RuralRISE Summit moved to a virtual format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the organization’s first fully online convening. The one-day event drew participants from across the country and was structured around a mix of plenary sessions, practitioner quick pitches, panel discussions, and informal networking.

Programming centered on how rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders were navigating pandemic-era disruptions, with sessions examining state-level responses to COVID-19’s economic impacts, the role of data in rural entrepreneurship ecosystem development, and pathways for rural recovery. Heartland Forward presented research findings as part of the day’s programming. Featured speaker Mac Warner, Secretary of State of West Virginia, addressed the gathering. 

The event closed with themed virtual networking rooms organized around rural foods and beverages, creative economies, education, and community innovation.