2027 CDS Annual Conference
July 11 - 14 in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Come Experience the Driftless Difference
The 2027 CDS Annual Conference Call for Proposals submission form will be available in mid-September 2026. Please check back soon.
This regional conference incorporates the Driftless Region of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with an emphasis on La Crosse, Wisconsin. La Crosse embodies how geography and natural capital guide, limit, and enhance communities for residents. Nestled in the heart of the driftless region, La Crosse benefits from amazing outdoor recreation opportunities and amenities. But those same geographic and natural features also limit and shape the options for community growth and development.
Community development worldwide is rich in examples of this interplay, with communities using their natural and social capital to address development challenges in new ways. It represents a call for community developers to 1) highlight the creative solutions communities are developing; 2) understand challenges that extend beyond purely natural resource or environmental issues; and 3) examine areas related to social, political, cultural, and built-environment contexts.
La Crosse and nearby areas offers excellent examples that highlight this theme, and we invite community developers and researchers from around the world to share their work and join this important conversation.
SubThemes and Topics
- Natural Capital in connection to Agritourism, Recreation, Planning, & Housing
- Community & Social Capital
- Student Engagement
- Community Engagement
- Intergenerational Learning
- Bridging campus and community
Although the conference theme and subthemes provide direction, proposals are always accepted that help participants gain a deeper understanding of community development topics in general and that touch upon the CDS Principles of good practice.
A limited number of scholarships will be available to cover conference registration for students, local community leaders, representatives from small nonprofits and civic groups, and conference presenters. For information on how to apply for scholarships, click HERE.
While some funds are available from the CDS Linda Sunde Endowment, we seek conference sponsors whose support can augment these resources. If your institution or organization is interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 CDS Annual Conference, please click HERE.
Conferences bring us together to learn from one another, evaluate what works in various contexts, and explore opportunities to apply effective practices in new ways. The Community Development Society values diverse perspectives and welcomes contributions from a variety of voices. We encourage presentations from:
- Activists
- Practitioners
- Scholars
- Artists
- Students
Presentations can take the form of familiar academic formats, creative dialogues, and experiential workshops.
Proposal types accepted on this form include:
Time Length | Proposal Type | Description/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
45 minutes | Research Poster | Poster session will include all the poster presentations at a dedicated location to engage with attendees on the presentation, as well as the poster judges. Posters will be judged on criteria, quality, and the people’s choice. Posters need to be set up by 12pm on the day of the presentation. |
20 Minutes + 5 min Q&A (Important Note: There will be other presentations included within the 75 minute session) | Academic Paper | Research that advances CD theory and practice. |
20 Minutes + 5 min Q&A (Important Note: There will be other presentations included within the 75 minute session) | Program/Project Presentation | Sharing knowledge gained from CD in action. |
70 Minutes | Academic Panel | Must include 3-4 academic papers with a clear shared theme. (Limited slots) |
70 Minutes | Program/Project Panel | Must include 3-4 program/project presentations with a clear shared theme. (Limited slots) |
70 Minutes | Storytelling Circle | Must include 3-4 storytellers with a clear shared theme. (Limited slots) |
70 Minutes | Present and Respond Panel | Must include both presenters and responders, activists and/or practitioners to scholars or scholars to activists and/or practitioners. (Limited slots) |
70 Minutes | Community Roundtable | Must include equal numbers of discussants from urban and rural perspectives. (Limited slots) |
70 Minutes | Experiential Workshop | Hands-on learning experience. (Limited slots) |
Before you begin your proposal submission, please review the Proposal Template for the session type you intend to submit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aDbn382vLS3v0TW1ztGCIdpu7ZsOVR5m4U2TthnMMPw/edit?tab=t.0
2027 CDS Annual Conference Timeline:
September 15, 2026: Call for Proposals Opens
October 30, 2026: Early Acceptance Deadline to be considered for the 2027 CDS Best Paper Award. This award includes a monetary prize; For the Best Paper Award guidelines, click HERE
December 17, 2026: Proposals due
January 29, 2027: Notice of Proposal Acceptance will be sent on or before this date
April 1, 2027: Deadline for Commitment to Attend
April 15, 2027: Draft Schedule Released
June 12, 2027: Conference Registration Deadline for Presenters (11:59pm US Eastern Time)
July 11, 2027: Conference Registration Final Deadline (5pm US Eastern Time)
July 11-14, 2027: Conference
All deadlines are by 5:59 p.m. Eastern Time (US) of the date specified in the 2027 CDS Annual Conference Timeline, unless otherwise specified.
