34th Annual Community Development Institute (CDI)

When: August 3 – August 7, 2020

Where: University of Central Arkansas’ Brewer Hegeman Conference Center

What: The Community Development Institute (CDI) began at the University of Central Arkansas in 1987, with the goal of equipping community leaders and economic development professionals with the tools and strategies they needed to create vibrant, successful communities. 30 years later, CDI is still the go-to resource for training.

For more information go here.

Arkansas Community Development Society Conference

When: Thursday, October 17, 2019

What: The 2019 ACDS conference Episode 2020: Now Loading will explore community development issues that face our cities and organizations are facing now and will be facing in the future. Episode 2020: Now Loading will provide participants with the tools, techniques, and information they need to face a rapidly changing world and create thriving communities.

2019 Keynote Speakers will include Dennis Fraise and Jason Hetcheson of Develop This! and Chet W. Sisk of LEAD Global. Develop This! delivers thought-provoking messages in an entertaining style. Dennis and Jason will move, motivate, and inspire community development leaders. You can preview this session by tuning in to the Develop This! podcast. Chet W. Sisk is an Author/Futurist/Speaker. During this session, Chet will lead participants in exploring seven things community need to plan for in the next 100 years.

Where: University of Central Arkansas’ Brewer Hegeman Conference Center

More Information: http://www.arcds.org/index.php/conference

Paving the Way: Strengthening Creative Placemaking and Creative Economy in Communities

Paving the Way is FREE training on how to use creative placemaking to connect everyday destinations and drive economic development. Participants will learn how to plan for bicycle/pedestrian facilities and connect them to local food systems. Participants will also learn how to blend arts and culture into these efforts to boost creative economy and build community resiliency. Success stories from around the state will be shared along with funding opportunities and practical solutions for sustainability.

When: September 19 – September 20, 2019

Where: The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff

More Information: https://www.cvent.com/c/express/7583e6f4-4023-4c3c-83f3-514e454bdd19 (scroll to bottom of page for full conference agenda)