Celebrating Innovation and Resilience
Celebrating Innovation and Resilience
Thursday, October 29 & Friday, October 30
Thursday, October 29 & Friday, October 30
Wednesday, October 28 (Reception - 6:00 pm.)
Stevens Point Convention Center
Location TBD
1001 Amber Ave, Stevens Point, WI 54482
Call for Proposals
The theme for the 2026 conference, “Celebrating Innovation & Resilience,” focuses on the ways in which rural schools thrive on their ability to respond to challenges and limitations with creative solutions.
Breakout sessions will align with one of the following tracks:
Resource Management & Collaboration: Strategies for utilizing limited resources; managing budgets; addressing declining enrollment; and responding to community needs, such as school-sponsored child care or health care/mental health partnerships.
Technology & Future Readiness: Focusing on emerging technologies, preparing students for a workforce shaped by AI, and leveraging AI tools for school leaders.
Educational Pathways & Programs: Highlighting innovative educational programs and effective classroom practices, including Academic and Career Planning (ACP), high school pathways, dual credit options, and the development of partnerships with higher education and businesses.
Proposals are due by Friday, June 26, 2026
WiRSA 2025 Conference Breakout Session Proposal
Please upload a Word or Google document with the needed information for your session proposal.
Session Title
Session Description
Session Presenter(s), bio(s) and picture(s)
Audience if applicable
Example Proposals / WiRSA Conference
Many conferences have break-out sessions with little opportunity to follow up on the presented material. We have time between each session to connect and collaborate. If you need more time to discuss, we have an open room available.
Annual Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Conference
Save the Date - WiRSA State Conference
Stevens Point Convention Center
Reception - Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Friday, October 31, 2025
Our annual conference is intended for school administrators, teachers, board members, CESA employees, higher education professionals, college/grad students, public library administrators, elected officials, and any citizens interested in Wisconsin’s rural schools.
Attendee Feedback
“Well run, positive professional learning experience.”
“Great networking at the social events. Super folks you have working with you!”
“Great conference. Presentations and networking are very beneficial.”
“Continue to bring tangible ideas that can be implemented in our rural environment.”
Keep reading if you’re interested in attending, speaking, or sponsoring next year’s conference!
When
October 23-24, 2023
Social Gathering on Sunday, October 22
Where
Wilderness Resort - Wisconsin Dells
Call for Proposals and Sponsorship Information
Call for presenters for the 2023 WiRSA state conference will open in February. Proposals will be due by the end of July 2023.
Call for Proposal Link
Watch for more updates on the WiRSA websites.
Sponsorship/Membership Information
The past sponsorship information can be found at this link
Membership/Sponsorship Link
Vendor/Sponsorship for the WiRSA conference Link
Registration
We continue to work on our registration details.
I look forward to seeing everyone in October for this great event. Let's make Wisconsin rural schools proud. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Lodging
Hotel Information coming soon.
Past State Conference Sponsors
Thank you!
Any questions?
Contact WiRSA Executive Director Jeff Eide at (608) 769-0516 or jeffeide@wirsa.org.