hosted in partnership with
Registration is $399 per person
Group Rate is $1,596 | Purchase four registrations, get one free!
You are invited to the 2026 Stand Up Rural America Summit at Lake City, Florida
COME JOIN US!
I’d like to personally invite you to this national Rural Economic Development Regional Forum taking place July 28-30, 2026. Our exciting host city for this dynamic event is Lake City, Florida. The event will be held at Florida Gateway College, The Blanche and The Woods Entertainment Venue. This 2026 Stand Up Rural America Summit will feature nationally renowned subject matter experts and successful economic development practitioners along with special Best Practices Panels.
Topics covered include planning, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, regionalism, rural tourism, sustainability, business retention & expansion, technology tools, effective communications, rural business development, talent development, proven strategies and much more. And as always, the sharing of tips, tricks, case studies and resources will be off the charts.
Experience an event designed specifically for Rural America. You will receive tangible tools and strategies to help your cities, counties and regions grow. This event is packed with informative and dynamic presentations, discussions, networking and celebrating what makes Rural America special. The Stand Up Rural America program has held highly successful events in Tulsa OK, Charleston WV, Somerset KY, Mulvane KS, Laurel MS, Decorah IA, French Lick IN, Canyon TX, Gonzales TX, Shawnee OK and Prattville AL, while garnering high praise for the superior level of speakers, quality content and excellent networking opportunities.
This Summit is coordinated by ACCELERATION by design LLC. It has been my privilege to work with more than 450 rural communities and regions throughout my 34+ year economic development career. We thank Columbia County Economic Development for graciously serving as the host of the Summit, along with many Sponsors and Partners. We are thrilled to be working with this awesome team representing this unique and exciting region!
This Summit is perfect for Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Cities, Counties, Downtown and Main Street Organizations, Regional Groups, Utilities, Industry Leaders, Lenders, Workforce Development, Elected Officials, ED & Chamber Board Members and anyone with a vested interest in the growth and prosperity of Rural America.
Summit sponsorships are available and we will host an exciting exhibit area. Registration for the Summit is open! We also offer a special group registration rate for five or more participants from one organization. We recognize your travel and budget challenges and want to do all we can to help you participate in the Summit.
You won't want to miss this special Stand Up Rural America Regional Summit. Please join us July 26-30, 2026 in beautiful Lake City, Florida to celebrate Rural America!
Let's Go! See you there!
Lorie Vincent
Lorie Vincent, CEcD
Founder | President
ACCELERATION by design LLC &
Stand Up Rural America
Our Awesome Speaker Team will be announced May 4, 2026. Watch for Clues!
Forum Sponsorships
Your generous sponsorship support allows us to provide a high level slate of nationally renowned speakers, in a beautiful and productive environment, at a cost that is affordable to our rural participants. We offer many sponsorship levels, with an abundance of benefits. If you do not find an opportunity that fits your objectives, please reach out and let's discuss a solution! We also offer a vibrant location for vendors and exhibitors at the Forum. Sponsorships and Vendor Tables can be secured online through the registration portal, you can request an online invoice to pay with a credit card, pay direct by ACH or we can send you an invoice. We are happy to accommodate your payment system.
THANK YOU FORUM SPONSORS!
2026 STAND UP RURAL AMERICA SUMMIT HOST | Columbia Economic Development
THE SUNSHINE PRESENTING SPONSOR | $10,000 Exclusive
TALL PINES TITLE PARTNER | $7,500 Exclusive
SOUTHERN CHARM HOSPITALITY SPONSOR | $6,000 Exclusive
THE HONEYBELL HERO PLATINUM SPONSOR | $5,000 | Advanced Project Solutions
AIRBOAT CAPTAIN DIGITAL APP SPONSOR | $4,000 Exclusive
SOLD GULF TO GATEWAY FEATURED VENDORS | Enrichment Benefits USA | Marketing Alliance
SWEET AS SUGARCANE LUNCHEON SPONSOR | $3,000 Exclusive
MANATEE CROSSING GOLD PARTNER | $3,000
SOLD OFFICIAL MEDIA MEGAPHONE SUMMIT SPONSOR | Site Selection Magazine
SOLD THE HEMINGWAY OFFICIAL SUMMIT JOURNAL SPONSOR | FREDA
SWEET TEA BREAK SPONSOR | $2,500 Exclusive
SOLD PINEAPPLE PATRON RECEPTION SPONSOR | Big Lake Economic Development Corporation
SOLD STRAWBERRY FIELDS SUMMIT BAG SPONSOR | Bowie Economic Development Corporation
BOILED PEANUT BARON SILVER SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR | $1,500 | Fresh Prints Miami | THF
FLIP FLOP FARMER COMMUNITY SPONSOR | $1,250
PEOPLE MOVER TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR | $1,250 Exclusive
SOLD SEMINOLE WIND LANYARD SPONSOR | Opportunity Strategies, Inc.
FLOCK OF FLAMINGOS BRONZE SPONSOR | $750
Summit Itinerary
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
12:00 pm | Registration & Networking
1:00 pm Summit Begins
1:15 pm | Session One
2:15 pm | Networking Break
2:30 pm | Session Two
3:30 pm | Featured Vendor
4:00 pm | Networking Break
4:15 pm | Session Three
5:15 pm | Day One Wrap-Up
6:00 pm | Opening Reception
Dinner on your Own in beautiful Downtown Lake City
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
8:30 am | Registration & Networking
9:00 am | Welcome
9:15 am | Session Four
10:15 am | Networking Break
10:30 am | Session Five
11:30 am | Featured Case Study
12:00 pm | Networking Luncheon
1:30 pm | Featured Vendor
2:00 pm | Session Six
3:00 pm Networking Break
3:15 pm | Bingo for Summit Charity
3:30 pm | Session Seven
4:30 pm | Day Two Wrap-Up
6:00 pm | Celebrating Rural America Party @ The Woods
Thursday, July 30, 3036
8:30 am | Coffee & Networking
9:00 am | Session Eight
10:00 am | Networking Break
10:15 am | Featured Documentary
10:30 am | Session Nine
11:30am | Closing Remarks
12:00 pm | It's a Wrap!
6:00 pm | Evening Gathering for those staying over! (Optional but FUN!)
Hotel & Travel Information
If you are traveling to the Lake City area by air, the Jacksonville International Airport in Jacksonville, Florida is your closest airport. Multiple options for rental cars are available.
There are an array of hotel options in Lake City, therefore, we are allowing our guests to choose their preference. Please watch this site as we will provide links, suggestions and recommendations as well as other entertainment recommendations on May 4, 2026.
