3rd Annual Rural Communications Summit

Back for a third year! Build resilience, strengthen capacity, and empower the people at the heart of communities.

Communicators in rural regions navigate a landscape that is increasingly complex and constantly evolving. Beyond the work itself, the expectations placed on communication, marketing and community engagement professionals continue to grow—most often without parallel increases in staffing, resources or time. Rural contexts add unique pressures: smaller teams, broader portfolios, and the responsibility to foster connection across diverse and dispersed communities.

In 2026, the Rural Communications Summit—again presented by Grey County and Letter M—returns to explore how communicators, teams, and communities can build resilience in the face of these realities. Expert speakers and panelists will delve into topics including community building, mental health and wellness, system resiliency, managing 24/7/365 communication demands, elevating diverse viewpoints in municipal and public sector communications, ethical practice, workplace dynamics, and the gap between expectations and operational realities.

Participants will engage in authentic conversations about the challenges they face, reflect on their own capacity and well-being, and leave with practical tools and renewed confidence. Together, we will explore how rural communicators can adapt, sustain momentum, and continue delivering clear, compassionate and community-centred communication—no matter what comes their way.

Sessions and details are subject to change.

Presented by Grey County and The Letter M. Keynote presentation sponsored by Open Point.

Info: In this talk, Paul Kalbfleisch will discuss the current need, both socially and economically, for addressing the weakening of social structures in our communities. He will present this moment in time as both a period of struggle and opportunity – in which people are starting to acknowledge a need to place their hopes and faith into something more substantial than “likes” and “thumbs up” on social media.
Kalbfleisch, co-author of The JOY Experiments: Reimagining Mid-Sized Cities To Heal Our Divided Society, will offer the concept of JOY and a path towards better communities. Collective joy is a tool of resilience to help us overcome challenges through collaboration, celebration and cultural storytelling. JOY has the power to connect people in moments of optimism.
Kalbfleisch will also discuss the role of communicators in creating joyful experiences that can make meaningful differences in today’s world. Keynote presentation sponsored by Open Point.

Info: Building resilient communities requires a shift toward upstream action that address the social and structural factors influencing safety and well-being before crises occur. This session will explore how Community Safety and Well-Being Planning can strengthen resilience through prevention, early intervention, collaboration, and shared accountability. Participants will examine the role of cross-sector partnerships, community engagement, and evidence-informed decision making in creating sustainable, equitable systems that support individuals and communities. The session will present impactful strategies that have embed resilience into local planning, enhanced protective factors, and will reduce long-term risk to foster healthier, safer, and more connected communities.

Info: When we communicate something complex, the goal isn’t always to make our audience an expert. Sometimes, it’s about giving them information in a way that feels accessible, memorable and easy to carry forward.
In this session, Margaux Bucher shares how she approaches complex and technical topics by asking: How can this information empower my audience? She’ll explore practical ways to find the most meaningful entry point, simplify without losing the substance, and turn big topics into bite-sized communications that help people feel informed, confident and better equipped to take part in the conversation.

Info: When workplaces become more demanding, we tend to reach for the same solutions: practice self-care, be more resilient, and find better ways to cope. Those things matter. But isn't it time we became just as good at designing organizations where resilience is built in, not simply expected.

What if resilience isn't something people are supposed to bring to work? What if it's something they should find when they get there?

Through storytelling, practical examples, and the concept of Organizational Humanity, Steve challenges audiences to rethink where resilience truly begins. Participants will leave with practical ideas for creating workplaces where resilience isn't simply expected of people, but intentionally built into the organizations they serve.

Info: Public-sector communicators are often expected to manage relentless demands, advise leaders, respond quickly and maintain public confidence, all while working with limited capacity and resources. This session will explore how communicators can build a more sustainable practice by creating greater clarity, stronger systems and more disciplined approaches to decision-making. Drawing on more than two decades of communications and people leadership, along with current research and emerging practice in strategic communications, Tara Sprigg will examine how communicators can strengthen alignment with leaders, reduce avoidable chaos, protect their advisory role, and use data and AI to produce calm and project competence and confidence under pressure.

Info: This panel discussion will explore how organizations can use internal engagement strategies to build inclusive, respectful, and resilient workplace cultures - even in an era marked by heightened incivility in public discourse. Panelists will examine how strong internal communication and employee engagement practices shape organization values, support psychological safety, and prepare staff to navigate challenging conversations around equity, diversity and inclusion.

The discussion will also speak to external engagement, where rising incivility can make public dialogue more complex. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to align internal culture with external messaging and navigate polarized environments with clarity and confidence.

Info: Work can ask a lot of us. Between busy days, changing priorities, challenging conversations and everything happening outside of work, it’s easy to put your well-being last.
This engaging, practical session explores simple ways to manage workplace stress while building resilience and protecting your mental health. Together, we’ll look at recognizing signs of stress, setting healthy boundaries, protecting your energy, reconnecting with what helps you feel well, and knowing when to reach out for support.
Rather than simply pushing through, this session focuses on the strengths you already have and practical tools you can use every day. Leave feeling more confident, supported, and better equipped to care for your well-being - at work and beyond.

Event venue & nearby stays

Best Western Inn On The Bay, 1800 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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