Join us!
The Rural Innovation Network Summit is an exclusive gathering for rural leaders committed to developing tech economy ecosystems in their communities.
The 2026 Rural Innovation Network Summit will be held September 29 – October 1, 2026, in Emporia, Kansas.
Emporia will provide a unique backdrop for our conversations, combining historic character with forward-thinking energy and strong local momentum in innovation and creativity.
This year’s event will be our 6th Annual Summit, a milestone gathering that we anticipate being our most impactful yet.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Reconnect with Network peers and meet new leaders from across the country
- Participate in interactive sessions focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping rural tech economies
- Hear from speakers and panels diving into topics like scalable entrepreneurship, workforce pathways, rural data and trends, and more!
- Share your own insights, celebrate community wins, and return home with new ideas, connections, and energy for the work ahead
Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time attending, the Rural Innovation Network Summit is designed to strengthen our shared mission and spark new ideas to advance rural prosperity.
Register to Attend!
Agenda
Full agenda and session descriptions coming soon!
Tuesday, September 29th
Evening Network Reception
Wednesday, September 30th
Full-day Summit Programming
Thursday, October 1st
Optional Half-day, Opportunities for Learning and Exploring the Community
Flight Information & Recommendations
Recommended Airports:
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) – 94 miles from Emporia
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – 130 miles from Emporia
Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) – 80 miles from Emporia
Arrival on Tuesday, 9/29
Networking Reception begins at 6 p.m. CT.
Please arrive accordingly
Departure on Thursday, 10/1
Please depart at your convenience.
Optional time for connection and exploring the community is planned until 12 p.m. CT.
Hotel Information & Recommendations
We recommend the following accommodations for your stay in Emporia. We’ve arranged room blocks with some of these accommodations, as noted below. There is a limited number of rooms available in the room blocks and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites
The newest hotel in Emporia, offering a modern and comfortable stay with consistently top-rated service.
We will be providing a room block for this hotel for 9/28 – 10/1 — more information on booking to follow soon.
Address: 3010 Eaglecrest Dr., Emporia, KS 66801 | Distance to downtown Emporia: 3.5 miles (10-minute drive)
Key amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free wifi
Complimentary on-site parking
Free coffee/tea in the lobby
Indoor saltwater pool
Fitness center
Hampton Inn
A well-established, highly-rated option known for its dependable experience.
We have a room block for this hotel for 9/29 – 10/1 — book here.
Address: 2900 Eaglecrest Dr., Emporia, KS 66801 | Distance to downtown Emporia: 3.2 miles (10-minute drive)
Key amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free wifi
Free parking
Indoor pool
Fitness center
Pet-friendly rooms
The Gufler Mansion
A charming historic bed & breakfast in a beautifully restored 1917 mansion, offering a unique and intimate alternative to standard hotels.
Address: 612 W 12th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801 | Distance to downtown: 1 mile (4-minute drive or 20-minute walk)
Key amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
Free wifi
Library
Sunken garden/greenhouse
Walking distance to historic Emporia
Note: Limited rooms available.
For more information, send an inquiry through their website.
The Holiday Inn
A reliable, budget-friendly choice for attendees looking for a straightforward, comfortable stay.
Address: 3007 W. 18th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801 | Distance to downtown Emporia: 3.6 miles (10-minute drive)
Key amenities:
Complimentary breakfast
On-site parking
Wifi
Heated indoor pool
Fitness center
Pet friendly
Ground Transportation Information & Recommendations
We recommend booking a rental car for your stay or coordinating carpooling with other members. There are limited ride-share options in Emporia.
Questions & Information
Contact Sydney Read, Associate, Events and Storytelling, with questions at
sydney.read@ruralinnovation.us