R2R24 · Conference Archive
Exploring Our Differences Together
October 16–18, 2024 · Blyth, Ontario
Conference archive — Explore the original conference information and resources. Events have ended; registration, scholarships, surveys and accommodation offers shown here are historical.
Conference resources
Reports, recordings & people
Conference theme
The CCRC is committed to contributing to a strong Canadian rural voice through collaboration, dialogue, and building collective wisdom. This year at the Rural Talks to Rural conference we provide a space and place to explore our differences together and highlight various formats on how we can listen, learn, and collaborate.
How may we grow our capacity and courage to invite, host, and harvest the conversations that matter in our rural communities? Daily, we face a lot of noise and change such as accelerating technological innovations, climate crises, shifting economies, polarizing forces, and an overwhelming amount of information.
Join us for these important conversations and learn how to invite, hold, and lead others through such conversations – whether at the workplace, community, or home. Let’s explore our differences together. Your leading questions, opportunities, and/or challenges about rural development will be explored in very meaningful and impactful ways.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Explore key rural issues and opportunities across our landscape, including artificial intelligence (AI)/data’s impact on our rural communities, innovation in economic development, and leading practices and research.
R2R24 provides various formats, methods, and models to step into this dialogue – through documentary presentations, storytelling, participatory leadership methods, art, and simply providing the place and space for rural to talk to rural.
Discover strategies for advancing rural development at R2R24.
Conference agenda
Accommodation archive
We are excited to host this year’s conference in Blyth AND showcase some incredible places to stay in Blyth and the surrounding areas. We have secured conference pricing at some of the locations that include:
Hotel Lux: 20% discount from the posted rate – booked
Blyth Inn: 20% discount from the posted rate – https://blythinn.ca/
Corner Farm Cottage: 20% discount from the posted rate – booked
Blyth Trailway Cabins: Unavailable
We are happy to share The Benmiller Inn & Spa located just outside of Goderich and a 15-minute drive to the Blyth Memorial Community Hall offers a limited number of rooms with discounts between 15 – 25%. Visit website – https://www.benmiller.ca/
Please mention Rural Talks to Rural Conference when booking to receive the applicable discounts.
Thank you to the Blyth Hospitality Group for providing the brochure (below) on Blyth accommodations.
Who attended
Anyone passionate about our rural communities.
A gathering of artists, scientists, farmers, students, researchers, local knowledge keepers, entrepreneurs, economic developers, environmentalists, community development officers, and rural organizations.
Keynote speakers & presenters
We are also excited to share that globally known Art of Hosting facilitators and illustrators will facilitate the conference workshops.
Artists & facilitators
Documentary theatre, documenting R2R24, podcasting, and yoga – we have it all. These artists and masters in their field will join us at R2R24. Read more about each of them!
Pathways to Practice
Pathways to Practice (P2P) takes place on Day 3, Friday, October 18th, and runs from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
P2P presenters will present their work, engage in dialogue, and connect with delegates. The 12 stations will be spread around the community hall. Delegates will move from table to table during these 2 hours.
Specifically, P2P offers the opportunity for presenters and delegates to:
- Share ideas through an economic lens – ideas that are working in rural communities now and can be adapted or adopted in another place
- Explore contemporary research connected to that work
- Bring multiple generations/organizations together to discuss their commitment to community
- Present government programs by those who had a hand in it. Programs that support projects to keep the EC DEV ball rolling in rural community development
- Showcase collaboration ‘in action’ among practitioners, researchers, and organizations
We are excited to share the lineup – click here to read more!
Youth scholarships
Ten Youth Scholarships were offered for R2R24. The scholarship covered the registration fee (a $250 value) for full-time students between the ages of 16-30 years. View the original scholarship application
Conference features
- THE ASSEMBLY – a theatrical presentation produced by Porte Parole on the Blyth stage. Porte Parole is a theatre company that creates and produces original documentary plays about Canadian contemporary life to inspire diverse audiences to think critically together about current social issues.
- PATHWAYS TO PRACTICE – an eagerly anticipated session of R2R to connect with the brightest minds and people working in rural Canada.
- The R2R24 ART GALLERY showcases incredible local artists and art forms that tell stories and inspire dialogue.
- Delegates have a chance to win 1 of 3 prints by artist Kelly Rebar including the conference photo! Each purchased conference ticket will be entered into the draw.
- R2R MARKET featuring local artists, businesses, and a pop-up bookstore.
- CONCURRENT SESSIONS with an Art Gallery Presentation with the Two Row on the Grand and The Voice of the River: Grand River Community Play Project AND a Nature Walk along the G2G Rail Trail including the Maitland
- Podcaster, Shauna Rae of Clearing a New PathTM to report on and share the stories of R2R24!
- Delight in the county’s finest food and beverages. Local chefs, bakers, wineries, and breweries are showcased.
- Daily lunchtime mini-yoga (standing or chair) is offered in the Art Gallery by a certified yoga and meditation instructor. You’ll be refreshed and ready to go for the afternoon!
R2R Market
The CCRC, Eat Local Huron and The Village Bookshop in Bayfield are pleased to announce the return of the R2R Market featuring local artists, businesses, and a pop-up bookstore. Delegates can visit the market on the morning of Day 3 from 9:00 AM to 1:00PM to bring home gifts, treats, fruits & veg from local vendors and shops.
Partners & sponsors
We are excited to announce our partners/sponsors for R2R24. Click here to read more about each one.
Lead Partner
Main Sponsor
Vendors & supporters
We are honoured to showcase some of Huron County’s finest fare and libation at R2R24!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!