2025 CDS Annual Conference

CDS Conference Attendee Check-in Schedule
July 6th: 8:00am to 6:00pm
July 7th: 7:15am to 12:00pm
July 8th: 8:00am to 12:00pm
July 9th: 8:00am to 9:30am

Check-in includes:
- Picking up your name badge
- Receiving your meal tickets, if applicable
- Receiving promo bag

At the CDS Registration Desk you can also:
- Register for the CDS Conference until 5pm ET on July 6
- Register for remaining open spots on Mobile Learning Workshops until 10am ET on July 7
- Bid on the 2025 CDS Silent Auction (Silent Auction Items will be nearby)
- Pay for Silent & Live Auction winning bids
- Visit to ask any questions or resolve any issues

We look forward to meeting you!

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

A cluster of communities in rural NY have benefitted from 11-year Neighborhood Health Status Improvement Grant, funded by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.  With that grant concluded, we reflect on effectiveness, process, and program sustainability.  We reflect on how this work fits with Robert Bullard’s framework for environmental justice work and Heather McGhee’s “solidarity dividend”.  A unique feature of this community is its boundary created by Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, which is an enormous natural resource that poses an array of logistical barriers to traditional community development methods.  The asset based community development approach allowed the project to overcome some of these barriers. Residents appreciated shifting the focus from negative reactions, such as a victim identity in response to the loss of taxable land, to a positive emphasis on building wellbeing from the ground up, using their local “assets” (people, organizations, and institutions) to build on the reality they faced.

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

The Rosendale Heart & Soul effort was initiated in spring 2022 by the Rosendale Economic Development Committee to revise the comprehensive plan through active community engagement. In this workshop we will hear from the residents of Rosendale about their firsthand experience, achievements, and lessons learned introducing participatory democracy to the whole community. We will look at how they plan to embed this approach into future decision making and how different communities across the country have adopted similar methods. The workshop will be led by a team of local community leaders involved in the Rosendale Heart & Soul initiative, and staff from Community Heart & Soul, to provide an overview and in-depth on the ground perspective.

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

We encounter maps regularly in our everyday lives. From our phones taking us to the new restaurant a town over, to political maps breaking the states into party affiliations for the upcoming elections. And although many of us experience and use maps daily, we do not understand the power maps have in shaping our society. This workshop will give hands on experience in analyzing data on a map as well as thinking about what points a map is trying to make, and how it can be used to aid in developing programming for communities based on demographic, socioeconomic, and topographic information. The program being highlighted in this workshop is ArcGIS, a common GIS program that allows people to have a free online account and will be showing off some of the basic features that can be used with an account of this type.

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

The MSU Extension Facilitative Leadership program has served over 1,400 participants since its inception in 2008. The program is intensive, including a 90-minute webinar and a 3-day in- person workshop, during which each participant facilitates a 10-minute small group discussion and a 45-minute facilitation using process tools, giving and receiving extensive feedback on their facilitations. As partner needs have evolved in an era of tight budgets and staffing, LeadNet and the Facilitative Leadership Team have heard the requests of program alumni and stakeholders and have created "The Power of Facilitation," a short-form introduction to facilitation strategies and techniques. This new program enables participants to gain a basic understanding of group facilitation best practices without the major financial and time commitment of the full Facilitative Leadership program, can be delivered as needed in diverse venues as well as virtually, and will build interest and enthusiasm among participants for more in-depth LeadNet programming.

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

The University of Wisconsin-Extension has created and adapted tools to help communities identify opportunities to improve quality of life. In this workshop, participants will receive the tools and training in:

● Community Placemaking Assessment Mapping: Identifying local placemaking principles while contributing to a global community of case studies.
● First Impressions: Assessing a community’s “first impression” using a secret-shopper approach.
● Imageability Mapping: Identifying the “bones of community” to help identify strategic opportunities for local investment.
● S.W.O.T.(C.) Mapping: Creating interactive maps that allow community members to identify local strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats/challenges.
● Business Walk: A face-to-face Business Retention & Expansion program that celebrates local businesses while strengthening relationships.

Instructors will provide an overview of all the tools above. Afterwards, participants will receive direct instruction on how to use the tool(s) they are most interested in a “World Cafe-esque” format. (Most techniques can be taught in 20 minutes.)

*Registration Requirement: Must be registered to attend the conference to participate in this complimentary workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

In an era where collaboration is essential to tackling complex social issues, collective impact offers a powerful framework for driving change. This session explores the challenges and successes of managing a collective impact organization, with a detailed case study of a community-based literacy initiative. Participants will learn how to navigate multi-sector partnerships, align diverse stakeholders toward shared goals, and sustain momentum in the face of challenges. The presentation will highlight real-world examples, including strategies for measuring progress, adapting to community needs, and balancing power dynamics among partners. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to strengthen their own collective impact efforts, whether in literacy or other areas of community development.

Maureen Ballatori, Moderator – Storytelling in Food, Beverage, and Agri-Tourism
Gina Lee, Panelist – Women in Craft: Finger Lakes wine and community innovation
Julia Hoyle, Panelist – Women in Craft: Finger Lakes wine and entrepreneurship
Sarah Gummoe, Panelist – Women in Craft: Winemaking and regional transformation

Pick up your boxed lunch at the Scandling Center.
The pick up time is between 11:15am and 11:45am.
If you are scheduled to attend a Mobile Learning Workshop that does not include a meal, please pick up your boxed lunch promptly at 11:15 before heading outside to meet your van.

New York Kitchen's Mobile Learning Workshop is cancelled.

*Registration Requirement: $20.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

How does art shape a city’s future? Join us for an engaging workshop exploring the intersection of public art and economic development in downtown Geneva. From vibrant murals to creative placemaking, we’ll discuss how artistic expression fosters community identity, attracts businesses, and drives revitalization. Discover the power of art in transforming spaces, meet local creatives, and explore the evolving landscape of Geneva’s downtown development!

*Registration Requirement: $90.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

Raise a glass to history and heritage! Join us for an immersive workshop exploring how Finger Lakes wineries are more than just producers of world-class wine—they’re storytellers of the region’s past, present, and future. With exclusive tours at Anthony Road and Ravines, you’ll uncover the deep roots of local viticulture, the people behind the craft, and the cultural impact of wine on community identity. Savor thoughtfully paired wine and cheese, take in the breathtaking vineyard views, and discover how every bottle holds a piece of Finger Lakes history. Cheers to tradition, taste, and togetherness!

*Registration Requirement: $75.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

Raise a glass to innovation and local impact! Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring how Finger Lakes breweries are more than just great beer—they’re hubs of community development, sustainability, and regional identity. Experience the journey from grain to glass, sample unique local brews, and discover the flavors that make this region special—all while soaking in the stunning lake views. Cheers to craft, culture, and connection!

*Registration Requirement: $30.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

From robots milking cows to the pressing environmental concerns in the Finger Lakes, the future of food is changing fast. Join us for an engaging workshop where we’ll explore sustainable agriculture, tackle the challenges of food security, and discuss the power of community engagement in shaping a resilient food system. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, we’ll dive into the innovations and local issues that are redefining how we grow and access food. The future is now—let’s cultivate it together!

*Registration Requirement: $40.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

This workshop explores the beauty of the Finger Lakes through the lens of AI-generated art. In this engaging workshop, you'll experiment with cutting-edge platforms like DALL·E 3, Stability AI, and Midjourney to create stunning images. No prior digital skills are needed—just bring your curiosity, imagination, and a laptop. You'll learn how to craft compelling prompts, generate breathtaking visuals, and refine them using digital editing tools. By the end of the session, you'll have the skills to bring your unique artistic vision to life and share your AI creations with the world. Whether you're an artist, a storyteller, or simply intrigued by the fusion of AI and creativity, this workshop offers a fun and inspiring way to explore the future of digital art.

*Registration Requirement: $20.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

How can the past shape the future? This workshop explores adaptive reuse, uncovering how historic buildings are repurposed for modern use while preserving their cultural significance. We’ll take a deep dive into architecture, design, and community revitalization, with a special trip to the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Phelps to see history in action. Join us as we reimagine spaces, celebrate heritage, and explore how thoughtful design can honor the past while building for the future 

*Registration Requirement: $20.00 Fee to Attend
Must be registered to attend the conference and remit payment to participate in this workshop.
*Please register for this workshop along with your main conference registration at https://cdsociety.org/conferenceregistration/

Dig in and make a difference! Join us for a hands-on service project at BluePrint Geneva’s community garden, where fresh food and community go hand in hand. Help cultivate a greener future by planting, weeding, and tending to the crops that provide locally grown produce to those in need. Along the way, learn about sustainable urban agriculture, food justice, and the power of collective action in strengthening community resilience. Whether you have a green thumb or are just eager to give back, your efforts will help nourish both the soil and the people of Geneva. Let’s grow together! 

Events starts at Starts at Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship (22 Castle Street) and map of tour will be provided.

Showing of the 2023 Film Sing Sing
Smith Center for the Arts (82 Senecas St. at the Smith Opera House) - Free Admission for CDS Attendees

For more information please visit: https://thesmith.org/events-list/sing-sing-2024/