2025 CDS Annual Conference

2025 CDS Annual Conference

Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities:
Technology, People, and Place-based CollaborationThe community development field continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, changing social dynamics, and the increasing importance of regional collaboration. Building on the foundation laid by the revised Community Development Principles of Good Practice , the 2025 Annual Conference of the Community Development Society explores the theme of “Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities: Technology, People, and Place-based Collaboration.”
This theme reflects the growing recognition that community development efforts can be significantly amplified when communities collaborate and craft networks, leveraging shared resources, knowledge, and innovative approaches. The conference focuses on how these innovation corridors can serve as catalysts for:

1. Technological Integration – Explore how emerging technologies can address challenges, improve service delivery, and foster connectivity within and between communities.
2. People-Driven Solutions – Emphasize the central role of community members in driving innovation, focusing on inclusive practices that empower diverse voices and talents.
3. Place-Based Collaboration – Examine how geographic and virtual corridors can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective impact across communities.

The theme “Innovative Pathways” explores how community development creates corridors of regional prosperity. It asks how communities can collaborate to tackle common challenges, take advantage of readily available opportunities, and build sustainable, flourishing regions.
Concurrent sessions include paper presentations, program and project showcases, interactive workshops, and roundtable discussions. We welcome contributions from practitioners, scholars, activists, and community leaders that address the conference theme or explore the following:

• Critical perspectives on community development theory and practice
• The ways technology helps or hinders community development efforts
• Practical applications of new practices in the community development context

Join us for our signature CDS conference activities:

• Mobile Learning Workshops
• Off-Site and On-Site Networking Receptions
• Awards Banquet
• Annual Business Meeting
• Informal Outings into the Region

Together, let’s chart new pathways for community development that embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and drive regional revitalization.