Shaping the future of rural health: highlights from the 2026 Rural Health Leaders Conference

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) 2026 Rural Health Leaders Conference was a tremendous success. The SDAHO team extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this year’s conference possible.

Held June 24–25 at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre, the conference brought together rural health leaders, health care professionals, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners from across South Dakota for two days of education, collaboration, and meaningful conversation. The strong attendance and engagement throughout the event reflected our members’ ongoing commitment to strengthening rural health care and improving the health of the communities they serve.

This year marks the associations 100^th Anniversary, with each in-person event bringing milestone moments, including Rural Health Leader’s which saw a record attendance. “Each gathering during our centennial year carries special significance, and the Rural Health Leaders Conference was no exception,” said Tim Rave, President and CEO of SDAHO. “We are grateful to every attendee, speaker, exhibitor, and sponsor who invested their time and expertise. The conversations, networking, and shared ideas that took place at this year’s event will continue to benefit health care organizations across South Dakota long after the conference concludes.”

The conference featured thought-provoking presentations, valuable leadership discussions, and opportunities for attendees to connect with peers facing many of the same challenges and opportunities shaping rural health care today.

“We were thrilled to see such strong participation at our new conference location in Pierre,” said Michella Sybesma, SDAHO Vice President of Education and Communication. “The energy throughout the event was incredible. Thank you to our presenters for sharing their knowledge, our exhibitors and sponsors for their support, and our attendees for making the conference such a vibrant and rewarding experience.”

As SDAHO reflects on a century of service to South Dakota health care, events like the Rural Health Leaders Conference remind us that our greatest strength continues to be the dedicated professionals who come together to learn, collaborate, and lead.

Thank you for helping make this milestone-year event memorable. We look forward to seeing you again at SDAHO’s 100th Annual Convention, September 16–18, 2026, in Sioux Falls. Registration opens July 1!