Albertans involved in rural development, either as researchers or community members, will be at the University of Lethbridge this week, taking part in the Creating Rural Connections Conference, organized by the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN).

The conference runs Tuesday, May 11 through Thursday, May 13 and features a combination of keynote and concurrent presentations as well as interactive discussion groups, poster sessions and networking opportunities.

The ARDN has representation from all 21 publicly-funded, publicly-governed post-secondary institutions in Alberta. It was formed in 2006 and became fully active in 2009 when it received a three year grant from Rural Alberta's Development Fund. The conference is the first of many activities, events and research projects being planned.

For more information, go to www.ardn.ca, call toll-free 1-877-987-1006 or email exec.assist@ardn.ca