Tuesday, June 17, 2025

10:00 am – 10:45 am

LC: Academic/Research

Promoting Extension Publications as Academic Work – Creating Gouda Ideas, Cheddar

Presenter: Diana Hagan, Information Management Specialist, University of Florida

Peer review for Extension publications can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if participants don’t consider the professional benefits of the process to be worth the added effort. In this presentation, I’ll share the strategies we've used at UF/IFAS to promote the reach and credibility of our publications as academic output and add value for the authors. Nothing will make complaints about peer-review go away completely, but participants can discover ways to make it more worthwhile for authors.

Meeting Them Where They Are: Empowering Teams with Branding and Social Media Skills – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenters: Rudy Ruedas, Brand Relations Manager, Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications; Shelby Dittman, Social Media Coordinator, Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications

Leadership isn’t always about formal titles — it’s about empowering others to succeed. This session offers a case study in training non-marketing professionals to become confident leaders in branding and social media through Texas A&M AgriLife’s statewide “MarComm Road Show.” By tailoring workshops to participants’ skill levels and providing practical, accessible tools, we have strengthened brand consistency and built confidence across our organization.

Participants will:

·        Discover strategies for fostering leadership in brand stewardship, regardless of role or expertise.

·        Explore challenges and successes in designing an inclusive, scalable training program that prioritizes clarity and engagement.

·        Learn how to incorporate hands-on exercises, like branding/social media checklists and accessibility practices, to ensure takeaways are actionable.

·        Access templates and guidelines that empower employees to lead confidently in their communications.

Whether you’re a supervisor, project manager or a leader without a formal title, this session will inspire and equip you to create meaningful change within your organization. Join us to learn how meeting teams where they are can transform employees into brand champions and elevate your organization’s communication efforts.

Putting Knowledge to Work on Behalf of All the People We Serve – Brie a Leader, Cheddar/Camembert

Presenters: Julee Stephenson, Director of Communications, Colorado State University; Eric Ishiwata, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office of Engagement and Extension and Associate Professor, Colorado State University; Patrese Atine, Assistant Vice President for Indigenous and Native American Affairs, Colorado State University; Ricardo Vela, Program Manager ANR News and Information Outreach in Spanish, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Communities continue to change. With access central to our land-grant mission, how do we continue to meet the needs of diverse, changing communities? Join a panel discussion on engaging and connecting with diverse audiences. Discuss language access and culturally appropriate strategies for engagement and communications with diverse audiences, including immigrant, refugee and indigenous/tribal program participants. In this session, you’ll hear different approaches implemented at the University of California and Colorado State University and walk away ready to identify potential first or next steps within your state.

Outcomes of the session:

·        Understand the requirements for USDA parity compliance and how to assess.

·        Learn approaches for conducting community needs assessments and barrier analyses.

·        Understand what language access is and first steps to consider in developing an effective language access strategy.

·        Learn approaches for adapting to the needs of different audiences.

·        Take the first step: identify where you are and initial steps you’ll take after the conference.

This is an extended 90-minute session, beginning with a panel discussion and followed by a lecture-style discussion to dive deeper into specific plans and strategies implemented.

Maximize Visibility of Your FFAR Grants, Fellowships & Impacts by Leveraging FFAR’s Communication Team – Creating Gouda Ideas, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Michelle Olgers, Communications Officer, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

Since its founding by Congress a decade ago, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) has invested over $775 million in more than 400 grants and fellowships, with over 70% of those funds supporting LGUs and NLGCAs. As a non-profit organization required to match federal dollars with private sector dollars to fund critical food and agriculture issues, FFAR not only awards research dollars, but must raise the match for them too. As a result, it is critical for FFAR to demonstrate the importance of agriculture research, as well as the organization’s value and impact to agriculture stakeholders, a mission largely managed by the foundation’s communications team. In this session, I will explain how collaborating with FFAR’s communications team can streamline your workload while maximizing visibility for your university’s FFAR-funded grants, fellowships and research outcomes. Learn how FFAR can support your efforts by generating and placing news releases, pitching your PIs for media interviews, preparing them for speaking engagements, crafting targeted social media and blog posts, and developing dedicated FFAR webpages to showcase their work and impact. This session is also an open forum for sharing ideas on further collaborations that can lighten the load and amplify results — working smarter, not harder, to achieve communication outcomes we can all be proud of.

11:00 am – 11:45 am

LC: Academic/Research

ExtensionBot for Communicators – Creating Gouda Ideas, Queso Fresco

Presenters: Diana Hagan, Information Management Specialist, University of Florida; David Warren, Senior Director of Integrated Digital Strategies, Oklahoma State University

Extension Foundation's ExtensionBot is an easy-to-implement AI chatbot trained on selections of Extension materials curated by contributing institutions. Communicators should have an important role in effectively curating the contributed content. There are also many ways it can be a valuable tool for communicators. Participants will get a basic overview of the ExtensionBot and its use. We will share how we select and manage the Extension AI corpus at UF/IFAS and OSU Extension and work with domain experts to test the chatbot before promoting its use. We will also discuss the plans and vision for the ExtensionBot project.

Communicating DEI in an Anti-DEI Climate – Brie a Leader, Queso Fresco/Cheddar/Camembert

Presenter: Beth Stuever, Director of Public Affairs, Michigan State University Extension

Equitable and inclusive communication is key to effectively addressing contemporary challenges requiring your leadership. This session offers a fresh perspective on diversity, equity and inclusion, including best practices and an opportunity to learn and grow through scenarios similar to what leaders nationwide are experiencing. This is an interactive session that will feature scenarios that allow participants to practice their skills and learn new ways to approach challenging situations.

Putting Knowledge to Work on Behalf of All the People We Serve – Brie a Leader, Cheddar/Camembert

Presenters: Julee Stephenson, Director of Communications, Colorado State University; Eric Ishiwata, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office of Engagement and Extension and Associate Professor, Colorado State University; Patrese Atine, Assistant Vice President for Indigenous and Native American Affairs, Colorado State University; Ricardo Vela, Program Manager ANR News and Information Outreach in Spanish, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

In this extended 90-minute session, join a panel discussion on engaging diverse communities and connecting with immigrant, refugee and indigenous program participants. Learn about language access strategies, community needs assessments, and how to adapt communication efforts to meet the needs  –of different audiences. This session will also include actionable steps to develop language access strategies and improve communication efforts to serve diverse populations effectively.

Real Stories, Real Impact: Marketing the Student Experience in Higher Education – Just Fondue It, Cheddar

Presenters: Max Esterhuizen, Director of Communications and Marketing, Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment; Lisa Stearns, Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

In higher education, showcasing the student experience is vital to illustrating the value and impact of hands-on learning opportunities. This presentation will explore innovative tools and strategies for marketing the student journey, including video vignettes, social media takeovers and student blogs from experiential learning opportunities. These approaches provide prospective students and families with an authentic glimpse into the transformative potential of higher education. We will share best practices for creating engaging content, curating student-driven narratives, and amplifying student voices across diverse platforms. By highlighting hands-on opportunities, such as study abroad programs, internships and research initiatives, institutions can more effectively communicate the relevance and outcomes of their programs. This can boost enrollment, retention and connection with the university. Attendees should leave with actionable ideas to refine their communications strategies and elevate their institution's messaging. Join us to learn how to leverage the power of student stories to inspire future generations of learners.

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm

LC: Academic/Research

Develop Your E-Learning Course Workshop – Creating Gouda Ideas, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Joan York, Extension Online Learning Assistant Specialist, Oklahoma State University Extension

This workshop will take participants on a guided tour of a "backward design" process of developing an e-learning course. Using an interactive format, I will present key concepts, including how AI can support course development and design. I will lead participants through hands-on activities that allow them to practice what we've discussed using their real-life examples. Documents that support the development process will be shared. Participants will leave with a map of practical strategies for developing their course.

Create a Photo That Speaks – Say Cheese, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Rebecca Miller, Photojournalist, Fort Valley State University

Learn the foundational techniques for crafting compelling visual stories. In this session, we will explore the art of storytelling through photography, focusing on how to capture moments that convey emotion, context and narrative. We will discuss how each photo can engage the viewer in a deeper, more meaningful way.

By the end of the session, participants will gain practical tools for thinking like a storyteller, not just a photographer. Learn how to use photography as a powerful tool for communication, whether you’re capturing an event, students, animals or research. This session will empower you to elevate your photos beyond the single frame and craft stories that resonate.

2025 ACE Mentorship Kickoff: Get AMP’d Up! – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenters: Tobie Blanchard, Director of Communications and Public Relations, Louisiana State University AgCenter; Craig Woods, Video Production Manager, Oklahoma State University Office of Communications and Marketing

The ACE Mentorship Program is kicking off a new season with exciting changes. Starting this year, AMP will begin at the 2025 ACE Conference and conclude at the 2026 ACE Conference. Current participants and mentors are required to attend. Past participants will be strongly encouraged to come and reconnect with members from their cohort. Finally, those interested but not signed up are welcome to come and learn more about the program. Tobie Blanchard and Craig Woods will give an overview of this year's program, followed by a question-and-answer period. Current participants will also meet their mentors and have a chance to plan for their first meetings.

Basics of InDesign: Setting Up for Success – Grate Designs Aren’t Harvarti Your Reach, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Stacy Herrick, Marketing Director, West Virginia National Guard Military Authority - Patriot Gardens

New to InDesign? This session will cover the essential tools and techniques to help you get started with confidence. Learn how to set up your workspace, create and format documents, utilize parent pages for consistency, and add automatic page numbers with ease. Whether you're designing brochures, reports, or newsletters, these foundational skills will streamline your workflow and improve your design process.

2:45 pm – 3:30 pm

LC: Academic/Research

Engaging Youth Content Creators for Authentic Impact – Creating Gouda Ideas, Queso Fresco, Cheddar

Presenter: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, Illinois 4-H | University of Illinois Extension

This session will explore Illinois 4-H’s approach to building a statewide youth influencer team that has achieved high-impact, authentic content and collaborated with national brands. By focusing on youth-centered strategies and professional development, this program not only enhances the Illinois 4-H brand but also equips participants with skills for future workforce success.

Session Goal: To demonstrate how youth-driven content strategies can create meaningful brand engagement while fostering workforce readiness among young participants and reducing MarComm pros content creation workload.

Attendees will:

·        Learn strategies for recruiting and managing a youth influencer team.
·        Understand how to develop impactful collaborations that benefit both youth participants and organization with guardrails to ensure youth and brand safety and integrity.
·        Gain insights on balancing content creation with professional skill-building for youth.

This session will cover best practices in trend-watching, hands-on content creation and fostering professional skills. Illinois 4-H’s experience with national brand collaborations will serve as a case study for impactful youth-centered marketing.

Session Type: This is a how-to/instructional session designed to provide practical, actionable tools.

Participant Experience: Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, participants will gain hands-on insights into creating a youth-led influencer program. By the end of the session, they’ll leave with the tools and knowledge to implement a similar strategy that amplifies their organization’s reach and supports youth workforce readiness.

Interviewing for Better Stories – Tackling Muenster Projects, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Bailey Vandiver, Marketing/Communications and Social Media Coordinator, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

No writer wants to look at a blank page and realize they didn't get the quotes and information they needed from an interview. Conducting strong interviews is a vital part of telling good and effective stories, but many struggle to ask questions that draw the best out of their interviewee. Drawing on journalistic education and experience, I will give tips on how to interview most effectively for both written stories and on-camera footage. This session will include instruction as well as an exercise to practice interviewing.

Bring on the Basics for Leadership – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenter: Katherine Hancock, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications, Texas A&M AgriLife

Leading a team is hard. As marketing and communications professionals, most of us have worked our way up the ladder IN communications and many have leadership training - but do you know the basics of organizational effectiveness? What can we learn from other businesses? I'd like to tell ACE members about the journey of Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications. We are four years post-COVID, and four years post-centralization with a team of about 45 full-time employees, serving four state agencies and one college. We're in the process of launching a one-page strategic plan, a new project management system, tweaking our organizational structure and deploying the basics of successful organizations - even though we aren't the umbrella organization. As the assistant vice chancellor of marketing and communications, I've utilized my professional development funds to hire a coach/consultant that has never worked with marketing and communication teams to help us with the Baldridge approach. I'd like to share how we are prioritizing strategic planning, creating core values, deploying a team-wide meeting structure, finalizing an organizational structure that fosters collaboration and allows the brand to shine, adopting in-depth personality testing (Birkman) and team-wide professional reading. This isn't easy, but it isn't out of reach. I never thought these things mattered in a communications team, but they are fundamental and set the stage for a team to quit relying on their personalities and expertise for respect and leadership, and embrace a new approach that actually allows for next-level creativity and results.

Say Cheese to Collaboration: Amplifying the 1890 Voice – Brie a Leader, Cheddar Presenters: Latasha Ford, Research Communication Manager, Fort Valley State University; Wendi Williams, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Alabama A&M University; Sonya Moore-Davis, Land Grant Media and Communication Coordinator, Langston University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

As the 1890 land-grant system tackles complex challenges to uplift underserved communities, effective communication is the key to sustaining momentum, securing resources and fostering meaningful connections. Regional collaboration amplifies this impact, driving systemic change while empowering individuals and families. How can we, as communicators, craft and share stories of collective success that resonate deeply with stakeholders and inspire action?

This session dives into proven strategies and innovative practices for highlighting regional achievements, building trust and galvanizing support. Join us to explore how communicators across the 1890 system can amplify their collective voice, turning shared impact into a rallying cry for continued collaboration and progress.

*This is a how-to/instructional session.

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

LC: Academic/Research

“TV News – It’s Still a Thing, So Why Not Reach Out?” – Say Cheese/Tackling Muenster Projects, Cheddar

Presenters: Charles Denney, Video Producer/Media Relations, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Tate Cronin, Marketing and Communications Specialist, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

TV news is dying.” We have all heard this age-old rumor. In fact, TV news is now in its fifth decade of “dying.” Literally on death watch since the ‘happy talk’ 1970’s. Cable will be the end of TV news.  The internet will be the end of TV news. AI will be the end of TV news. The reality is the opposite – stations are expanding the amount of time they devote to live news. Why? Because it remains profitable. Also, a station’s focus on local stories makes it a valuable part of the community, but more airtime means content is in demand. Now there’s plenty for TV news to be modest about – overblown weather coverage, lottery numbers as news stories, treating high school football like the Super Bowl – but they have time to fill, and your land-grant university or organization can benefit.

Representatives from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Office of Marketing and Communications will lead this discussion on how you can produce video programming for TV news. UTIA creates four news packages each month that air on stations across Tennessee and on several nationally syndicated agricultural shows. This network of media outlets now relies on UTIA for quality programming, giving these segments regular exposure to hundreds of thousands of people monthly.

This session will feature tips for producing packages – as well as “vosots” (voice-over sound on tape) – for stations, determining what makes a story worth telling, and establishing and maintaining relationships with broadcast outlets.

Embrace the Science Translator in You! – Tackling Muenster Projects, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Brad Buck, Senior Public Relations Specialist, University of Florida/IFAS Communications

“Plain” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Telling the story in language that readers can understand and in words that will maintain his/her interest throughout the story should always be your goal. How can we, as media relations specialists/science writers, turn jargon-filled scientific articles into engaging stories? These scholarly papers stem from what scientists call “knowledge gaps.” That’s nice, but we shouldn’t have knowledge gaps in our stories. Participants will learn how to spot jargon while writing and editing, and proactively replace it with more appealing language to keep the audience reading — and learning. Don’t bury the lede. You shouldn’t have to wait for the punch line. Say what you mean and mean what say, without losing scientific nuances. Retain your credibility as a communicator – with the scientist and with your audience. This presentation will show examples of writing you’ll typically find in journal articles and compare it to the writing you’ll find in the news releases that stemmed from the scientific articles. There’s a big difference! We’ll show examples of jargon and “science speak,” passive voice and other ways that academics speak. Then, you’ll see more reader-friendly ways of writing.

Characteristics of Land-Grant University Communication Units: Changes from 2019 to Present – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenter: Kelsey Hall, Associate Professor, Utah State University; Jennifer Alexander, Director of Communications and Marketing, Oregon State University Extension & Engagement

Understanding the current status and future directions land-grant university communication units can serve as the basis for strategic planning and decision-making. In 2019, ACE supported a first-of-its-kind benchmark survey to describe characteristics of these units as well as opportunities and challenges they were facing. That survey is being repeated in early 2025. In this session, we will share the results with notes on trends and new data. Attendees will discuss insights and implications for their units and our profession. With this information, unit leaders can be better positioned to understand their unit in relation to peers and overall trends and prepare for strategic conversations with administrators. As professionals, we can also use this information to collaboratively identify and address promising practices and shared challenges.

Mind Your Cheese & Qs: A Multi-Angled Approach to Extension Programming Needs – Creating Gouda Ideas/Just Fondue It, Cheddar

Presenters: Dr. Lauri Baker, Associate Professor of Agricultural Communication, University of Florida; Caitlynne Youmans, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Florida; Anissa Mattox, Research Coordinator, University of Florida: Cheng-Xian Yang, Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida; Dr. Jason Bolton, Associate Dean and a Program Administrator for Aquaculture, Food, Innovation, and Nutrition, University of Maine; Hannah Carter, Dean of Cooperative Extension, University of Maine; Megan Cantrell, Lecturer of Agricultural Leadership Development, University of Florida; Sandra Anderson, Research Coordinator, University of Florida; Dr. Ashley McLeod-Morin, Associate Director of Communication for Southeastern Coastal Center for Ag Health & Safety, University of Florida.

This session will showcase a statewide needs assessment conducted by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) in collaboration with the University of Maine (UMaine) Extension. The study aimed to identify the evolving Extension programmatic needs of Maine residents amidst urban expansion and rural population challenges. ACE Conference participants will engage in an interactive, how-to session, gaining insights into designing and implementing multi-angled needs assessments that benefit Extension marketing and communication goals.

Presenters from the PIE Center will detail the needs assessment approach, including in-person and virtual focus groups, interviews, Q-Sort activities, and surveys that engaged statewide stakeholders. Key findings highlight the importance of tailoring outreach to urban and rural audiences and leveraging brand advocacy for strategic programming. Attendees will explore practical methods for gathering stakeholder input, analyzing data, and creating actionable solutions.

Participants will leave with a new approach to plan and execute comprehensive needs assessments across Extension systems nationwide. Presenters will demonstrate overcoming challenges associated with diverse audience engagement, and strategies for enhancing communication and program development within their own Extension systems.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

9:45 am – 10:30 am

Action to Cut: Exposing AgSposure - Creating Gouda Ideas, Camembert

Presenter: Latasha Ford, Research Communication Manager, Fort Valley State University; Rebecca Miller, Photojournalist, Fort Valley State University; Ervin Williams, Audiovisual Technical/Paraprofessional, Fort Valley State University

Creating a show from scratch is an exciting but tactical endeavor that involves certain ingredients. Do you have a "grate" idea for a show or podcast but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a writer, photographer or videographer, this session will guide you through the process of crafting a recipe to bring your vision to life. From developing compelling content to navigating production logistics and marketing strategies, this session covers everything you need to know to launch a "nacho" average show that resonates with viewers and attracts a loyal audience.

*This is a how-to/instructional session.

Transforming Bland Stories into Charcuterie Delights: Crafting Relevance from the Mundane for Consumers and Reporters - Tackling Muenster Projects, Brie a Leader, Queso Fresco, Cheddar

Presenter: Lourdes Mederos, Public Relations Manager, University of Florida IFAS

Many stories and media release topics can initially seem irrelevant or uninteresting to develop. Is there a secret sauce to transforming the mundane into an engaging media release that will drive media coverage and consumer interest? Can you incorporate Cheeze Whiz into the perfect cheese plate?

This presentation aims to provide practical insights and actionable strategies to help PR practitioners transform seemingly irrelevant stories into compelling narratives that capture the attention of both consumers and reporters. To achieve this, practitioners must understand their audience by researching consumer interests, the latest research and media trends, identifying core values and concerns, and tailoring stories to align with these interests and values. Leveraging data and trends by incorporating relevant statistics or research findings, tying the story to current events or trending topics, and demonstrating the broader impact or significance of the story is also essential. Attendees will walk away with key strategies, encouragement for creative and strategic thinking practices, and a Q&A session to address specific challenges and questions.

Creating Irresistible Ads and Social Media Graphics - Grate Designs Aren’t Harvarti Your Reach, Practicing Nacho Ordinary Social Media, Cheddar

Presenter: Bruce Dupree, ACES Communication and Marketing Manager, Alabama Extension at Auburn University

In these days of “small shops” and changing job descriptions, it wouldn't hurt to brush-up on some effective design basics, as well as hear a few advanced creative tips. This session will focus on the essentials of good design for advertisements and social media graphics (for both print and digital spaces); visual problem solving -- important for moving timely messages, selling the sizzle, quick turnaround times, and limited budgets; and eye-catching ideas that guarantee project success and happy leaders. Session discussion points include: choosing effective fonts, color theories, technology, creating templates, photo selection and editing, communication trends, writing headlines, audience engagement, failures, and surprise outcomes. Alabama Extension Communication/Marketing Design Team leads this group discussion, sharing real-world experiences and examples of actual work, all with the goal of being better visual communicators.

2025 Development Grant! | Communicating Science with Generative AI – Workshop Results and Dialogue –Creating Gouda Ideas, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Dr. Lori Costello, Assistant Professor and NSAC Adviser, University of South Dakota

Generative AI is transforming how scientists communicate information, offering innovative solutions for turning complex content into engaging, easy-to-understand messages. Lori Costello, Ph.D., will share the results of workshops designed to equip non-communication faculty with tools to enhance their science communication skills. This session will discuss successes, challenges, and the impact of AI in bridging scientific expertise with public understanding, while encouraging an open dialogue on the ethical considerations and future opportunities of AI in science communication.

10:45 am – 11:30 am

Press any Key to Continue: Using Games and Quizzes to Increase Engagement with Extension and Master Gardeners – Creating Gouda Ideas, Cheddar/Camembert

Presenter: Jo Stafford, Digital Marketing & Brand Content Strategist, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Get ready to level up your audience engagement game — literally! This intermediate-to-advanced session dives into the art and science of gamification, showing you how to turn educational content into playful, interactive experiences that inspire curiosity and engagement. We’ll share insights from developing projects like Master Gardener Quest, an ambitious interactive fiction video game featuring choose-your-own-adventure storylines and science mini-games; our What Wildflower Are You? personality quiz, designed to draw readers to our publication about South Georgia wildflowers; and our Harvest Time drag-and-drop game that teaches fruit and vegetable harvesting schedules through play. You’ll learn how we distilled complex science from a Master Gardener handbook into fun, bite-sized activities, and gain actionable strategies for integrating gamified elements into your own educational outreach. Through a hands-on workshop, you’ll brainstorm ways to apply these techniques at your institution and leave equipped to engage your audiences in fresh and meaningful ways. Don’t miss the opportunity to play test some of our games, peek behind the curtain of game development and level up your skills as a communications professional!

Is AI Ready for Culture? ¿Qué es eso? Advantages and shortcomings of AI Translation Programs for Non-English Speakers – Tackling Muenster Projects/Brie a Leader, Queso Fresco/Cheddar/Camembert

Lourdes Mederos, Public Relations Manager, University of Florida IFAS; Luz Bahder, Spanish Media Public Relations Specialist, University of Florida IF/IFAS

In the era of ADA needs, artificial intelligence (AI) translation programs have become desired tools for the intention of breaking down language barriers and promoting information accessibility. However, despite their advanced algorithms and vast linguistic databases, these programs often fail to meet non-English speakers' nuanced language needs. This oversight often results in translations that are technically correct but culturally inappropriate, which can lead to misunderstandings, confusion and a lack of trust with the target audience. This presentation explores the critical issue of cultural context in AI translations and its impact on effective communication and information accessibility.

Using Florida’s diverse demographics as a case study, presenters will highlight the limitations of AI translation programs in capturing cultural nuances and their impact on effective communication with non-English speakers. This interactive presentation will also show how, in certain cases, it may be acceptable to use AI as a starting point. Participants will gain insights into the shortcomings of current AI translation technologies and understand the importance of cultural context in translations. They will leave with a deeper understanding of integrating cultural intelligence into AI models, ensuring more accurate and culturally relevant communications. This session will equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools to better connect with diverse communities, enhancing their ability to communicate science and services effectively across different languages and cultures.

Canva and You: Your Cheesy Bestie for Social Media Brilliance – Grate Designs Aren’t Harvarti Your Reach/Practicing Nacho Ordinary Social Media, Queso Fresco/Camembert

Presenter: Dr. Kelsey Armstrong, Student Life Communications Manager., Elon University

Canva is every social media team’s best friend, offering endless possibilities for creating stunning, engaging content with ease. This session dives into tips and tricks to help you optimize Canva for your social media needs. Discover how to make Canva your ultimate content creation companion. Whether you're a solo creator or part of a team, learn how to streamline your design process and create content that stands out on every platform.

Takeaways:

·        Canva features and hidden tools to elevate your designs.

·        Workflow hacks to save time and increase productivity for your social media team.

·        Tips for maintaining consistent branding across all social media platforms.

·        Strategies for collaborating effectively with team members within Canva.

·        Creative content ideas tailored to engage diverse audiences on social media.

Learning Outcomes:

·        Participants will learn about the tools available on Canva to create polished and professional social media content.

·        Participants will learn how to set up and manage team projects within Canva for seamless collaboration. Participants will understand how to optimize Canva’s features, like templates, animations, and scheduling, for efficient content production.

·        Participants will be able to apply branding and design best practices using Canva’s tools to maintain a cohesive social media presence.

More Than Outreach: Alabama Extension’s Journey to Build a Statewide Brand of Impact and Engagement – Just Fondue It, Cheddar

Presenter: Mike Clardy, Director for Communications, Strategic Marketing and Client Relations, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Get an insider’s look at Discover Alabama Extension — an ambitious, 15-month campaign that transformed how Alabama residents view and engage with Extension programs across the state. This session is a deep dive into how Alabama Extension creatively combined digital storytelling, community partnerships, campus events and social media strategies to turn Extension into a must-know brand.

Designed to spark awareness, trust and action, the campaign didn’t just introduce people to Extension — it showed how Extension directly improves lives, with stories of real impact in areas like rural healthcare, community problem-solving and sustainable agriculture. From game-day educational experiences to dynamic social media ads and collaborations with industry partners, this campaign demonstrated Extension’s accessibility and relevance to everyone.

Attendees will experience the full sweep of Alabama Extension’s marketing tactics in action, complete with digital ad examples, program outreach materials and engagement strategies that made the Discover visibility campaign successful. See the bold ideas that turned a traditional Extension model into a cutting-edge brand experience. Walk away with fresh insights and practical tactics for building campaigns that connect, resonate and spark ongoing engagement with communities.

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

The Whey Forward for SEO in the Age of AI – Creating Gouda Ideas, Cheddar

Presenter: Kristin Singhasemanon, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems

Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting every aspect of how we live and work. Does AI mean that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is finally dead? Even Google Search Results give a response generated by Gemini before listing traditional website results. As content managers, we need to think about how visitors find our content, and SEO plays an important role. In this session, you’ll learn not only how to utilize AI as a tool when creating website content, but also how AI is changing the very nature of SEO itself. What are the most important factors to attract organic search traffic in 2025?

·        Learn how AI is changing the way search engines interpret and rank your content.
·        Learn how popularity, relevance, authority, freshness and user experience matter.
·        Learn which strategies still work and which ones to abandon.
·        Learn new strategies to thrive in an AI-driven environment.
Practical steps to optimize your website content:
·        Learn SEO basics so you’ll know how to optimize your content every time you publish.
·        Learn technical SEO essentials to competently guide your web development team.
·        Learn where using AI can help, and where it hurts.
Search engine optimization can drive new visitors to your website, but AI is changing the SEO landscape. This session will help strain the whey to a solid SEO strategy.

Weather-Related Crisis Comms: What We Learned from Responding to Hurricane Helene in 2024 – Tackling Muenster Projects, Cheddar

Presenter: Jo Stafford, Digital Marketing & Brand Content Strategist, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Jordan Powers, Public Relations Manager, UGA CAES

When disaster strikes, does your crisis communication plan feel like it’s flying by the seat of its pants? Join us as we share the strategies and tactics we honed while responding to Hurricane Helene in 2024. This intermediate-level session will walk you through practical, replicable strategies to rally your institution in a weather-related crisis. Learn how to:

·        Build relief-focused marketing campaigns that drive action and engagement.

·        Keep morale high with impactful internal messaging.

·        Create fast-turnaround resources like one-pagers and landing pages to meet urgent needs and communicate about agricultural damages.

·        Coordinate with state agencies and leadership to amplify your impact.

Leave with ready-to-use tips for staying agile when comms priorities shift, plus templates and toolkits that your teams can customize. This session is packed with real-world examples, lessons learned and actionable advice so you can learn from our successes and challenges to tackle your next crisis like a pro.

Cheesin’ for Followers: Using Giveaways to Grow Your Social Media Following on a Budget – Practicing Nacho Ordinary Social Media, Cheddar

Presenter: Dr. Kelsey Armstrong, Student Life Communications Manager, Elon University

Giveaways are a powerful tool to attract followers, build engagement and establish a presence for new social media accounts. In this session, learn how to plan, create and execute successful giveaways that resonate with your audience and fit your budget. From selecting the perfect prize to crafting clear rules and leveraging social algorithms, this session will provide actionable steps and expert tips to help you grow your social media following effectively.

Takeaways:

·        Create ideas for selecting prizes that are affordable yet appealing to your audience.

·        Step-by-step guidance on planning and structuring a giveaway.

·        Tips for crafting rules and entry requirements that maximize participation while staying compliant with platform policies.

·        Best practices for promoting and running a giveaway smoothly, including post-giveaway follow-up.

Learning Outcomes:

·        Participants will understand how to design a giveaway tailored to their audience and goals.

·        Participants will learn practical strategies to identify budget-friendly prizes that still captivate their followers.

·        Participants will gain knowledge about setting up clear and effective rules to encourage participation.

·        Participants will be equipped with tips for leveraging social media algorithms to maximize the reach of their giveaway.

Phoenix Moment for the ACE Leadership Institute – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenters: Dr. Kristina Boone, Professor and Director., Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute; Stacey Sterns, Communications Specialist & Strategic Vision Implementation Coordinator, University of Connecticut; Dr. Jason Ellis, Professor and Department Head, Kansas State University; Elaine Edwards (retired); Steven Miller (retired); Tom Knecht (retired;) ChaNae Bradley, Senior Communications Specialist, Fort Valley State University

ACE is working to resurrect its Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute ran to 2008. Cohorts of participants learned about themselves, as well as change management, strategic management, supervision, project management, inclusion, team leadership, alignment funding to priorities, and more. The Institute was a year long and used in-person and distance opportunities for networking and education. One of the reasons the Institute was created was so ACE members could access high quality, immersive leadership trainings, similar to those offered to faculty (e.g. Lead 21). Recently, ACE leadership contacted some of the founders and participants to discuss re-envisioning the Leadership Institute. At this session, we want to discuss what types of topics and delivery mechanisms would make this Institute a draw for members. We also want to build awareness of this opportunity that might be offered through ACE beginning in 2026.

The ACE Leadership Institute is designed for mid-career professionals working in agriculture, natural resources and life sciences communication who are seeking to enhance their leadership skills. Participants will develop leadership competencies, strengthen their professional influence, and drive impactful change in their organizations and sectors.

This will be an interactive session where members of the Leadership Institute committee share information and collect your feedback to make the program effective and impactful in its relaunch.

Communicating for Cultural Competency: Using Navigating Difference Training to Help New Agents Serve Their Communities – Brie a Leader, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Linda Gilmore, Editor, Kansas State University

Navigating Difference is an effective tool for building cultural competency in Extension professionals. The Navigating Difference team at Kansas State University has used this training with both new and experienced Extension professionals. I will share what we have learned as we communicate the value of this work in an age of resistance to DEI training. We're developing some fresh approaches to engage a new generation of Extension educators and help them reach diverse audiences in their communities. I will draw from our experiences and feedback from participants, as well as from professional training for this material. Participants will come away with ideas they can use, whether they are using the Navigating Difference curriculum or doing other types of cultural competency training.

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

So, You Say You Need a New Website – Creating Gouda Ideas, Cheddar

Presenters: Julee Stephenson, Director of Marketing and Communications, Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension; Kory Swanson, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension

What questions do you ask? Where do you start? The nuts and bolts of website builds, the content migration, and the design we’ll leave for another discussion. In this presentation we’ll discuss how to get started. We’ll discuss initial conversations to hold, strategies to build critical leadership support, the importance of engaging stakeholders, and how to bring people through the journey using a thoughtful change management approach.

Learn about the crucial role of project sponsors and key project leads and how to build a core team to support and oversee the project from start to finish. Understand the importance of defining your strategic direction, how the project may alter business processes, as well as the overall impact it may have on the organization and your key audiences.

When you walk out of the session, you’ll be able to:

·        Have a starting point for your project, including potential questions to ask.
·        Identify your key stakeholders and roles, including levels of involvement.
·        Understand the importance of and start building a change management plan.
·        Start building a path forward for your project.

Oh Great. Another Award Article – Tackling Muenster Projects, Cheddar

Presenters: Justin Miller, Communication and Marketing Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System; Katie Nichols, Manager, ACES Communication & Marketing, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

We get it. You’re amazing. But it doesn’t mean that we need to write a news article about it. Winning awards is awesome. Writing endless news articles about them? Not so much. You want to celebrate your people and their achievements, but when your news feed looks more like an award show marathon, it can do more harm than good. If your to-do list is constantly clogged with award announcements, it’s time for a change! Introducing ACES Accolades, a fresh approach to recognizing the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s standout moments without hijacking the editorial news calendar. In this session, we’ll pull back the curtain on ACES Accolades — sharing the inspiration behind it, how it’s structured, and how it’s transforming the way we celebrate success. You’ll also learn how to build a similar system for your organization and how you can engage specialists and agents to make your job even easier.

Does Your Writing Need CPR? – Tackling Muenster Projects, Queso Fresco

Presenter: Whitney Baxter, Assistant Director of Communications, Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Sherry Hoyer, Communications Specialist, Iowa State University

If you “read between the lines” of the session title, you’ll realize that your stories and news releases are better off without CPR – Cliches, improper Punctuation and Redundancy. But don’t worry – your writing won’t flat line! It will be stronger than ever! As communicators, we all know the human touch is invaluable in writing, just as it is in medical emergencies. Where there are automatic defibrillators for CPR, there is AI for writing. However, neither can work without human interaction. Join us as we share ways to improve your writing during this fun and informative session!

Fresh Eyes, New Strategies: The Benefits of External Reviews and Best Practices for Implementation – Brie a Leader, Cheddar

Presenters: Lori Greiner, Publications Manager, Virginia Cooperative Extension; Jennifer Alexander, Director, Extension Communications, Oregon State University; Diana Hagan, Information Management Specialist, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; Megan Lybrand, Chief Communications Director, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University

Is your communications team ready for a fresh perspective? Join us as we explore the benefits of external reviews and how to implement one successfully. This session will review how an unbiased external evaluation can uncover new opportunities for improvement, help align communications efforts with organizational goals, and ultimately enhance your team’s success.

You’ll learn:

·        Why an external review is a valuable tool for assessing communication effectiveness and identifying areas for growth.

·        How to compare in-person vs. virtual reviews and choose the best approach for your office’s needs.

·        The key steps involved in planning, executing, and following up on an external review.

·        Why stakeholder involvement is key to a successful review.

·        How to turn external feedback into an actionable plan for improving your communications practices.

·        What you can gain by serving on a review team and the insights you can learn.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn how a thoughtful external review can transform your communications office and strengthen its impact on your organization!