June 16- 18, 2025

2025 ACE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

333 West Kilbourn Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53203

United States of America

2025 ACE Annual Conference


Benefits of Attending

Attending the annual ACE conference offers participants the opportunity to stay updated on the latest communication strategies and tools within the agricultural and environmental sectors. It also provides a dynamic platform for networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds, allowing for collaboration and knowledge exchange in one of our nation’s vibrant cities. Attendees will have access to hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and valuable resources to enhance their communication impact. Overall, this event empowers individuals to advance their careers and amplify innovation in their fields.

Who Should Attend

The Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) hosts an annual conference ideal for communication professionals, educators, and researchers in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends, foster innovative collaborations, and enhance their impact across various sectors. This conference is designed for those who are eager to level up their skills, engage with like-minded experts, and grow within their professions. If you are passionate about improving communication within these vital industries, this event is for you!

Visit Milwaukee     

Immerse yourself in a place where bold ideas are sought after, where all are encouraged to bring their personal flourish. Here, innovation is a way of life. In this city, the beat flows, together we’re dancing to the rhythm. Forward. Now, it's your turn to grab hold of that energy, where you'll remember not just the meals or the celebrations. What you'll remember is how we made you feel. Come experience Milwaukee–where fresh meets fearless every day.

Registration

Registration will open in March

One-day, in-person registration (for Academic & Research Poster Session and Paper Session (June 17)

        • $150 Retiree & Student Members
        • $200 ACE Member
        • $250 Non-Member

Early Bird Registration (in person) ends April 15

        • $500 ACE Member
        • $250 ACE Retiree & Student Members
        • $700 Non-Member

Regular Registration (in person) April 16, 2025 - May 14, 2025

        • $550 ACE Member
        • $250 ACE Retiree & Student Members
        • $750 Non-Member

Late Registration (in person) May 15, 2025 - May 31, 2025 (unless sold-out) 

        • $600 ACE Member
        • $250 ACE Retiree & Student Members
        • $800 Non-Member

Lodging and Travel

Click here to book your room

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Rate | $174 Per night plus taxes & fees, Room block closes May 15, 2025

All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, convenient workspaces and contemporary décor. 


Check in: 3:00 pm 

Check out: 12:00 pm

Parking ACE Rate, Self Parking, Overnight $28.00, Valet Parking, Overnight $38.00 

Transportation, Uber or Lyft - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) 10 miles, Average cost around $29 and 16 minutes.

Events

Cruising Milwaukee

Did you know that Milwaukee sits at the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan? Join us at the 2025 ACE Conference for a two-hour boat cruise. The private charter will disembark from Pere Marquette, just steps from the Hyatt Regency, and feature spectacular views of Milwaukee’s famous lakefront. 

The tour is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, with the boat departing at 6:00 p.m. sharp and returning at 8:00 p.m. The cost is $25.00.

Food & Drinks: Not provided, but may be brought onboard (guests must take all trash with them).

Say Cheese to Goosechase!

Participate in a fun digital scavenger hunt during the conference from Monday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 18! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow ACE members and explore the surrounding area. If you're interested, please indicate this on your registration form so we can assign you to a team. More details will be provided closer to the event.


Speakers


Schedule

June 16 - 18, 2025

Monday, June 16

1:45 pm - 5:15 pm | Registration Check-in and Silent Auction Drop-off

2:00 pm | Say Cheese Welcome 

2:30 pm - 5:15 pm | Learning Community Meeting (scheduling coming soon)

5:15 pm - 6:00 pm | New Member Welcome, Sponsor Reception, and Past President & Retiree Reception (invitation only)

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Welcome Reception & Academic and Research Posters Reception (researchers will interact with members of the ACE Community as they present their innovative and relevant research via a poster visual aid)

Dinner on your own

Tuesday, June 17

7:00 am | Registration Opens

8:00 am | Breakfast & Welcome and Introductions

8:45 am - 9:45 am | Keynote Address Saul Fores | sponsored by  

10:00 am - 12:00 pm| Professional Development Breakout Sessions

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Lunch | sponsored by 

Hermance Speaker Edwin Remsberg | sponsored by 

Named in memory of 1992 ACE President Gary Hermance, this speaker represents Hermance's character and personality with creativity, innovation, determination, humor or inspiration.

1:45 pm - 4:30 pm | Professional Development Breakout Sessions

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Cruising Milwaukee

Wednesday, June 18

6:30 am | Joe Marks Fun Run - Named in memory of 1987-88 ACE President Joe Marks

8:00 am | Breakfast 

8:15 am - 9:30 am |   Reuben Brighman Speaker & Honor Awards 

9:45 am- 11:30 am | Professional Development Breakout Sessions

11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Lunch on your own

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Professional Development Breakout Sessions

2:30 pm - 3:15 | Celebrate Excellence in Communications! 

Join us at the ACE C&A Gold Hall of Fame to honor this year’s Gold Award winners and their outstanding work. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and be inspired by the best in our field as C&A Gold winners showcase their entries.

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm | Business Member Meeting

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Banquet Featuring C&A 

Thursday, June 19

9:00 am | Communications Evaluation Certification, Session 4
This is the last session of a four-part series to gain this certification. (registration is required)  Learn More


DATE AND TIME

Mon, Jun 16 - Wed, Jun 18, 2025

LOCATION

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

333 West Kilbourn Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53203

United States of America

MAP

PRICING

Member

Early Bird $500

Regular $550

Late $600


Non-Member

(includes membership through February 28, 2026)

Early Bird $700

Regular $750

Late $800


 NOW OPEN



Become a member

Co-Chairs

  • Kelsey Armstrong, Ph.D. - Elon University
  • Shelby Dittman - Texas A&M

    Committee Members

    • Cassie Ann Kiggen - UGA 

    • Sherry Hoyer - Iowa State
    • Chris Branam - Oregon State
    • Sandra Anderson - University of Florida, IFAS
    • Justin Miller - Alabama Cooperative Extension, Auburn University
    • Kay Ledbetter - Texas A&M
    • Rebecca Miller - Fort Valley State
    • Beth Stuever - Michigan State
    • Tunyalee Martin - Statewide IPM Program, University of California
    • Inka Bajandas - Oregon Forest
    • TaKedra Pierre - Prairie View
    • Alisa Gore - Oklahoma State University
    • Linnea Harvey - Oklahoma State University

    Ex-officio & Liaisons 

        • ChaNaè Bradley - ACE President
        • Stacey Stearns - ACE President-Elect
        • Latasha Ford - ACE Vice President
        • Jeff Miller ACE Development Director
        • Jason Ellis ACE Treasurer
        • John Hawley - ACE Professional Development Director


      © Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences

      ACE Office: 847-647-8861

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