ACE Annual Conference 2024 | June 23 – 25, 2024

 SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Board of Director's Meeting | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Registration Check-in and Silent Auction Drop-off | 2:45 pm - 6:15 pm - Pre-Function Area

Learning Community: Electronic Media & Photography | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm - Olympus A 

Learning Community: Media Relations & Writing | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm - Olympus B (schedule change)

Learning Community: Leadership & Management | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm - Capitol A

2025 Annual Conference Committee | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm - Sundance

Learning Community: Instructional Design & Information Technology | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm  - Olympus A (schedule change)

Learning Community: Publishing & Graphic Design | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm - Olympus B

Learning Community: Diversity & Accessibility | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm - Capitol A

Learning Community: Marketing & Social Media | 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm - Capitol A

Past Presidents' & Retiree Reception | 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm - Sundance

New Member Reception | 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm - Olympus A

Opening Welcome  & Academic & Research Posters | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Pre-Function Area

Dinner on your own

During the welcome greeting, researchers will interact with members of the ACE Community as they present their innovative and relevant research via a poster visual aid.

MONDAY, JUNE 24

Registration | 7:30 am - 4:30 pm - Pre-Function Area

Breakfast | 8:00 am - 8:30 am - Pre-Function Area

Welcome and Introductions | 8:30 am - 8:45 am - Capitol A&B

Keynote Address | 8:45 am - 9:45 am - Capitol A&B

Emilie Hitch | Emilie Hitch joined broadhead nine years ago following leadership roles at IDE’s Human-Centered Design Lab and Thinkers & Makers. She began her agency career at Olson, where she pioneered its highly regarded Brand Anthropology program, and was charged with the task of probing consumer thoughts and behaviors for clients such as General Mills, Lee Jeans and Nike Bauer. A trained facilitator, Emilie designs and leads strategic planning processes for leading organizations around the world. A graduate of Yale with a degree in anthropology, Emilie also holds graduate degrees from the London School of Economics in anthropology and in public affairs from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota. She volunteers for such organizations as the Quetico Superior Foundation and Eat for Equity. 

Learning Community Academic & Research Paper Sessions | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:45 pm – 4:30 pm - Sundance

The ACE Academic and Research paper sessions will highlight innovative and relevant research related to pressing issues within the food, agricultural and environmental sectors. The peer-reviewed research presented during these sessions will focus on providing a brief overview of the research and associated findings and encourages discussion and questions related to the research with the researchers and attendees through roundtable discussions. The sessions will be interactive and allow presenters and attendees to engage in rich discussion and create connections to benefit communication academicians and practitioners.

ACE Focus Group

A team charged with reviewing ACE will conduct four focus group sessions throughout the conference. The team is made up of ACE retirees who have joined together to consider the next ten years of ACE within the context of the last one hundred years of the organization. After the conference the review team will aggregate the ideas, input and analysis from the discussions and deliver a report with recommendations back to the ACE Board. Please join us for one or more of these discussions during the conference in the topic category that fits your involvement in ACE. We’re looking forward to your ideas.

Focus Group ACE Members less than 3 years | 10:00 am – 10:45 am - Amethyst                

Focus Group Past Board Members & Past LC Leaders | 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm - Amethyst       

Focus Group Members more than 3 years | 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm - Amethyst

Focus Group Current Board Members & LC Leaders | 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm - Amethyst

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 10:00 am - 10:45 am - Choose One

Part 1 Creating a National Voice from Many Voices | Sponsored By - Capitol C

Presenters: Dr. Rick Rhodes- Executive Director of NERA (North Eastern Regional Association), Dr. Gary Thompson- Executive Director of SAAESD (Southern Association of Agriculture Experiment Station Directors), Dr. Jeanette Thurston- Executive Director of NCRA (North Central Regional Association)  

This two-part session is dedicated to assisting our internal national organizations (e.g., agInnovation, Cooperative Extension, or Academic Programs) in the development of a national voice to communicate value and promote brand awareness.  In 2023, ACE ran a workshop for communicators and directors dedicated to “creating a regional voice”.  This session is a follow-on to the workshop.  What’s been accomplished by the regions?  What best practices have been (or will be) implemented in creating a regional voice?  How might the voices of the many (e.g., Land-grant Universities and regional associations) be channeled to create singular, creative, and compelling messages?  What are the secret sauces for creating a national voice from the voices of the many?    

Rise to the Mic: A Panel Discussion on Science Communication Podcast Success - Olympus B

Presenters: Jordan Powers, Alena Poulin, Cayla Romano, Christine Krebs, Tory Moore

Join us for an engaging session that demystifies the podcasting landscape and equips you with the tools and insights to launch your own podcast. Hosted by the creators of the award-winning podcast "Cultivating Curiosity” from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, this beginner-level sharing session serves as a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring podcasters. Goal: Our primary goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to research, launch and promote a successful podcast based on the experience of launching “Cultivating Curiosity.” Outcomes: Participants will gain insight into the following key areas: Planning: Learn what goes into the research behind starting a podcast, including selecting a title, identifying topics and/or themes, what equipment and software to invest in, and strategizing your distribution while working within your budget. Process: You’ve done the research. Now dive into determining your publishing cadence, building out a season, and the nitty-gritty of what goes into planning each individual episode. Promotion: Now it’s time to elevate your podcast's visibility with strategic promotion. Learn the power of SEO-friendly titles and descriptions, how to share organically on social media, leverage guest social toolkits for a wider reach, and use digital marketing to boost visibility.

Finding Solutions: Microsoft SharePoint as a Workflow and Project Management Tool - Olympus A

Presenter: John Hawley

Discover how one team adopted a new workflow and project management system using Microsoft SharePoint and other associated programs. Explore the challenges and successes of this system through an in-depth demonstration and interactive discussion with presenters. Participants will leave with ideas and potential solutions for managing a wide variety of projects. Seeking a cost-effective and user-friendly experience, Montana State University Extension designed an internal system to replace outdated software that was no longer meeting the needs of faculty and staff. Using SharePoint in combination with OneDrive, Lists, Forms and other Microsoft programs, significant improvements in project management have been observed. The system is primarily used for project management but is also designed to support requests for news releases, graphic design, and distribution projects. Features of the system include a submission form, project tracker list, resource database, cloud-connected files and staff directory. Presenters will also explore the pros and cons of Microsoft programs and best practices for working closely with university communication professionals on adoption of new software. This session is a can't-miss for communicators using Microsoft programs and those seeking inspiration for improving their team's workflow and project management practices.

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 11:00 am - 11:45 am - Choose One

Part 2 Creating a National Voice from Many Voices | Sponsored By - Capitol C

Presenters: Dr. Rick Rhodes- Executive Director of NERA (North Eastern Regional Association), Dr. Gary Thompson- Executive Director of SAAESD (Southern Association of Agriculture Experiment Station Directors), Dr. Jeanette Thurston- Executive Director of NCRA (North Central Regional Association)  

This two-part session is dedicated to assisting our internal national organizations (e.g., agInnovation, Cooperative Extension, or Academic Programs) in the development of a national voice to communicate value and promote brand awareness.  In 2023, ACE ran a workshop for communicators and directors dedicated to “creating a regional voice”.  This session is a follow-on to the workshop.  What’s been accomplished by the regions?  What best practices have been (or will be) implemented in creating a regional voice?  How might the voices of the many (e.g., Land-grant Universities and regional associations) be channeled to create singular, creative, and compelling messages?  What are the secret sauces for creating a national voice from the voices of the many?    

The Dynamic Duo: Leveraging AI for Social Media Success - Olympus A

Presenter: Kelsey Armstrong, Ph.D.

Who knew that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media could be such a dynamic and beneficial pair? Join this session as we delve into the powerful fusion of AI and social media strategies, with a focus on the strategies undertaken at Elon University. Attendees will be equipped with insights and tools to harness AI effectively in crafting compelling social media content and to assist in generating social strategy. Goals: This session will dissect the intersection of AI and social media, showcasing how Elon University has used AI algorithms to generate social media captions and develop social media strategy. Attendees will explore case studies, learn methodologies and understand the implementation of AI-driven strategies for optimizing social media content. Outcomes: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI augments social media strategy, regardless of their proficiency level — beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Through live demonstrations, case study exploration and interactive discussions, participants will see how AI can assist in content creation, scheduling and audience engagement. Participants will leave with practical skills and knowledge to implement AI-powered tools for social media content creation, leverage AI algorithms to enhance engagement and reach, and develop a nuanced understanding of AI's role in optimizing social media strategies This session is designed for a diverse audience — whether you're new to AI in social media or seeking advanced insights into its application. Join this session to explore the future landscape of social media innovation through AI-driven approaches.

Using Social Science to Communicate More Effectively: Research, Public Understanding of Farming, and Reframing Your Messages - Olympus B

Presenter: Jim Farrar, Ph.D.

Hear about the Farming and Food Narrative Project, whose goal is to reduce the difficulty of communicating science. Learn about the resources developed that explain public thinking about farming, the public’s understanding of farming and how to reframe messaging so it’s better received. Get insights about the gap in understanding between those in the field and the general public. You’ll come away with recommendations and a general framework on how to start your conversations and keep them going, with examples of how these principles can be used to present information about farming to the general public.

Creative Commons Licensing for Extension Publications - Amethyst 

Presenters: Diana Hagan, Heidy Ramirez

Open Access publishing with Creative Commons licensing can enhance collaboration, increase reach and support greater academic integrity. We will explore the advantages and practicalities of adopting the CC-BY-NC-ND license for university extension publications. We will provide an overview of Creative Commons licenses and their relevance to extension work and discuss our experience transitioning to the use of CC-BY-NC-ND licensing at the University of Florida. Participants will learn about the core principles of Creative Commons licensing and the benefits for publishers and creators.

Lunch and Hermance Speakers| 12:00 pm - 1:30pm - Capitol A&B

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

Sponsored by Vivayic & USDA NIFA    | 

Kevin Kent, Ph.D., Creative Director at Vivayic | Dr. Kevin Kent developed a love and appreciation for agriculture while growing up in the rural Florida panhandle. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communication, specializing in communication and leadership development, from the University of Florida in 2010. Dr. Kent later earned two terminal degrees: a Master’s of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University (2014) and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida (2021). Prior to his current role, he has worked as the assistant director of the Florida FFA Association and later as an instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida.

As creative director at Vivayic, Dr. Kent leads the company’s creative efforts in developing innovative and effective client solutions as well as internal branding and marketing initiatives. Dr. Kent is an experienced graphic designer, videographer, and motion graphics artist. Additionally, he is an expert in design thinking, branding, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Kent and his partner Jarred live in Gainesville, Florida, with their dog, Zoe. He is a big-time Star Wars fan, former race car driver, and connoisseur of Mexican food.

Tobin Redwine, Ph.D. Learning Analyst Functional Leader at Vivayic | Dr. Tobin Redwine grew up on a farm in Lazbuddie, a rural community in Northwest Texas. After serving as the Texas FFA President in 2003-2004, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development at Texas A&M University in 2008. While there he developed an affinity for ugly shirts and cheesy jokes. He earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Communications at Texas Tech University in 2009, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at Texas A&M in 2014.

Dr. Redwine is currently the Lead Learning Analyst for Vivayic, a learning solutions company. He joined Vivayic after nine years as an instructor, professor and scholar in agricultural communications. Most recently, Dr. Redwine was a professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University, where he still holds a faculty appointment. Redwine continues to teach and research communications, leadership, advanced pedagogy, and international agricultural development in support of Vivayic’s mission to build others’ capacity to do good.

As leader of the learning analysis and strategy team for Vivayic, Dr. Redwine lives at the intersection of data, stories, and people. He combines a love of meaningful storytelling with practical research to create rigorous learning experiences and creative solutions to serve people and organizations facing challenges.

He and his wife Shanna live in Montgomery, Texas, with their four children and assorted livestock and critters on a small farm known more for noise than profit.

Dr. Redwine has been awarded internationally as a teacher and researcher and is perpetually sharing his best dad jokes. He is also a freelance journalist, photographer, lead guitar player for the best local jam band you’ve never heard of, and an amateur habanero salsa maker. 

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm - Choose One

How I AI: A Look at How Communicators Are Using Artificial Intelligence Tools and How They Won’t - Capitol C

Presenters: Tobie Blachard, Max Esterhuizen, Erica Shambley, Chris Vivian, Cassie Ann Kiggen

The session will include a panel discussion on how several communication units are harnessing artificial intelligence tools to revolutionize their work. This forum will delve into how AI augments communication practices, transcending conventional methods and enabling unprecedented levels of efficiency and customization. Presenters will discuss AI tools they are currently using in their practices, and participants are encouraged to share their own AI tools and tips as well. The session won’t solely focus on the benefits. It also will investigate ethical considerations and challenges in employing AI tools in communication. Panelists will address the ethical implications of AI-generated content and how institutions are grappling with this emerging technology *

*ChatGPT wrote some of this session description; a human edited it.

Grammar Is Not the Boss of Us - Olympus B

Presenter: Chris McKerracher

Many of us have been taught that there is only one correct way to write. The rules are laid out as unyielding and opaque, and that we must learn them and follow them, even if they don’t make sense. In this presentation, I will demonstrate that there are more “correct” ways than we’ve been taught. Drawing from my experience as an English teacher, a Spanish-as-a-second-language student, a writer and an editor, I will show that grammar isn’t an empty box with only one correct answer. We shape how English is used, how we want it to be used and who we want included in the discussion. I’ll show that there isn’t one, or even a few valid choices in how we write, but that we should choose our approach to language based on who we are trying to reach, what we are trying to say and who we are as writers. Finally, I’ll show that there are real impacts and consequences to how we approach this. We can choose to actively participate in the evolution of the English language, and by doing so, we get to have a bigger say in what it becomes.

The Sandsquatch Strategy: How Bigfoot Is Bringing Visitors to a Utah State Park- Olympus A

Presenter: Patrick Buhr

A Bigfoot-type creature has been known to lurk in the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab, Utah. His name is Sandsquatch, and he is part of the park’s marketing strategy. In this session, park manager Patrick Buhr will talk about his BIG IDEA to have a life-sized statue of Bigfoot that visitors could try to find hidden in the park. Naturally, selfies would ensue and the hashtag #sandsquatch would, too. From his BIG IDEA came a great promotional campaign for the park. Learn about how he made it happen and the successes that followed this Bigfoot’s path.

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm - Choose One

Beyond Automation: AI as a Collaborative Partner for MarComm Excellence - Capitol C

Presenters: Carissa Nelson, Lindsey Stewart

In this interactive workshop, we'll unveil the potential of AI as your collaborative partner in the MarComm world. Move beyond automation and discover how AI can craft compelling content, streamline workflows, increase efficiency in knowledge transfer and amplify your creativity. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you'll gain actionable insights to harness AI and achieve MarComm excellence.

Science Storytelling Through Infographics - Capitol A&B

Presenters: Christine Krebs, Cayla Romano

Science storytelling through infographics is a powerful way to convey complex scientific information in a visually engaging and easily understandable way. Infographics blend visual elements like charts, graphs, illustrations and icons with concise text to tell a compelling story about scientific concepts, research findings or data. In this sharing session, the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) communications team will highlight how they use infographics to tell their science story. The CAIP communications team has recently produced several resources highlighting the research being conducted at the center to inform various audiences, from invasive plant management professionals to curious members of the public. Drawing from their experiences creating these resources, the CAIP communications team will provide helpful tips on how to get started with strategizing content and crafting infographics. The team will share examples of current projects and the software used to bring their story to life. Whether you are a seasoned graphic designer or a new communication professional seeking ways to tell your story, this session will highlight how an invasive plant research center has evolved its communication strategy since its inception to the dynamic digital world we are in today.

Suit up! Grow Agriculture and Life Sciences Students' Professionalism and Career Readiness with a Campus Career Closet - Olympus B

Presenter: Lori Costello, Ph.D.

Professional attire communicates a sense of expertise and competence. Does your campus have a career closet? Career closets are designated areas on college campuses where students can go to receive free, new and gently used professional attire. This type of resource can provide students in agriculture and life science disciplines access to appropriate attire for research presentations, interviews, industry events, conferences and meetings, which helps them present themselves confidently and professionally without financial burden. A campus career closet can complement existing career development programs within agriculture and life science departments and can become a practical resource for supporting students in their journey from academia to the professional world. Additionally, projecting a professional image is important when communicating complex scientific or technical information. By presenting a polished image, individuals working in agriculture and life sciences can actively counter prevailing stereotypes depicting them as uneducated, “country” or lacking sophistication. The dynamic fields of agriculture and life sciences necessitate a proactive approach in reshaping perceptions and dispelling such stereotypes. This presentation will share best practices and practical advice to start a campus career closet. And if your campus has a career closet, you will find out how to expand the closet to provide items that align with the specific needs of students in agriculture and life sciences. The availability of professional attire supports students entering the workforce to not only project a credible and competent image, but also work to dismantle stereotypical portrayals found in the media and popular culture.

Elevate & Engage: Mastering Media in Event Planning - Olympus A

Presenters: Ashley McLeod-Morin, Ph.D.; Sydney Honeycutt, M.S.

The goal of this workshop is to empower participants with comprehensive insights and practical skills for orchestrating successful conferences, advisory board meetings and science gatherings, while strategically integrating media elements to enhance engagement and impact. The presenters – current and past ACE Conference planning committee co-chairs – will share their secrets for success pertaining to three main areas: event planning fundamentals, media integration and science communication excellence. Elements of event planning will include budgeting and resource allocation, venue selection and logistics planning, and collaborating with diverse teams. Media integration will cover event branding and guidance for using print, digital and social media before and during events. Scientific communication excellence will include the incorporation of visual elements to simplify complex scientific concepts, as well as navigating Q&A sessions and panel discussions effectively. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for planning and executing successful conferences, advisory board meetings and science gatherings, with a heightened ability to leverage media elements for maximum impact.

Professional Development Breakout Sessions |3:45 pm - 4:30 pm - Choose One

Empowering Underserved Audiences to Tell Their Stories - Capitol A&B

Presenters: Maggie Lawrence, Faith Peppers, Nikki Coody, Ana Iverson, Edwin Remsberg

In this session, participants will hear how a NIFA Communications-led team trained members of the Hopi Nation in communications strategies and skills so they could tell the stories of the Hopi people and to control the narrative about them. The team worked closely with University of Arizona’s Hopi Tribal Extension agent to ensure the project respected and honored the culture and tradition of the Hopi Nation. Participants will learn how workshop topics were chosen and how they were developed into a day and a half workshop. Additionally, presenters will share future plans to refine the workshop content as well as develop a Train the Trainer component. Finally, presenters hope to identify and connect with potential university partners who may want to work with us to offer the training more widely across the country.

Flying the Mountain State: A How-To on Using Drones in your Extension Communications Projects - Olympus B

Presenter: Davin White, Zachary Labin

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have transformed various industries and captivated people worldwide due to their versatility and capabilities. This session is an overview of how drones can improve the quality of your team’s communications projects. Overall, the versatility, accessibility and innovative potential of drones make them not only awesome gadgets but also valuable tools with a wide range of applications across different extension departments. West Virginia State University’s Agricultural Research and Extension Communications team uses drones for photos, videos, mapping, crop-spraying and more. Likewise, the West Virginia Conservation Agency has used drones to enhance the quality of its agency-produced videos, photos and social media posts. Presenters Zachary Labin of West Virginia State University and Davin White of the West Virginia Conservation Agency will discuss how they’ve personally used drones in their work and lessons they’ve learned. This session will focus extensively on how to get started in developing your own drone fleet and how it could benefit the extension communications team in your state. Topics to be discussed will include the components of a drone and a brief history of the industry, Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 certification, airspace restrictions, weather and property considerations when flying a drone, necessary smartphone apps for flying drones, state-by-state purchasing and legal considerations, and flying routes and capturing video that will really help your next video soar.

Storytelling through Camera, Lighting, and Movement (cancelled)

Presenter: Anthony Guglielmi

Activating Your Institution’s Connection to Rural Youth - Capitol C - (added) 

Presenter: Genevieve Spering, M.A & Julee Stephenson, M.B.A

In this interactive 45-minute workshop, you’ll join the Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension team to discover ways to leverage your role to strengthen your school’s connection to its rural youth population. This includes building strategy, growing partnerships, and developing a communications plan. We’ll share the steps we are taking at CSU and what we’ve learned. From strategic event strategies to branding in rural communities, you’ll learn innovative ways to engage with rural youth communities early and often—including 4-H and FFA. We’ll explore how to identify existing youth perceptions and what you can do to strengthen their affinity and connection to your institution. You’ll come away having identified some key actions you can take to make stronger connections with rural youth. This workshop is appropriate for all audience levels and backgrounds.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Joe Marks Fun Run | 7:00 am - Lobby

Named in memory of 1987-88 ACE President Joe Marks. 

Pastries & Coffee| 8:00 am

Reuben Brigham and Fellow Award Winners | 8:30 am - 9:15 am - Capitol A&B

ACE Focus Group

A team charged with reviewing ACE will conduct four focus group sessions throughout the conference. The team is made up of ACE retirees who have joined together to consider the next ten years of ACE within the context of the last one hundred years of the organization. After the conference the review team will aggregate the ideas, input and analysis from the discussions and deliver a report with recommendations back to the ACE Board. Please join us for one or more of these discussions during the conference in the topic category that fits your involvement in ACE. We’re looking forward to your ideas.

Focus Group open to all attendees | 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm - Amethyst

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 9:30 am - 10:15 am - Choose One

Faces, Places & Purpose: Audience-driven strategies for compelling storytelling - Olympus B

Presenters: Allison Vitt

Join Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement and Extension for a sharing session aimed at inspiring and empowering extension communicators to explore the power of faces, places and purpose in storytelling. Learn how CSU OEE's Communications and Marketing team is applying audience-driven strategies to build community trust and credibility, demonstrate the value and applicability of extension’s work to the everyday lives of Coloradans, and foster increased engagement across a broad landscape of lifelong learning opportunities. In this session, participants will: - Explore the “Who is Extension” video series and the value of capturing authentic, personal stories for building trust and credibility with audiences. - Discover the power of elevating unsung stories of collaboration and community-building, and how CSU’s “Community Voices” project weaves together diverse, first-person perspectives across a variety of themes. - Learn how creative approaches to imagery, AI-generated graphics, and compelling visual content play a key role in building audience understanding and engagement, especially when communicating abstract topics or new programs. - Hear about our approach to leveraging connected content across editorial themes and tailoring messaging and channels to meet audiences where they are and deliver content that meets their needs. This presentation and discussion session combines brief case study overviews with actionable tips and resources for crafting compelling, audience-driven extension narratives. Participants will leave with new strategies and tools they can apply to their organization’s communications efforts to strengthen audience connection to and engagement with extension's purpose, expertise, resources and impact.

Visual Storytelling: Turning Written Copy into Photo Essays and Video Stories - Capitol C

Presenters: Russell Shaffer, Ph.D.; Cara Pesek; Natalie Jones

A Native American proverb states, “Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” As communicators, we propose an interactive panel discussion exploring the transformative power of visual storytelling. Aimed at beginners in the field, this presentation will delve into the art of turning written content into compelling photo essays and video stories and explore its reach and impact. Stemming from our combined eight years working with visual communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, our goal is to provide a foundational understanding of visual storytelling and its role in effective communication, drawing from our own failures and successes. Russell Shaffer will present on equipping attendees with insights into creating captivating promotional videos and exploring strategies to bring narratives to life visually. Natalie Jones will guide participants through the process of constructing impactful photo essays, emphasizing the synergy between images and writing. Cara Pesek will illustrate the broader impacts of visual storytelling in communication plans, emphasizing its role in enhancing engagement, resonance and brand communication. Attendees will learn the practical steps of translating written narratives into visually compelling stories and bridging the gap between text and imagery. Insights from Cara Pesek, specifically, will empower participants to integrate visual storytelling seamlessly into their broader communication strategies. This panel discussion promises an engaging experience for those new to visual storytelling, ensuring they leave with actionable skills and a comprehensive understanding of its strategic implications.

Communicating DEI in an Anti-DEI Climate - Olympus A

Presenter: Beth Stuever; Quentin Tyler, Ph.D.

Have one of your faculty members been accused of racism? Maybe you've had a 4-H planning committee struggle with communicating housing requests for a transgender member. Perhaps one of your leaders made a faux pas in an email that didn't sit well with an under-represented community. Or maybe you've had a partner threaten to pull funding from your organization because a colleague is a member of an LGBTQIA+ community. Communication that is equitable and inclusive is key to effectively addressing contemporary challenges that require urgent responses to situations you may not have experienced before. This session will offer a unique Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) perspective; best practices of DEI; and an opportunity to learn and grow through breakouts and scenarios similar to what leaders are experiencing across the country. We will provide the necessary examples that will equip you to be a more informed communicator with DEI in mind and lean into how to support your administration, faculty, staff and students in an anti-DEI climate. This hands-on workshop will give participants an opportunity to think through real-life diversity, equity and inclusion scenarios, and help create a network for you to turn to when addressing DEI issues.

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 10:30 am - 11:15 am - Choose One

Progress: Minority Farmers Receive Help through Federal Aid - Amethyst 

Presenters: ChaNae Bradley, M.P.A.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), just 1.4% of farmers in the U.S. identify as Black. These farmers represent less than 0.5% of the total U.S. farm sales. Given the history of discrimination faced by Black farmers, there has been a strong level of distrust and disappointment with state and governmental funding agencies. To share some positive improvements in this fight for equality, agricultural communicators from Fort Valley State University, a historically Black college (HBCU) and Georgia’s 1890 land-grant university, captured video interviews and written feature stories of Black farmers who have developed progressive relationships with the Farm Service Agency and the USDA. Learn how the determination and diligence of these Black farmers helped them to keep their land and legacy. Experience how storytelling and interviewing are vital components in the pursuit of understanding an individuals’ social reality to promote change and chronicle history. From this session, participants will learn the history of discrimination faced by Black farmers and their fragmented relationships with federal agencies. However, they will be able to see progress, by viewing positive experiences of Black farmers through the work of communications, which is vital in telling the stories of the underserved. Participants level is mixed, all levels may participate.

VR in Outreach: Lessons Learned after our First Two Projects - Olympus A

Presenter: Barbara Chamberlin, Ph.D.

We've completed two different projects in virtual reality. The first is a health program where the user can interact with computer generated patients, dealing with the emotions of patients, and practicing how to best interact in these situations. The second is a public program to be used in the visitor center of a national park which contains video. We learned a lot about the best practices for designing the products, how to shoot video and create computer-generated worlds, and how to design interfaces for different environments in which they will be used. We'll share what we know for those interested in using VR for outreach, sharing anticipated budgets, timelines and design processes. We'll close with an open-ended discussion with participants on where we should take VR from here and how it can serve our communications and education needs.

SasqWATCH OUT for Misinformation and Disinformation on Social Media - Olympus B

Presenters: Enoch Ametepey, M.S.; Jefferson Miller, Ph.D.

This sharing session will encourage professional communicators to become more proactive in dealing with the issue of misinformation on social media, especially in the context of science communication related to agriculture, food and natural resources. Both presenters are currently researching how extension educators are combatting misinformation on social media. Participants in this session will be equipped with new practical insights, including (1) the need to differentiate between misinformation and disinformation, (2) the need (and ethical responsibility) to equip extension audience members with the ability to spot inaccurate information on multiple social media platforms, and (3) simple approaches that can be communicated to audiences to help them verify the credibility of information. The session will also include a review of actual cases of misinformation on a variety of agriculture-related topics as well as an overview of some key fact-checking websites available to validate the credibility of agriculture-related information shared via social media. The workshop will conclude with an engaging discussion in which participants will share their own experiences and best practices related to managing misinformation.

Video Recording and Editing with Your Smartphone - Capitol A&B

Presenters: Ricardo Vela, Miguel Sanchez

This workshop is designed to provide the attendees with valuable insights and hands-on experience in creating high-quality videos using just their smartphones. This workshop will be a valuable learning experience and a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in enhancing their video production skills using smartphones. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, there's something for everyone to gain.

Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of Science Communications - Capitol C

Presenters: Latasha Ford, M.Ed.; Alisa Boswell-Gore, M.A.

Communicating about science does not have to be a daunting task. From connecting to researchers to relaying their stories in digestible and appealing formats to your target audiences, the goal should be intentional and meaningful. Learn how two science communicators stepped into similar roles at their respective institutions to build trust, humanize science and boost visibility. Engage in an interactive discussion about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of science communications.

Lunch on Your Own | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm - Choose One

ADA with Michael Casey, MS, CRC, CDF, LCAS, Director - Disability and Accessibility Resources - Olympus B

Presenters: Zach Labin; Michael Casey MS, CRC, CDF, LCAS

An educational initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding and integration of accessibility practices within our Learning community. As the landscape of digital media evolves, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards is paramount.

Bridging the Gap: Lessons from a Rural Communications Survey - Capitol C

Presenters: Audrey E.H. King, Ph.D.; Linnea Harvey, M.S.; Anissa Mattox, M.S.

The U.S. rural population is growing after a decade of population loss. Now more than ever it is imperative that communications practitioners know how to reach rural residents with news and informative content. In this presentation, we will unlock insights into the communication habits of rural residents and pair findings from a comprehensive rural communications survey with practical experiences from field research. At the conclusion of this presentation, you will leave with an enhanced understanding of rural communication dynamics, practical strategies for effective communication in rural settings, and insight into the application of survey findings in real-world scenarios. This session will share key findings exploring the communication habits of rural Oklahoma residents, offering participants actionable insights into how to reach and connect with rural audiences. Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of where rural residents look for news, educational content and interpersonal connections within their communities. Understanding how rural residents seek out communications messaging illuminates the challenges and opportunities associated with reaching rural communities for communications practitioners. Conclusions from this survey offer tangible takeaways for participants to integrate into their communication strategies. By exploring these practical applications, we aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation, empowering attendees to enhance communication in rural contexts. Join us in creating a roadmap for effective communication strategies tailored to rural environments.

Data Visualization is BIG! Using Microsoft Power BI to Model Organizational Data and Impacts - Olympus A (schedule change)

Presenters: Caitlynne Youmans, Lauri M. Baker, Matt P. Benge

This session is an insightful and hands-on exploration of Business Intelligence (BI) using Microsoft Power BI. Geared toward beginners, this how-to session aims to introduce attendees to the power of BI, providing a comprehensive overview of its application in organizational data visualization. Learn step-by-step instructions and essential tips and tricks on harnessing the full potential of Power BI within your organization and gain practical insights into creating impactful visualizations. Students and faculty working with University of Florida’s Program Development and Evaluation Center (PDEC) will begin the session by sharing why data visualization is important for your organization, and then dive into how data visualization can help your organization with decision making and communication and marketing. Presenters will demonstrate the basics of how to use BI to transform data into easily understandable charts, graphs, and dashboards. Next, they will highlight installation and set-up, connecting to data sources like Excel and other platforms. After introductory steps, participants will learn how to navigate the software, create their first report and dashboard using filters to understand relationships. Participants will also learn how to build visualizations with themes that match their project or organization’s branding, use diverse types of visualizations, and connect to their dashboard. Participants will leave with tips and tricks for efficient Power BI use, ideas for collaboration and resources for future learning.

The Power of an Effective Engagement Strategy (cancelled)

Presenter: Lena Arold, M.A.

Professional Development Breakout Sessions | 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm - Choose One

Engaging Latinos and Other Underserved Communities and Creating Partnerships with Ethnic Media - Amethyst

Presenter: Ricardo Vela

Learn best practices for reaching and engaging Latinos and the importance of forming partnerships with social media and their local media in a culturally relevant way during this fast-paced webinar. The following topics will be discussed: audience, messaging, identifying community needs and priorities, building relationships, partnering with community organizations, and social media vs. traditional media. Participants will gain insight into taking a multi-directional approach to outreach and using traditional media outlets more effectively, including radio, print media, broadcast TV, and news releases. And how to use cultural relevance in their outreach to Latinos and other disadvantaged communities.

Developing Mass Communicators and Media Experts in University of Tennessee Extension and AgResearch - Capitol C

Presenters: Charles Denney, Lisa Stearns, Tate Cronin

We know the importance of telling our story as communicators, but sometimes we have to also convince others in our organizations they would make great story tellers themselves. Extension agents and faculty researchers are often asked to do media interviews and perform marketing responsibilities that are outside their specialties. Reluctant media subjects are a given, but with the right training, these shy and skeptical people can become polished interview subjects and media experts. But often, the first thing to do is stress how positive media coverage benefits them. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Marketing and Communications team has trained Extension County Directors and specialists in interview strategies in both positive and hostile media matters. The team also created a marketing toolkit for AgResearch Center Directors and administrators for planning field days with thousands of visitors. The toolkit included tips for social media, as well as reaching media outlets and the public, and ways to best accomplish the dual goals of publicity before the event, and boosting attendance, and attracting positive coverage of the field day itself. UTIA team members will share helpful advice on convincing faculty about the impact of media coverage, specific media training strategies, and parts of the field day toolkit. The session will also include an update about the state of the current media, and how media relations is evolving in modern times. Media experts of all levels should benefit from this exchange of ideas and strategies.

Making Virtual Focus Groups FUN: Utilizing Tools and Technology to Engage Participants and Collect Data - Olympus B

Presenters: Angela Lindsey, Ph.D.; Sandra Anderson

The COVID-19 pandemic made virtual focus groups a unique and convenient way to collect qualitative data. Even as face-to-face interaction became the preference again, virtual focus groups remained popular as a way to gather participants, often from different areas, at one time without having to worry about travel. They are convenient and often easier to recruit for than an in-person focus group. The goal of this session is to provide participants with tools and resources that can be utilized in virtual focus groups. The purpose of these tools is to engage focus group participants, encourage discussion, and collect data. Software that will used during the session includes online software Mentimeter and Mural. The session will employ tactile learning as facilitators will run through a mock focus group with participants using different tools and tactics. In addition to a hands-on learning activity and information regarding resources and tools, a facilitated discussion will allow participants to discuss past experiences and ideas for further engagement. Facilitators will also discuss their recent experiences with each of these tools and share best practices and suggestions for success. This session is open for all research levels, and at the conclusion of the session, participants will have gained knowledge on online tools and resources that can be used during virtual focus groups to engage focus groups, encourage discussion, and collect rich data.

Inclusive Design for Everything: Our Approach to Making Everything we Make Better for Everyone - Olympus A 

Presenters: Barbara Chamberlin, Ph.D.; CC Chamberlin; Art Ruiloba; Yvette Navarro

Inclusive design involves creating websites, video, games, VR and interactive programs which can be used by people with a variety of needs, with cultural perspectives and representation. Our department has spent the past few years diving deeply into what inclusive design means for all of our media and developing strategies for how to make all of our work more accessible. We'll share our framework for thinking about inclusive design, and how we approach all of our work from original inception, through production and dissemination. Our research-based framework helps this more doable by thinking by considering the intent of the product, where users find and use the tool, the structure of the team creating it, the world we represent, and the accessibility of the tools for users with different needs. The framework serves as a guide to make sure we're looking at each relevant part of our production. You’ll hear about the overall management methods we use in our department, including internal review of our principles, external review of our products, and how we design our teams. Learn about the contradictions we find in trying to reach as many users as possible, and how we decide what to do when these exist. And finally, see specific steps we are currently taking in video, web and interactive media and how we make this work doable.

Networking Prelude 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm - Capitol A&B

Business Meeting 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Capitol A&B

Farewell Banquet Featuring our C&A and Honor Award Winners 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm  - Capitol A&B

Conference Conclusion

 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

(Optional) Issues and Crisis Management Certification|8:30 am – 12:00 pm - Amethyst 

Sponsored by USDA NIFA    

ACE is offering a three-part certification in 2024. 

Certification qualifications include the following: 

Please see additional details here.