2024 ACE Conference

June 23 - 25, 2024 

Salt Lake City Marriott City Center Hotel

Salt Lake City, Utah




ACE 2024 offered BIG Ideas and adventures that allowed attendees to take their communication to the next level!

The 2024 conference theme, BIG Ideas, perfectly captured the spirit of innovation and growth that defines the field of agricultural and natural resources communication.

We are living in a dynamic time, and the need for clear, compelling communication has never been greater. Whether you're an established professional or just starting out, this conference was designed to equip attendees with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

We were joined by several special guests including our keynote speaker Emilie Hitch, our Hermance Speakers Kevin Kent and Tobin Redwine, and the Reuben Brigham Awardee Matthew Hargreaves. Many ACE members were also recognized for their hard work and dedication to ACE, including this year’s ACE Fellow (Jeff Miller), ACE Rising Stars (Jens-Kristian Kiel, Ricardo Vela, Cassie Ann Kiggen), ACE Learning Community Awards of Excellence (Lori Greiner, Kara Bonsack, Garrett Steede, Faith Peppers, Linda Benedict, and Becky Koch), and many C&A winders. This conference was more than just a platform for learning – it was a chance to connect with a vibrant community of passionate communicators.


Click here to learn more about the current conference 



Keynote Speaker - Emilie Hitch

SVP | Strategy

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.


Hermance Speaker - Kevin Kent 

Creative Director, 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.


Hermance Speakers - Toby Redwine

Learning Analyst Functional Leader, Vivayic

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. Dr. 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.


Faith Peppers receives Leadership and Management Award of Excellence
2024 ACE President Tobie Blanchard recognizes Matthew Hargreaves with Reuben Brigham Award.
Jeff Miller is recognized as the 2024 ACE Fellow.
Keynote speaker Emilie Hitch delivers the 2024 keynote address.
Kevin Kent and Tobin Redwine deliver the Hermance Speaker address.
ACE members present posters during the opening reception.
The 2024 ACE Conference Planning Committee stops for a group photo before festivities begin.
Kevin Kent and Tobin Redwine deliver the Hermance Speaker address.
Big Foot made an appearance during the opening reception and stopped for selfies with ACE members.


Chairs

Lauri M. Baker

University of Florida


Ashley McLeod Morin - UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education


Committee 

Kelsey Armstrong, Ph.D.

Elon University


Kelsey Hall

Utah State University

Audrey King

Oklahoma State University

Kevin Kent

Vivayic

Tunyalee A. Martin

Statewide IPM Program, University of California

John Martins

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Ex-officio & Liaisons 


LaRachelle Smith 

ACE President


Tobie Blanchard

ACE Vice President


Ruth Borger

ACE Development Director


Jeff Miller

ACE Treasurer


Lori Gula

ACE Professional Development Director

©2023 Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences

ACE Office: 847-647-8861

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