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Register before November 1!
The 2025 Extension Annual Conference: One Extension, One College — Linking the Land of Lincoln will take place November 18-20 at I Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign.
Nov. 18: Program Team Meetings and Strategic Planning Workgroups
Nov. 19-20: Extension Annual Conference
Extension Annual Conference is on the horizon!
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Extension Annual Conference
Get Ready to Be Inspired
Our conference is getting closer! From energizing keynotes to interactive experiences, all Extension professionals will have the chance to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the power of collaboration across Illinois. Join us under the theme One Extension, One College – Linking the Land of Lincoln to learn, grow, and make an impact together.
Celebrating Excellence
We are truly inspired by the incredible submissions for the Extension Excellence Awards this year! From creative innovations to meaningful community impact, your work reflects the passion, dedication, and ingenuity of Extension professionals across Illinois. Every submission highlights the remarkable contributions of our Extension community and motivates us all to strive for excellence together. We look forward to announcing our winners during Annual Conference!
Meet Our Featured Speakers
Karl is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and leadership expert who empowers individuals and teams to lead with clarity, purpose, and emotional intelligence. Since joining the Extension Foundation in 2020 after 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, he has inspired 32,000 Cooperative Extension professionals through coaching, team development, and program support to create meaningful experiences for communities across the country. Karl is also a proud spouse and father of two.
Sydney Loflin is a 2025 graduate of North Carolina State University in Agriculture Science. She is currently working on her master’s degree. Sydney is a past 4-H state officer as well as a BASF Collegiate Ambassador. She is pursuing a career in agricultural communications or public relations and co-authored the book Focused as a Bee.
Your Conference Preview
Our 2025 Extension Annual Conference brings together staff from across Illinois for learning, collaboration, and celebration. Here’s a look at what to expect throughout the event! You can explore the full schedule at Learn @ Illinois Extension.
Day 1: Wednesday, November 19
Opening & Keynote
Start the day with inspiration and shared purpose as we explore ideas that shape our work and strengthen our impact.
Breakout Sessions
Choose from two rounds of breakout sessions designed to spark new ideas, share best practices, and encourage collaboration across program areas.
Poster & Resource Session
Engage with innovative projects and resources from across the state. Browse displays, connect with colleagues, and discover tools you can take back to your local work.
Association Meetings
Join your association meeting for updates and information.
Recharge & Reboot Spaces
Need a moment to rest or refresh? Visit the Recharge the Orange, Reboot the Blue room to relax, refocus, or engage in mindful downtime. You’ll also find spaces throughout the conference for light games, interactive activities, and opportunities to unwind with colleagues.
Giveaways & Surprises
Keep an eye out for fun giveaways and spontaneous moments that make the conference experience even more memorable!
Day 2: Thursday, November 20
Breakout Sessions
Choose from three rounds of breakout sessions offering fresh ideas, practical tools, and innovative approaches to support your work across Extension.
Extension Excellence Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the outstanding achievements and dedication of our colleagues during the annual Extension Excellence Awards. Their commitment continues to strengthen our mission and impact statewide.
Hands-On Pop-Up: Traveling Science Center
Experience learning in action with an interactive pop-up hosted by the Traveling Science Center. Stop by to explore, experiment, and bring a little discovery into your day.
Recharge & Reboot Spaces
Need a moment to rest or refresh? Visit the Recharge the Orange, Reboot the Blue room to relax, refocus, or engage in mindful downtime. You’ll also find spaces throughout the conference for light games, interactive activities, and opportunities to unwind with colleagues.
Master Gardener 50-Year Celebration
Help us honor 50 years of the Illinois Master Gardener program! Celebrate its legacy, milestones, and continued commitment to community education and engagement.
Giveaways & Surprises
Expect more moments of fun throughout the day—from impromptu activities to special prizes and creative ways to connect with peers.
Closing Speakers
We’ll wrap up the conference with closing speakers who will leave you inspired, re-energized, and ready to carry the spirit of the conference into the work you do every day.
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Extension Excellence Awards
Applications and nominations are now closed. Winners will be announced at Annual Conference.
Hotel Accommodations
Click "Annual Conference 2025" to make your reservations or call using the reservation phone number below. When reserving, you must use the group/block code to get the room block rate. If booking online, the block is automatically set to two nights and will need to be changed if only staying for one night.
I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center - FULL
Hotel Location: 1900 S, 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Booking link: Annual Conference 2025
Reservation phone number: 217-819-5000
Block code: UIEXT25
Guest password: UaG%9
Book before: 10/20/25
Room block rate: $149/night
Drury Inn & Suites - Block Closed
Hotel Location: 905 Anthony Dr, Champaign, IL 61821
Booking link: Annual Conference 2025
Reservation phone number: 1-800-325-0720
Block code: 10104455
Book before: 10/19/25
Room block rate: $107/night
Holiday Inn - Block Closed
Hotel Location: 101 Trade Center Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
Booking link: Annual Conference 2025
Reservation phone number: 217-398-3400
Block code: EXT
Book before: 10/18/25
Room block rate: $107/night
Other Accommodations
For other hotel options, please reference the Preferred Hotel Listing for hotels that honor the state rate in Champaign, Illinois. While we do not have blocks at these other locations, there are many excellent lodging options in the area.
The Conference will begin at 9 AM on November 19, and we know that for many of you, this would require you to be on the road traveling to Champaign at an early hour. If your office is located more than 100 miles from Champaign, you are eligible for support for overnight accommodations at your hotel using central funds. Your Fiscal Office Support or supervisor will receive more information about this soon.
Those headquartered within the 100-mile radius and wish to arrive the night before will still need to use unit funds to cover this expense as you normally would. This should be cleared with your supervisor before making the reservations.
You can view your office mileage from Champaign on the portal's "Intranet Mailing Lists and Directories" page under "Office Addresses" (toward the bottom, in the Extension Directories section) or by clicking the button below.
Information about previous keynotes speakers, award recipients, recorded sessions, and conference photos.
2024 Extension Excellence Awards Recipients
For more information
