Annual Conference

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Charting the Course

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Join us in “Charting the Course” at the Illinois Extension Annual Conference November 18-20 at the iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign as we move forward toward innovation and impact. Our conference sessions and activities will help staff navigate change as we continue to work with deliberate intention to meet the needs of Illinois residents and the communities we serve. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the growth and resiliency of Illinois Extension. 

 

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Connect. Collaborate. Network.

Annual Conference is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and network with colleagues from across the state, participate in personal and professional development sessions, learn about exciting and innovative programs happening throughout Extension, and be inspired by amazing guest speakers. 

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Jenni Steck
Keynote Speaker

Through her private practice, Jenni provides voice and speech training for companies that recognize the importance of professional communication and prioritize high levels of customer care. In addition, she works one-on-one with individuals who wish to speak with greater confidence and clarity.  

As part of her practice, Jenni provides support in the preparation of speeches for public appearances. Clients range from corporate leaders to motivational speakers to cultural icons including legendary NFL linebacker Ray Lewis and MLB catcher Pudge Rodriguez for whom she coached Hall of Fame Induction speeches.

Having worked extensively as a voice, speech, and dialect coach for stage, film, and television productions, Jenni has also shared her expertise with actors such as James Woods, Alexander Skarsgard, and Alicia Silverstone.

Jenni is the current vocal coach for anchors and reporters with CNN, CBS, ABC, and ESPN.

Jenni holds a BFA from Southern Methodist University, an MFA from the University of California at San Diego, and an MS from the University of Texas at Dallas.  She is a licensed speech-language pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has served as a faculty associate at UT Southwestern’s Clinical Center for Voice Care and as a Full Sail University Guest Lecturer. 

Tentative Schedule

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11/18 
10 AMVarious meetings & activities throughout the day
7-9 PMWelcome Party
11/19 
8:30 AMCheck-in
9:30 AMWelcome & Keynote
12:45 PMSession
1:30 PMPoster Session
3:00 PMTeam Meetings
4:30 PMAssociation Meetings
11/20 
7:30 AMBreakfast
8:30 AM Session
11 AMAwards & Recognition Ceremony
1 PM Sessions
2:45 PMConference Concludes

Extension Excellence Awards

Application/nomination window closes September 1, 2024.
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Extension Excellence Awards

By applying for an Excellence Award, you have a chance to showcase your accomplishments and receive well-deserved recognition for your hard work. Whether you have achieved significant milestones, exceeded targets, led innovative projects, or demonstrated exceptional collaboration, we want to hear your story.

Apply/Nominate

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Excellence Awards Manual

Need help knowing which awards you might be eligible or what category best suits your project, program, and Extension role? Check out the manual! Here you will find due dates, application and nomination criteria, and information about each award.

Awards Manual

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Canvas Navigation

We are pleased to announce the introduction of a new platform for award applications and nominations this year. Canvas will serve as a comprehensive hub for both applications and judging while providing applicants with the necessary information and resources.

Canvas Navigation

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Call For Proposals: Extension Annual Conference

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The Annual Conference Committee requests presentation proposals for the 2024 virtual annual conference to be held November 19-20, 2024, in Champaign, IL. Presentation topics relating directly to the conference theme and focus are strongly encouraged, but all proposal submissions will be given full consideration. 


“Charting the Course: Planning for Impact. The conference will help staff navigate change as we continue to work, with deliberate intention to meet the needs of Illinois residents and the communities we serve.” There is a strong preference for topics related to building skills needed, and planning and preparing for intended outcomes. 
 

Submit proposals below or click the button for more information. 

Annual Conference Breakout Session & Poster Proposal Submission

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Breakout Session Proposal

Submit breakout session proposal on topics/issues of interest, which may include explorations of best practices, methods, techniques, approaches, and strategies related to Extension work OR enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills needed in Extension work OR showcase a successful Extension program.

Submit Proposal

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Poster Proposal

Submit a poster proposal on successful Extension programs, successful approaches to serving underserved audiences, strategies for workflow increase, or research findings related to current and emerging issues. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the annual conference.

Submit Proposal

Hotel Options

iHotel & Convention Center

Rooms available. Check availability.

Reservation phone number: 217-819-5000

Block Code: UIEXT1124

Guest Password: ^Re9kUI

Book before: 10/18/2024

Room Block Ratet: $139/night

Drury Inn & Suites Champaign

Rooms available. Check availability.

Reservation phone number: 1-800-325-0720

Block code: 10104455

Book before: 10/17/24

Room Block Rate: &107/night
 

Holiday Inn Champaign

Rooms available. Check availability.

Reservation phone number: 217-398-3400

Block code: EXT

Book before: 10/18/24

Room Block Rate: $107/night

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Looking for content from 2023 Annual Conference? Below you will find links to photos, keynote speaker information, and selected conference sessions. 

Keynote Speakers

For more information