Title
Charting the Course
Join us in “Charting the Course” at the Illinois Extension Annual Conference 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.
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.
Annual Conference 2024 Registration
This year's conference will take place at iHotel & Convention Center in Champaign. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, and will conclude at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20. There will be optional pre-conference activities for staff to explore on Monday, November 18. We hope you will join us this year for a great time of networking and professional development!
If you are attending in-person for all or part of the conference, select the button for "In-Person Registration". The button below will register you to attend the conference and help us collect necessary information using our Extension Web Registration. Then you will go to Moodle to - Build your conference experience (choose sessions and activities) using the Learn @ Illinois Extension site. Log into Learn @ Illinois Extension using the "University of Illinois Staff Login". Once logged in, use this enrollment key to enroll in the conference space: EAC2024 and the follow the instructions. If you land on your dashboard after logging in, use the search field to search for "Extension Conference 2024" and that will get you to the enrollment page. Your selections can be changed at anytime.
If you are attending virtually for the ENTIRE conference, select the button for "Virtual Registration". Virtual attendance does not require a registration. Just log into Learn @ Illinois Extension using the button below. Use the "University of Illinois Staff Login" to sign in. Once logged, in use this enrollment key to enroll in the conference space: EAC2024 and the follow the instructions. If you land on your dashboard after logging in, use the search field to search for "Extension Conference 2024" and that will get you to the enrollment page.
How to create your conference experience:
What if I change my mind later and need to change virtual to in person or vice versa?
You can register for in person until it closes on October 30!
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.
Conference Schedule
11/18 Pre-Conference Activities
| 10 AM | Various meetings & activities throughout the day |
| 7-9 PM | Welcome Party |
11/19 Day 1
| 8:30-9:45 AM | Registration & Check-in - Ground Floor |
| 9:30-10:45 AM | Welcome & Keynote |
| 10:45-11 AM | Break |
| 11 AM-12:30 PM | Lunch & Words |
| 12:30-12:45 PM | Break |
| 12:45-1:30 PM | Breakout Session #1 |
| 1:30-3 PM | Poster Session & Break |
| 3-4 PM | Program Area Breakouts |
| 4:30-5:30 PM | Associations |
| 7-9 PM | Recognition Dinner - Invitation ONLY (Promotion Recipients, Excellence Awards Winners) |
11/20 Day 2
| 7-7:45 AM | Yoga |
| 7:30-8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:30 AM | Strategic Plan - Change Management |
| 9:40-10 AM | Break |
| 10-10:45 AM | Breakout Session #2 |
| 10:45-11 AM | Break |
| 11 AM-12 PM | Awards & Recognition Ceremony: Service Milestones & Excellence Award Winners |
| 12-1 PM | Lunch |
| 1-1:45 PM | Breakout Session #3 |
| 1:45-2 PM | Break |
| 2-2:45 PM | Breakout Session #4 |
| 2:45 PM | Conference Concludes |
Virtual Schedule
| 11/19, Day 1 | |
| 9:30-10:45 AM | Welcome & Keynote |
| 11 AM-12 PM | Lunch & Words |
| 12:45-1:30 PM | Hold That Thought - Memory and Health |
| 11/20, Day 2 | |
| 8:30-9:30 AM | Strategic Plan - Change Management |
| 10-10:45 AM | Defensive Calendaring -0 Your Way to Work Life Balance |
| 11 AM-12 PM | Awards & Recognition Ceremony: Service Milestones and Excellence Awards Winners |
Title
Extension Excellence Awards
Winner Announcements Coming Soon!
November 18: Pre-Conference Activities
Memorial Stadium
Kick off the conference with an exclusive Pre-Conference Tour of Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! Get a VIP look at our premium seating areas, including the Colonnades Club, 77 Club, Private Suites, and 800 Level Media Area—spaces that are always a huge hit! If the weather cooperates, we’ll also get a chance to step onto the field for an epic group photo. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore football history and start the conference with a bang.
NCSA: National Petascale Supercomputing Facility
Discover the Heart of Cutting-Edge Science and Technology! Are you curious about the intersection of science, technology, and innovation? Look no further than the NCSA! Our state-of-the-art facilities are home to groundbreaking research, powerful computing resources, and awe-inspiring visualizations. Whether you’re a student, community member, or simply someone with a curious mind, we invite you to explore the NCSA. Join us for a guided tour.
Discover Innovation: Feed Technology Center
Join us for an exclusive tour of the University of Illinois’ state-of-the-art Feed Technology Center, where cutting-edge research meets real-world application. This $20 million facility is revolutionizing animal nutrition and production with its advanced capabilities in grain and forage production, precise diet formulations, and innovative processing technologies. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the Feed Technology Center and be inspired by the future of animal nutrition.
Illinois Natural History @ Research Park
Embark on a Fascinating Pre-Conference Journey through Illinois Natural History! Get ready to dive into the world of science before the conference kicks off with an exclusive Pre-Conference Tour of the Illinois Natural History exhibits at Research Park, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! Explore three incredible venues: (1) Forbes Natural History Building: Discover the mesmerizing world of mollusks and paleontology. (2) Robert Evers Lab: Delve into the intricate realms of fungi and plants. (3) Natural Resources Studies Annex: Marvel at the diverse collection of mammals. Each space offers a unique glimpse into our natural world and is sure to spark your curiosity!
Committee-Sponsored Mixer
Wrap up your day of exciting and inspiring tours with a tailgate-themed mixer! Join us for a fun evening of yard games, delicious food, and refreshing drinks as we relax and connect before the big event. Don't miss this chance to mingle with colleagues in a laid-back, festive atmosphere!
Hotel Options
iHotel & Convention Center - FULL
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 - FULL
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
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
