Annual Conference

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Save the Date!

The 2025 Extension Annual Conference will take place November 19-20 at I Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign.

Extension Excellence Award Recipients

Individual Extension Excellence

Across the state, more than 650 University of Illinois Extension employees work to serve the communities where they live and help tackle local issues with research-based solutions. Illinois Extension honored 11 outstanding individuals whose efforts demonstrate significant public value and impact on staff, volunteers, program participants, and partners at its annual conference in November.

Excellence in Innovation

Dance is an art form that moves us while having fun. Research shows that children who dance report better stress release, improved focus and concentration, and a better sense of self and freedom. University of Illinois Extension awarded 4-H Youth Development Specialist Danielle Gapinski the Excellence in Innovation award for her field-based program, Get Up and Dance!

Program Evaluation Excellence

Captivating the minds of middle school students is no easy feat, but University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black has charted a course that increases engagement and has measurable learning outcomes.

Inclusive Excellence

As an organization, University of Illinois Extension values inclusivity and acknowledges and respects the similarities, differences, and contributions of all people and communities in identifying new ideas and approaches. Extension staff strive to include everyone and create a culture of belonging in our community outreach and engagement efforts.

Promotional Excellence

University of Illinois Extension has connected every county in Illinois with life-changing research to improve lives for more than a century. However, many community members are unaware of the variety of local Extension programs for all ages. To raise awareness about Extension programs, Montgomery County staff organized two "Taste of Extension" events in 2023 and 2024.

Technology Excellence

In a world where technological advances happen daily, digital access and literacy are crucial for future generations to close opportunity gaps. University of Illinois Extension works to connect communities with technology to improve the quality of living through digital education and training programs.

Interdisciplinary Team Excellence

Establishing connections is essential for the expansion of Illinois Extension. Interdisciplinary work shows how collaboration across programs brings valuable knowledge to new audiences and builds lasting relationships.

Team Excellence

The core of University of Illinois Extension’s mission is to help individuals and communities improve by connecting them with life-changing research-based information. Every year, staff across the state offer thousands of in-person and remote programs to meet this mission.

Annual Conference 2024

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Charting the Course

Thank you for joining us in “Charting the Course” at the Illinois Extension Annual Conference. Our conference sessions and activities helped staff navigate change as we continue to work with deliberate intention to meet the needs of Illinois residents and the communities we serve. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the growth and resiliency of Illinois Extension as we move forward toward greater innovation and impact.

View photos from the conference below.

Conference Photos