“To be up on it, you have to be in on it”

During the last few years, I’ve had the good fortune to attend many remarkable events – at the state, regional and national levels relating to agriculture. As a speaker, exhibitor and communications adviser providing official updates for the American Seed Trade Association, and as an agricultural enthusiast, I’ve learned that we are in an ever-changing environment and we as communications and IT professionals always make the necessary adjustments. I’m borrowing the words of a friend who says, “To be up on it – You have to be in on it.”

As budgets continue to be on the chopping block for many universities and organizations, we are asked to do more, often times with less. No longer are we just a (fill in the blank), but we are writers, editors, photographers, videographers, designers, project managers, for print, web and mobile technologies. Once might ask, “How can we possibly overcome these challenges?”

This is where ACE/NETC 2011 can help. This conference brings professionals together with a common interest to discuss these challenges and share solutions. Some of the topics you’ll hear about in June include widgets, social media, new ways to present, writing without jargon, how learning is changing, managing multimedia projects and increasing funding through grassroots efforts.

I think most can agree that one of the best parts of this conference is the networking with colleagues who share similar challenges, issues and work environments across the country. ACE-NETC 2.011 allows us to collaborate on issues and identify new partnerships or opportunities. You’re sure to walk away with at least one thing you can take back and incorporate into your day-to-day job or management repertoire.

Why stop there? Why not give something back to your profession? Contribute a little bit of time, perspective and expertise to ACE and get involved in a special interest group (SIG) and ACE. Now’s your chance to “Get in on it and be up on it.”