About the Conference

ACE and NETC represent groups of professionals who provide communications and information technology expertise to support the extension and outreach missions of colleges and universities across the nation. Because their roles are so closely interconnected, the two groups meet together every second year. This year's conference in Denver, ACE/NETC ver. 2.011, will be one of those combined gatherings.

The conference provides opportunities to exchange information about the latest trends and technologies and to learn from experts in industry and academia. Participants are also exposed to the latest equipment and commercial services through vendor exhibits and by networking with other professionals. Participation is open to all who have an interest in the fields of outreach communications and information technology. Typical attendance at ACE/NETC conferences is about 450.

The Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE) is an international association of over 400 professional communicators, educators, and information technologists. Members are involved in developing communication programs and using current technologies to connect audiences such as natural resource managers, agricultural producers, foresters, families, and community leaders with the latest and best knowledge available at the nation's 75 land-grant universities. ACE/NETC ver 2.011 will be the organization's 95th annual conference.

The National Extension Technology Conference (NETC) is an annual conference rather than an organization. The 2011 conference is the 26th such gathering of information technology professionals. This will be the 10th time the conference has been held in jointly with the annual ACE conference. NETC attendees are typically information technology specialists, extension and outreach educators, and communication professionals seeking to learn and share information about innovative types and uses of information technology.

The synergy created when ACE and NETC meet together resonates in our organizations long after the conference adjourns as communicators and information technology professionals apply new skills and collaborate in new ways to support our universities and organizations.