June 15-17, 2026

2026 ACE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Billings Montana

United States of America


2026 ACE Annual Conference

              

Benefits of Attending

Attending the annual ACE conference offers participants the opportunity to stay updated on the latest communication strategies and tools within the agricultural and environmental sectors. It also provides a dynamic platform for networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds, allowing for collaboration and knowledge exchange in one of our nation’s vibrant cities. Attendees will have access to hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and valuable resources to enhance their communication impact. Overall, this event empowers individuals to advance their careers and amplify innovation in their fields.

Who Should Attend

The Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) hosts an annual conference ideal for communication professionals, educators, and researchers in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends, foster innovative collaborations, and enhance their impact across various sectors. This conference is designed for those who are eager to level up their skills, engage with like-minded experts, and grow within their professions. If you are passionate about improving communication within these vital industries, this event is for you!

Visit Billings


Immerse yourself in a place where bold ideas are sought after, where all are encouraged to bring their personal flourish. Here, innovation is a way of life. In this city, the beat flows, together we’re dancing to the rhythm. Forward. Now, it's your turn to grab hold of that energy, where you'll remember not just the meals or the celebrations. What you'll remember is how we made you feel. Come experience Milwaukee–where fresh meets fearless every day.

Registration will open in March


Lodging and Travel

Reservation Link Coming Soon

Northern Hotel

Check in: 3:00 pm 

Check out: 11:00 am

Parking ACE Rate, Self Parking Free


Events

Coming Soon

Speakers

Dr. Shane Doyle’s Career and Contributions

Dr. Shane Doyle is a member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and hails from the town of Crow Agency, located along the banks of the historic Little Bighorn River near the Crow Fair encampment, also known as the Tipi Capital of the World. His 30-year career as an educator and artist is marked by a deep commitment to Native American history, education, and cultural preservation.

Dr. Doyle’s scholarship and artistic contributions are wide-ranging and diverse, spanning numerous communities and cultural groups throughout Montana and across the Northern Plains. He is a renowned designer of educational curricula that center Native American culture and history, as well as a writer and film producer who works both in front of and behind the camera to help tell stories that highlight Indigenous resilience, knowledge, and beauty.

In addition to his academic and creative work, Dr. Doyle shares his voice and hand drum to inspire audiences through traditional songs. His dedication as a cultural ambassador has been widely recognized, including his leadership in commemorating Yellowstone National Park’s 150th anniversary with the installation of the first-ever All-Nations Tipi Village.

Dr. Doyle currently serves as the North American Indigenous Right Relations Director for The Nature Conservancy and is based in Bozeman, Montana.

Schedule

June 15-17, 2026, 2025

Monday, June 15


Tuesday, June 16


Wednesday, June 17




DATE AND TIME

Mon, Jun 15-17, 2026

LOCATION

Northern Hotel

19 N Broadway

Billings, MT 59101

MAP

PRICING

Member

Regular 

Late 


Non-Member

(includes membership through February 28, 2026)

Regular

Late 



Become a member

Co-Chairs

  • Dave Keto – University of Wyoming 
  • John Hawley – Montana State University Extension

    Committee Members

    • Sara Adlington – Montana State University Extension
    • Melissa Arndt – University of Maine Cooperative Extension
    • Peter Bishop – University of Wyoming
    • Laura Fischer – Texas Tech University
    • Vicki Hebb – South Dakota
    • Cadee Hess – Montana State University Extension
    • Michelle Olgers – Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
    • Ricky Telg - University of Florida

      Ex-officio & Liaisons 

      • Stacey Stearns - ACE President-Elect
      • Latasha Ford ACE President-Elect
      • Kay Ledbetter - ACE Vice-President
      • Jennifer Alexander ACE Development Director
      • Jason Ellis ACE Treasurer


      © Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences

      ACE Office: 847-647-8861

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