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

Registration will open in March

Lodging and Travel

Hotel Accommodations

Two hotel options are available for the 2026 ACE Annual Conference. The Northern Hotel serves as the primary conference hotel, with additional rooms available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Billings. The hotels are conveniently located just a two-minute walk from each other, making it easy for attendees to access conference events.

Northern Hotel | Reservation Link Coming Soon

Room Rates

King Room – $189.00

Double Room – $209.00

Airport Transportation

Complimentary airport shuttle service available both ways.

Check-In: 3:00 PM

Check-Out: 11:00 AM

Parking: ACE Rate – Self-parking is complimentary.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings | Reservation Link Coming Soon

Room Rate

$169.00

Airport Transportation

Complimentary airport shuttle service available both ways.

Check-In: 3:00 PM

Check-Out: 12:00 PM

Parking: Overnight parking is $5.00 per day at the 1st Avenue North Garage or the front lot.

Events

Sunday, June 15 

2026 ACE Annual Conference - Billings Mustangs Baseball Game Opportunity 

The Billings Mustangs, an independent baseball team of the Pioneer League (a partner league of Major League Baseball), will host a game on Sunday, June 14 at 1:05pm. This is a full day before the conference begins, but an opportunity for those arriving early to attend and socialize. This form will indicate your interest in attending the game in Billings. More information and a formal sign-up form will be sent closer to the ACE conference, to allow for any changes to travel plans. 

Multiple ticket options are available, including those for small groups. 
- $5-$15 General Admission Ticket
- $33 Ticket (includes shaded seating, one beverage, and an appetizer). 

2026 ACE Annual Conference - Billings Mustangs Baseball Game Opportunity  – Fill out form

For questions or other information, visit their site here: https://www.billingsmustangs.com/landing/index 
or reach out to John Hawley at john.hawley2@montana.edu 

Speakers

Keynote Speaker 

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.

2026 Hermance Speaker 

Walter C. Fleming is Professor Emeritus at Montana State University, Bozeman.  He taught at Montana State for 47 years, serving as Department Head of the Department of Native American Studies (NAS) for over 25 years.  He retired in 2025 with the rank of Full Professor and was accorded Emeritus status by the Montana State Board of Regents.

Fleming was born on the Crow Reservation, Montana and raised at Lame Deer, Montana, on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. He is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University, Billings), a master’s from Montana State University, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Kansas.

He is the author of three books, eleven book chapters and numerous articles.  His areas of study are Northern Plains tribal cultures and American Indian history.  He taught a wide range of courses in NAS, including American Indian Literature, Federal Indian Policy and Law, and An Introduction to Native American Studies. 

Fleming was honored as Educator of the Year on two occasions and was a Montana “Governor’s Humanities Award” recipient.  Upon his retirement, he was honored by the MSU Alumni Foundation for his contributions to the planning, fund-raising, and construction of American Indian Hall on the MSU campus.

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

 2026's Community Project 

This year’s ACE Community Project will align with our conference theme of Trailheads and Trailblazers by supporting an organization that helps individuals find their path forward.

We’re proud to partner with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) — an organization dedicated to improving lives by providing essential services such as housing, food security, and workforce development. Learn more about their impactful work here: https://www.thehrdc.org/about-us

As part of this effort, we’re inviting attendees to simply purchase and pack a pair of new socks to bring with you to the conference. Socks are one of the most requested items for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, yet they are often the least donated.

This small act can make a big difference—providing comfort, dignity, and care to those navigating challenging circumstances, and truly reflecting the spirit of trailblazers helping others along the way.

Thank you for helping us make an impact!