By Joy Crosby, ACN Board President
June often feels like a transition month to me. It marks the end of our budget year at the Georgia Peanut Commission, and the time when our new plan of work is approved by the Board of Directors to begin in July. It can also be a challenging and time-consuming month as our team works to wrap up one budget year while preparing for the next.
The same holds true with my role as president of ACN. I can hardly believe my year as president is about to end at this year’s Ag Media Summit.
When I think back on my memories from Ag Media Summit over the years, a lot of moments come to mind. I remember stepping off the airplane into the intense heat wave in Palm Springs, California; the cardboard boat contest in Tampa, Florida; the photography workshop which included riding four-wheelers with a GoPro in Arizona; and seeing all the Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans. Of course, who could forget our famous welcome parties and the incredible outfits each year, from the Roaring ’20s theme to NASCAR, favorite sports teams, Vikings and “Party Like It’s 1999.” No matter the year, ACN members have always brought creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun.
And then there’s our very own Quasimojo band, made up of talented ACN members who have provided plenty of memorable entertainment over the years. We have certainly shared some great times together.
While we enjoy the fun and fellowship that AMS provides, the educational workshops and speakers are always top-notch. Every year, I leave with new ideas I can bring back to the office, a better understanding of emerging trends in communications and new contacts within the agricultural industry. Most importantly, I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the work we do as agricultural communicators.
So, if you are still on the fence about attending this year’s Ag Media Summit then I encourage you to do so. Our regular registration rate ends on June 25 so don’t delay. You can check out the full schedule online at agmediasummit.com.
If you are planning to attend AMS, I encourage you to make the most of every opportunity. Attend a session outside your comfort zone, reconnect with longtime friends, introduce yourself to someone new and take advantage of the many chances to learn and grow. Before you know it, these moments will become some of your favorite AMS memories as well.
– Crosby is Editor Southeastern Peanut Farmer and Assistant Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.