By Joy Crosby, ACN Past President
Agricultural communicators are working in a media landscape that changes almost daily. From artificial intelligence and digital asset management to shrinking attention spans and the continued importance of strong writing, today’s communicators are being asked to do more, and do it better with more tools, more platforms and more distractions than ever before.
That’s why you should make plans to join the Ag Communicators Network Fall Regional Workshop, “More Action, Less Distraction,” Nov. 17 in Kansas City, Missouri. Hosted at Farm Journal Headquarters, this one-day workshop is designed to give agricultural communicators practical ideas, fresh perspectives and opportunities to connect with colleagues facing many of the same challenges.
The day begins with a writing session led by Kevin Draper of The New York Times, followed by a hands-on look at digital asset management with Sam Craft of PhotoShelter. The session, “Why You Should Give a DAM,” will explore how communicators can better organize, archive and distribute visual assets while addressing questions about metadata, storage, search and usage rights.
Keeping audiences engaged is another key focus. Alyssa Walsh of Sweet Briar Creative will lead a session examining industry trends and the ongoing challenge of capturing audience attention in an increasingly distracted world.
After lunch and a tour of Farm Journal’s facilities, the workshop will turn to one of the most talked-about topics in communications: artificial intelligence. “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of AI” will feature Christy Goldsmith of the University of Missouri, Alyssa Walsh of Sweet Briar Creative, and Chelsea Good of Good and Associates. The off-the-record panel, moderated by Tyne Morgan of U.S. Farm Report, will provide an opportunity for an open discussion of the ethical, moral and legal questions surrounding AI and its growing role in agricultural communications.
A welcome reception hosted by AdFarm will be held Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., providing an additional opportunity to connect with fellow communicators. Attendees can also extend their Kansas City stay for a few more days by attending the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Convention, Nov. 18-20.
Registration closes Tuesday, Nov. 10. Members of other agricultural communications organizations and students are eligible for ACN member rates. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills, explore new tools and reconnect with colleagues in Kansas City.
– Crosby is Editor Southeastern Peanut Farmer and Assistant Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.