Spring 2025 Regional Workshop May 14th in Chicago!
The program for this one-day event in Chicago on May 14 is packed with a great lineup of speakers who will enhance your skills and provide practical tips for your daily communications work.
Information
Join agricultural communications professionals for a day of networking, professional development and skill-building in Chicago at the McDonald’s Headquarters that will leave you saying, “I’m Lovin’ It”.
This one-day workshop, led by leaders in the ag and news industry will feature:
- Tips on how to write on sensitive topics
- Pointers on writing and photography
- Networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders
- Commodity market insights for this crop season and beyond
The address is 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago IL, 60607.
Who Should Attend? ACN members and content creators working across the agricultural industry who want to enhance their communications skills and collaborate with others.
Questions? Contact Katie Knapp at [email protected]
Cost
ACN Members: $115
Non-Members $250
Students: $49
Schedule
More information coming soon!
Start: 8:00 am CDT
End: 4:00 pm CDT
“The committee has put together an agenda with something for every type of ACN member,” said Katie Knapp, ACN board member and one of the event organizers. “There will be skill-building sessions on writing, videography and media relations in the morning. In the afternoon, we will get our hands dirty so-to-speak talking about the ag economy with a group of commodity association leaders, economists and analysts.”
This longer-format session will allow attendees to dig deep into a topic that affects all corners of the ag industry.
“It’s designed to go in depth on how to effectively cover this ever-changing and vast topic from whichever side of the desk or industry you work,” Knapp explained. “You will come away with new skills, contacts, and useful content.”
The group will also tour one of McDonald’s research and innovation labs.
Hotel
25 South Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661
5 Reasons to Attend ACN Regional Workshops
Skill Enhancement
ACN Regional Workshops are designed to provide hands-on training and practical experience in a specific area. By attending, you can acquire or improve valuable skills that are directly applicable to your profession. The knowledge and skills gained in an ACN Workshop are often immediately applicable to your work. You can start using what you’ve learned right away, which can lead to improved job performance and outcomes.
Knowledge Expansion
ACN Workshops often delve deep into a particular subject matter, so they provide in-depth information, insights, and the latest updates in your field, allowing you to stay current and well-informed. As you acquire new knowledge and skills, your confidence in your abilities tends to grow. This newfound confidence can positively impact your work and career progression. ACN Workshops are highly interactive. You can engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback from instructors and fellow participants. This active learning approach often leads to better understanding and retention of information.
Networking Opportunities
Workshops bring together professionals with similar interests and goals, which is conducive to creating new connections and building meaningful connections with peers, industry experts, and potential collaborators. ACN Workshops can also open doors to new career opportunities. They may introduce you to potential employers, clients, or mentors who can help advance your career.
Professional Development & Personal Growth
Attending workshops can be valuable to your professional development. Many employers value employees who actively seek opportunities for skill development and growth. Beyond the professional benefits, workshops can contribute to your personal growth. They challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, learn from others, and adapt to new situations. If you have a particular issue or challenge in your work, workshops can provide tailored solutions and strategies that you can apply directly to address these issues.
Inspiration
ACN Workshops often feature guest speakers or thought leaders who can inspire you with their experiences and success stories. This inspiration can motivate you to set higher goals and strive for excellence in your field. In today’s rapidly evolving world, lifelong learning is essential. ACN Workshops offer an accessible and practical way to engage in continual learning and personal development.
How to Get Your Company to Pay for Your Professional Development and Training
Tell them what learning opportunities you’re interested in.
Learning opportunities come in various formats, from webinars and courses to workshops and conferences. Let your employer know which topics interest you and will add to your professional development.
Show the return on investment.
After telling your employer what trainings are beneficial to you, you need to show them the return on investment you receive, but also what the company receives.
For example, our workshops often cover topics such as photography, writing, artificial intelligence, design and more. You can tell your employer you’ll become a more well-rounded professional by learning the latest in these fields. This can make you more effective at work, which can increase sales and lead generation.
Make a specific request.
Give your employer the details for the training, whether it’s a book, a link to an event, or an email you received. Tell them the time off you’ll need and when. Lastly, don’t forget to include associated costs like travel, meals, registration costs, and lodging. Provide all the information in one ask to your employer with a timeline, why this training is important, and a financial estimate.
For example, you might say:
“If the company pays the registration cost of this ACN workshop at $XXX, I estimate I can increase sales and lead generation in the company, improve my skills in writing, design, photography, and source organic and relevant stories for the company, while also creating connections that will benefit myself and the company in the future and staying up to date with the latest in the industry.”