(07/16/18)
By Scott Ball, ACI Communications & Membership Chair

The 2018 ACI Conference is almost here. Are you excited? You have good reason to be.

Thanks to our hosts from the Missouri Department of Conservation, this year’s agenda looks like another winner, and the after-hours and off-site activities offer plenty of opportunities to mingle, network and enjoy each other’s company.

Here are a few final conference news items…

Dress Codes

• The conference dress code is “conference casual.” This includes jeans and is more relaxed than “business casual.” Bear in mind that hotel conference/meeting rooms can be chilly, so bring some long sleeves if you prefer.
• Springfield in July can be hot. Check your favorite weather app before you pack.
• The theme for this year’s Awards Banquet is a fun and casual “wilderness picnic.” Please feel free to dress according to your favorite outdoor activity, including fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, camping, etc. (but no, not skinny-dipping). Bring your best creativity. There will also be a great photo opportunity for your team.

 
Auction
Don’t forget to bring or send items for the auction. And check out some of the items that will be auctioned off. Payment options include cash, check and credit card (credit card fees may apply). Lucky for us, this year’s auction features the return of Honorary Lifetime Member, and auctioneer extraordinaire, Steve “Wildman” Wilson.

Committee Meetings
All ACI members are welcome (and encouraged) to attend meetings of the Board of Directors and Awards Committee; you don’t have to be a committee member. Check the agenda for dates, times.

BOD, Officer Positions
This year we will elect four new Board members and a Secretary. If you’re interested in a leadership position with ACI, please check out Kim’s column in the May issue of The Balance Wheel.