(07/16/18)
By Kim Nix, Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources

Kim Nix, ACI President

The ACI conference is less than two weeks away – have you started packing yet? This will be my 16th ACI conference, and I’m just as excited to attend this one as I was the first. The Missouri staff have put together an awesome agenda with the theme of “Connecting the Dots: An Integrated Communication Approach.”

In addition to the packed schedule of presentations, I’m looking forward to several highlights during the conference. One of those is a visit to the Johnny Morris National Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium. In a recent USA Today poll, it was voted America’s best aquarium. Got to remember to bring my camera!

An optional event Tuesday night is the Springfield Cardinals baseball game, and one lucky (i.e. highest bidding) ACIer will be throwing out the first pitch. This unique experience will be auctioned off Monday night during our annual auction. I’m pleased to announce the return of Steve “Wildman” Wilson, who will serve as our auctioneer after an absence of several years. Proceeds from the auction help defray the cost of the conference.

Wednesday night is the awards banquet, where we will recognize states whose communications projects have been deemed excellent in more than 20 categories.

I’ll be handing over the gavel to the next ACI president on Wednesday night as well. I’ve enjoyed my two years serving as president for such a valuable organization. We will be electing new board members as well as officers at the business meeting Wednesday morning. If you’re interested in serving, details will be provided during the conference.

I hope to see you in Missouri!