Program will provide professional development, program recognition, networking, and educational resources
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On July 19-24 2020, the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents (VAAEA) will host the National Association of County Agricultural Extension Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (NAACA AM/PIC), where approximately 1,500 agriculture and natural resource Extension professionals from across the United States will gather in Virginia Beach to become equipped with improved knowledge and skills for serving their communities. VAAEA members look forward to showcasing Virginia as a prime location to live, work, do business, and explore in addition to highlighting the state’s $91 billion agriculture and forestry industries.
The 2020 NACAA AM/PIC will provide professional development, program recognition, networking, and educational resources to assist Extension personnel in meeting the needs of their clientele. Conference highlights include over fifteen preconference and conference tours to farms, agribusinesses, cultural heritage sites, and recreation sites along with numerous professional improvement sessions, a trade show of vendors from across the country, and meals showcasing Virginia flavor. The conference will recognize outstanding achievements in Extension programming, communication, leadership, and career service, and throughout the week, Extension professionals will showcase successful programs, research projects, and educational methodologies through poster exhibits and presentations. Families and retired Extension professional will participate in special tours and educational activities. The Virginia Beach Convention Center will serve as host site for the 2020 NACAA AM/PIC and attendees will stay at several Virginia Beach hotels.
Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents (VAAEA) is the professional association for Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural research faculty. VAAEA members, with the support of their administration, colleagues, and families and in partnership with the NACAA, are responsible for planning, financing, and hosting the conference. The conference will have an estimated overall economic impact of $1.1 million in Virginia and a Virginia Beach economic impact of $66,000 in consideration of lodging, local transportation, meals, and entertainment, according to figures provided by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available for individuals and businesses seeking to partner with VAAEA to support the conference.
For more information about the 2020 National Association of County Agricultural Extension Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference, visit www.vaaea.org or contact:
Theresa Long Pittman, Co-Chair 2020 VA AM/PIC
P.O. Box 60
Accomac, VA 23301-0060
tpittman@vt.edu or (757) 787-1361 ext. 14
Andy Overbay, Co-Chair 2020 VA AM/PIC
121 Bagley Cir. Suite 434
Marion, VA 24354
aoverbay@vt.edu or (276) 783-5175
About VAAEA: VAAEA functions to assist members in securing additional opportunities for furthering educational advantages, encourage a high standard of professional performance among Extension Agents, promote a high degree of cooperation and loyalty among Extension people, assist in the furthering of ways and means of improving the effectiveness of Cooperative Extension work, advance the basic importance and position of agriculture, 4-H, resource development, and cooperate in carrying out the policies and programs of the Land Grant College. VAAEA is a non-profit organization.
About NACAA: The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) is an organization of professional extension educators that aims to further the professional improvement of its members, improve communication and cooperation among all extension educators, and provide for enhancement of the image of extension and the development of personal growth opportunities for extension professionals.
–Laura Siegle, Virginia Cooperative Extension – Amelia County
