Extension Professional Associations of Florida

The 4-H Thrive Model: A Framework for Youth Engagement in Extension
Brent Broaddus
Grand Salon 3
Join us for an engaging session on “The 4-H Thrive Model: A Framework for Youth Engagement in Extension” where we will explore how the 4-H Thriving Model enhances youth development through high-quality programs. This session will provide an in-depth understanding of the model’s components, its theoretical foundations, and practical applications in Extension programs.

Introduction to PEARS
Sara Fluer - Client Success Specialist at Canopy, a Public Benefit Company
Grand Salon 1-2
PEARS (Program Engagement and Reporting System) is a web-based software designed to bring consistency to data collection and reporting. As UF/IFAS Extension pilots PEARS throughout 2025, we want to give you a sneak peek of how the system streamlines the reporting process and supports program evaluation. Having the right tools to effectively highlight your work and demonstrate impact to stakeholders is essential - we are excited to introduce you to PEARS and show you how it can help tell your Extension story!

What is an EDIS Doc?
Diana Hagan
Coquina C
What exactly is an EDIS document and what is its role in IFAS Extension? It’s important to understand this in order to effectively make use of EDIS publications in your programs, and especially important to understand when developing and updating an EDIS document as an author. Participants will learn the essential features of EDIS documents; their role in program development; effective ways to adapt, repurpose, and repackage EDIS content for their specific audiences; and the importance of supporting contact and user feedback in the lifecycle of EDIS documents.

Conducting Quantitative Needs Assessments
Matt Benge, Peyton Beattie
Coquina B
Identifying community needs is a key and critical function when developing extension programs; however, many bypass this step because either they don’t have the time, or they don’t know the appropriate strategies or techniques. This workshop will focus on conducting a community needs assessment using quantitative strategies and techniques.

Florida Sea Grant Extension Updates
Maia McGuire
Ponce DeLeon
Participants will be able to hear an overview of the recent Florida Sea Grant site review, learn who the 2024 Don Sweat Award winner is, and have the opportunity to hear from and be heard by your Extension Program Leader.

Preparing for Hurricane Season: Disaster Management and Assessments
Angie Lindsey, Christa Court
Grand Salon 4
This presentation covers a broad overview of the work of FL EDEN and UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program before, during, and after hurricanes. Specific topics will include guidance regarding conducting agriculture and natural resource assessments and information on how these data are used in and communicated during response and recovery efforts. Additional topics will include the role of agriculture and natural resource industry associations and government agencies in disaster management and suggestions for working with these organizations within your own communities. Finally, we will discuss recovery efforts, particularly local community recovery, and the roles Extension might play.

Extension Online Learning is Leveling Up: Discover, Strategize, and Succeed
Katrina Alford, Kaelyn Nelson, Barbra Larson
Coquina A
It’s game time! Extension Online Learning is leveling up. Get ready to find your role and explore how coming changes will enhance both faculty and client experiences. Navigate through the new approaches, strategize your action plan, and build collaborations for course development and delivery.

The Power of Doing: Engaging Youth Through the Power of Experiential Learning
Derby Sale, Stacey Ellison
Grand Salon 3
For any Extension professional that engages with youth audiences, not just 4-H. Break free from rigid scripts and predictable presentations! This session explores how experiential learning can energize youth engagement by focusing on flexibility, interaction, and adapting to group needs. Discover practical strategies to create dynamic, hands-on experiences that leave everyone inspired to take what they learn into the world.

AI in Action: Youseful Demos and Tools
Joe Gasper
Grand Salon 1-2
Putting the you in useful, join a session that dives into generative AI tools at your fingertips. Explore live demos—from Clipchamp's text-to-speech to creating your own personal AI agent with Microsoft Copilot Chat, to UF's custom ChatGPT.com clone, NaviGator Chat. Bring a laptop and have at AI.

EDIS Panel
Diana Hagan, Amy Simonne, Katie Stofer, Saqib Mukhtar, Marcelo Wallau
Coquina C
After a brief overview of what’s new and what’s planned for EDIS and Ask IFAS, a panel of people experienced with the various roles in the publishing process will answer questions and listen to concerns.

Quantifying Impacts
Sebastian Galindo
Coquina B
Join us for an insightful workshop on measuring the impacts of Extension programs! Understanding and assessing impact is crucial for demonstrating the value and effectiveness of Extension. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the process of identifying key outcomes and indicators tailored to their specific programs.

UF/IFAS Hurricane and Disaster Communications Plan
Angie Lindsey, Christa Court, Darryl Palmer, Chris Vivian, Meredith Bauer
Grand Salon 4
This presentation covers the University of Florida IFAS's Hurricane and Disaster Communications Plan, aimed at ensuring effective communication before, during, and after storms. It is designed for UF/IFAS Extension agents to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. Key points include outlining specific duties of communications team members for seamless information flow, providing essential resources like infographics and guidelines for efficient coordination, and highlighting how to access necessary resources and support through Microsoft Teams. The presentation details which audiences to inform at each stage and the importance of clear communication channels, identifies miscommunication mistakes to avoid in community and online communications during disasters, and provides a timeline of actions and communications before, during, and after a storm. Finally, it differentiates between response and recovery phases, emphasizing the role of Extension in long-term recovery.

BINGO! Developing and Teaching Engaging Extension Online Learning Courses
Katrina Alford, Kaelyn Nelson, Barbra Larson
Coquina A
Avoid creating online courses that are death by PowerPoint. Discover ways to create and facilitate engaging Extension Online Learning courses. By the end of this session, you will be saying BINGO (possibly literally, figuratively), ‘Extension Online Learning courses can be engaging’.