Welcome participants, speakers and exhibitors from across the state and country to the 2009 MACAE Annual Conference, held at beautiful Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, Mich. As of October 16, MACAE has exceeded our projected registrations for this event!

This year’s conference planners went out of their way to set up an amazing group of presenters and sessions. Originally designed to be a two-day event, the planning committee just couldn’t resist adding pre- and post-conference sessions. On Tuesday afternoon, leadership from Michigan Virtual University, Michigan LearnPort, and Michigan Virtual School will discuss how students of all ages are using and are benefiting from online learning in and out of the classroom. Joining us from Kentucky on Wednesday will be Julie Scoskie and Joyce Griffith representing their national award-winning Adult and Continuing Education program. They will share what they have learned over the past few years as they have developed a win-win partnership with their local community college. Joining us on Thursday from the National Community Education Association, Joel Nitzberg will share his expertise in community building and partnering with higher education institutions to enhance local community education programs.

Taking a pro-active approach to childhood obesity, the Early Care and Education session, “I am Moving, I am Learning,” led by Ann McNeil and Tammy Goldsmith will use music and movement to demonstrate how districts can attain healthy goals. Another exciting session this year for Enrichment & Recreation is being presented by Greg Marsello of the national Learning Resources Network (LERN). Greg will cover marketing and operation strategies that will help community ed directors run efficient, self-sustaining programs. Winding up the conference is a very exciting session to be facilitated by Kent Roberts of the National Civility Center. This Discovery Café has led to innovative changes across the world and now comes to MACAE.

In the tradition of many district community education programs, MACAE will be hosting its own Community Ed Olympic Games and Greek Fest on Wednesday evening. We are fortunate once again to have the talents and creativity of Linda Cianferra and Laura McCall of Rochester Community Schools, as well as financial support from Oakland County Community and Adult Education (OCCAE) regional to make this a guaranteed conference hit with everyone. The event will actually kick off at the Exhibitors’ Reception at 4:40 p.m. with a “Torch Lighting Ceremony” being coordinated by Karyn Goven of Novi Community Education, and then move into the full-fledge Olympic Games in James Bay Hall at 6:30 p.m. And if you like Greek cuisine, you will love the menu planned for this event.

Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make this week one to remember, and for the attendees and exhibitors for making it possible.