We held our EC meeting March 13, 2026.
Conference Planning
Considerable progress has been made for the upcoming conference. Three speakers have been secured including keynote speaker Dr. Chaisty Warren English from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. We are currently working on food arrangements. Registration is open with 35 attendees to date, including 6 AgNIC participants. Program details are available on the conference website. Please register now to attend USAIN 2026.
Awards
The Service to the Profession Award and a Special Achievement Awards have been finalized. All nominees will be notified in advance of public announcements.
Elections and Future Conference Hosting
The slate for Director positions is strong, but nominations are still needed for Secretary and President‑Elect
There are no hosts yet for the 2028 conference. Please consider hosting for USAIN 2028.
The group explored hosting options including asking the National Agriculture Library and previous conference hosts. We discussed creating a Conference Hosting Scholarship to help reduce barriers for institutions unable to meet financial hosting requirements.
Action Plan Development
Work continues on the 2026–2029 Action Plan. The planning team is using data from the Fall 2025 membership survey and may incorporate goals from the 2023–2026 plan. A full draft will be presented at the April 10 Executive Committee meeting. A planning session, possibly during the conference or after, may be held to help identify ways we can all work towards our action plan goals.
Bylaws and Procedures
Proposed revisions to the Bylaws were reviewed, including stylistic edits, updates to retiree privileges, and moving all voting to electronic formats. The committee discussed opening Executive Committee meetings to all active USAIN members; the Secretary will distribute Zoom links and agendas going forward. Additional revisions will be voted on via ballot before the April meeting.
Additional Updates
- Treasurer’s report will be shared via email.
- No updates from committees or interest groups.
- No new business was introduced.
- Work on the Annual Report is continuing.
