2004 Conference--New Orleans.

The photo essay at the right captures some of the many highlights of the 2004 ACEI Annual Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 14-17. This year's conference theme was "Practices, Policies, Procedures ... and All That Jazz." After a full day packed with more than 75 exciting and highly informative sessions, the Annual Conference officially began with the Opening General Session, featuring Darlyne G. Nemeth, Clinical and Neuropsychologist at the Drusilla Clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In Dr. Nemeth's presentation, "The 3 P's of Anger Management: Be Prepared, Proactive, and Positive," she asked the audience whether our educational policies, practices, and procedures create an emotionally safe environment that fosters learning. As educators and parents, we can learn to avoid what Nemeth refers to as "anger jabber" when we speak by concentrating on effective interaction--coupling practice with preparation, policy with proactivity, and procedures with positivity to promote anger management.

The days and nights that followed the opening kickoff were filled with more than 200 stimulating presentations and special committee-sponsored sessions. The latter included thought-provoking and timely presentations on: Honoring Teachers: A World of Perspectives; Children's Fears of War and Terrorism; Keeping Children At the Center: Decreasing the Retention Factor of the No Child Left Behind Act; Issues in Early Childhood Today; Developmental Continuity Across the Preschool and Primary Grades; Contrasts and Similarities: Preschool Education in the U.S. and the Middle East; and Equipping Educators for Advocacy--to name only a few. More information about each of these presentations, as well as all concurrent sessions and research presentations, can be found on ACEI's Web site, at www.acei.org.

Conference events included Louisiana Night, featuring New Orleans-style cuisine and entertainment by Amanda Shaw, a 12-year-old fiddle virtuoso; Infancy/ Early Childhood Committee and Intermediate/Middle Childhood Committee Focus Luncheons with presentations on "The Task Force for Global Guidelines: An Early Childhood Effort for the 21st Century" and "Helping Intermediate Children Cope With Fear, Stress, and Trauma: A Developmental Model for Schools in a Turbulent World." The Author's Luncheon introduced Mike Artell, author of more than 35 books. His presentation, "Hooked on Humor," explored the important role that humor has played in his life and his writings for teachers, parents, and children. In addition, the World Organization for the Education Of Children (OMEP) sponsored a special breakfast meeting titled "Educational Challenges in Rural Jamaica," with Gwendolyn Coe from the University of Wisconsin. The Annual Conference concluded with an outstanding Closing General Session presentation by Dr. Betty Cox titled "How Politics Affects Policies, Procedures, and Practices in Education." Her address focused on how schools operate in a complex web of political relationships that directly affect classrooms and teachers and how educators can be empowered to positively influence the political process.

The Annual Conference is a wonderful time for all ACEI members, and those who share our vision for children, to come together to exchange information and ideas, help inspire new classroom teachers, participate in various special meeting events, and enjoy the camaraderie of the Annual Conference. For many of us, the Annual Conference is a once-a-year opportunity to enjoy the company of our many ACEI friends and colleagues worldwide. New Orleans provided the perfect setting to experience the Annual Conference and the rich heritage and ambiance of the South.

The Annual Conference has become an important center for international exchange. This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of members like Gloria Hearn, 2004 Conference General Chair; Judith Kieff, Program Chair; Lisa Lauer, Local Arrangements Chair; Patricia Morris and Ramona Jean Perkins, Publicity Co-chairs; and Lisa Wenger, ACEI Director of Conferences. We also recognize the outstanding contribution of the following Local Planning Committee members: Bonnie Berg, Charlotte Elmer, Linda Hardie, George Hearn, Carol Mantinit, Dale Norris, Pat Runge, Joan Stander, and Sharon Tipton. It takes three years from start to finish to plan each ACEI Annual Conference and all of these people are to be commended for a job well done.

With many fond memories of New Orleans to cherish and share with others, we now must turn our attention to Washington, D.C., site of the 2005 Annual Conference. Watch for more information about the 2005 conference on our Web site and in Childhood Education. Those involved in planning next year's Annual Conference have been busy working just as hard as the New Orleans group to ensure that everyone who participates in the meeting has a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Take care and have a wonderful summer.