VCON26 VCON26
ACES Virtual conference
Sept. 16-18, 2026
You know you’ll come away refreshed and recharged, but how do you convince your boss that you need to attend an ACES conference?
Your boss may not be like the Bill Lumbergh character from “Office Space,” but in a tense economy, perhaps there’s a reason they are quick to say no. Here are a few points for talking through the typical concerns.
This is a chance for inspiration with extraordinary editors and colleagues from across the country: “I’ll be attending educational sessions and events with people just like me, so I’ll come back with more energy, ideas and new methods that will make me more valuable and productive.
This conference offers an excellent value. It’s nearly three full days of training, connections and experiences that can’t be purchased at a better price. ACES is the least expensive journalism and editing conference.
Core content focus
Words and Language
Language trends, plain language, lexicography, inclusiveness, bias and sensitivity, jargon, cross-cultural language use, voice and tone preservation, and styles.
Core Editing Skills
Grammar, syntax, tools, fact-checking and research, techniques for editing (e.g., big picture editing or sentence level).
Business of Editing
Running your own business, project management, client management, fiscal management, marketing, setting boundaries, and networking.
Soft Skills for Editors
Time management, critical thinking, attention to detail, professionalism, collaboration, relationship building, leadership, empathy, adaptability, and communication.
Overall benefits of going to an ACES conference – whether in-person or virtual
- ACES is recognized as the authority on editing excellence and an advocate for editors.
- The membership dues directly support the profession, pay for practical resources, promote professional standards, and provide members with specific benefits. The membership also provides a discount on registration.
- Learn from respected experts and experienced practitioners.
- Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices.
- Gain fresh ideas and inspiration.
- Ask questions and interact with presenters.
- Invest in your career growth and professional confidence.
- Access resources, handouts, and presentation materials.
- Return with new knowledge, ideas, and connections that benefit both you and your clients or organization.
- In addition to the countless idea-generating presentations, sessions and workshops, ACES offers programs specifically designed to increase accuracy and productivity. Plus, attendees can bring back handouts from the sessions and share what you learned with everyone. (Editors love brown-bag sessions.)
Benefits of attending a virtual conference
Earn professional development without the added costs and logistics of travel.
Lower registration rates make professional development more affordable.
No time away from home or extended time away from work.
Easier to fit sessions around work and personal commitments.
No commuting between sessions or venues.
Access to high-quality education regardless of geographic location
ACES VCON sessions are recorded, so you have up to 90 days of on-demand access.
Continue learning while minimizing disruption to your daily routine.
Additional benefit of attending an in-person conference
Sure, there will be networking receptions, but they’ll provide serious interaction with teachers and professors, innovators, established editors and vendors. It’s an opportunity to allow everyone to share information, brainstorm ideas and solve problems.