~~The Cooperative Extension Service relies on volunteers to extend the reach of extension programs.  A well maintained 4-H program should include volunteer training, recognition and motivation. For the past nine years, a team of agents, volunteers and specialists have created a premier conference titled “Kentucky Volunteer Forum” or KVF to address basic needs and beyond of volunteer development. This conference is held every two years with the last held in 2016.  The intent of the conference is to provide workshops to increase skills and competency, recognize volunteers for program accomplishments, and provide networking opportunities. A total of 131 workshops were offered in 13 different project areas as well as 8 seminars on wheels.  The conference included recognition events which recognized a total of 44 adult volunteers and 10 teens for program achievement and 101 teens who completed ten years of 4-H membership. A total of 761 volunteers, agents, specialists and others from 100 counties attended the Kentucky Volunteer Forum in 2016, the 2nd largest attendance since inception.  This reporting agent was on the 2016 KVF planning committee which included 36 agents, volunteers and specialists.  Planning began 15 months prior to the event and included 16 sub-committees which planned, coordinated, conducted, and evaluated the conference.  A follow-up online evaluation was sent to conference delegates in 2017 to determine if volunteers utilized their new skills to impact their county program and/or beyond.  Survey results included: 48% indicated that their volunteer role had changed or expanded due to their participation in the 2016 KVF, 94% of respondents indicated that workshops were the most useful part of the conference, 86% indicated they acquired/gained different information to utilize with their club, group or program, 25% said that they expanded or revamped a club, group or program, 18% started a new club, group or program and 6.5% became a volunteer leader or co-leader. Other results include: 87% have continued to volunteer, 98% increased their level of knowledge, 86% became more energized and motivated, 69% increased their level of involvement in the county program, 74% developed a new skill and 66% developed or offered a new program, project or activity.Floyd County had two adult leaders and three teen leaders attend the forum. After attending the conference, the three teen leaders were motivated to teach leadership lessons at the end of each of our Teen Council meetings throughout the year.  This also motivated two to apply for State Teen Council. Our two adult leaders have helped to recruit new adult and teen volunteers for all Extension Programs.  They have also helped to lead our Extension Recognition and Hall of Fame Committees and Banquet.