Agenda

View the 2023 Conference Program to plan your conference experience.

State of the Industry

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
The California almond industry continues to face unprecedented challenges. During the annual State of the Industry session, you will get a full picture of the current global, agricultural and almond industry economics and trends. Almond Board Chair Alexi Rodriguez, new CEO Clarice Turner and outgoing CEO Richard Waycott, along with other experts, will address learnings from this year and review aggressive new initiatives to drive global demand in the face of changing economic forces and consumer behavior, and they will detail recent strides in production and human nutrition.

Understanding Funding Opportunities

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Technical assistance and grants can aid on-farm efficiency and financial resiliency for almond growers, particularly during difficult economic times. Alongside this year’s upgraded Incentive and Grower Support Zone outside Ballroom A, this year's grower breakfast will provide more information on grants and incentives, directly from experts. The panel will share insights related to selecting appropriate grants and completing applications and will be open to audience questions.

Building Global Demand for California Almonds

Thursday, Dec. 7, 8:00-915 a.m.
The No. 1 priority of the Almond Board is building long-term, worldwide demand for California almonds. In fact, 80% of Almond Board funding goes to driving global demand. In this general session for all attendees, you'll hear about the current macro trends that are impacting consumer purchase decisions and learn what the Almond Board is doing to drive demand now and into the future. Session attendees will have a chance to win a signed football from Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

Lunch: How Honey Butter Almonds, and Creativity, Conquered the World

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
HBAF is a true phenomenon in Asia and around the globe. The company launched its now-hugely popular honey butter almond brand in South Korea nearly a decade ago during a craze for honey butter products, subsequently expanding to become a major influence in Asia – so much so that HBAF is a tourist favorite as both a treat and a souvenir for visitors to Korea. The now-global business is built on creativity, innovation, a keen eye for opportunities and a winning combination of taste, branding and packaging design. Come hear the story of an almond company’s journey whose products quickly rose to become one of Saveur Magazine’s Top 100 Favorites from the World of Food.

Gala Dinner

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
The Almond Conference annual gala returns on Wednesday night again, with the same combination of industry fellowship, sumptuous dining and local music. It will again start with a pre-meal cocktail hour, then after dinner recognize the annual Almond Achievement Award winners and celebrate and say goodbye to Richard Waycott, who is leaving the Almond Board of California after 21 years of work for the almond industry and for all his friends in it. Enjoy this evening of food, friendship, music and festivities before heading out for this year’s unofficial celebrations.

Tuesday, December 5

8:00 a.m. - Registration Opens
10:30 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Food Trucks Available
12:30 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
1:00 p.m. - Expo Hall Opens
2:00 p.m. - State of the Industry
3:30-6:00 p.m. - Dedicated Trade Show Time and Opening Reception

Expo Hall is open from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 6

7:00 a.m. - Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. - Grower Breakfast Session
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Dedicated Trade Show Time + Poster Session
10:30 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
11:30 a.m. - Keynote Luncheon
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Food Trucks Available
1:00 to 2:30 p.m. - Dedicated Trade Show Time + Poster Session
2:45 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
6:00 p.m. - Gala Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Gala Dinner and Awards

Expo Hall is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 7

7:00 a.m. - Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. - Global Marketing General Session
9:05 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Dedicated Trade Show Time
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Food Trucks Available
11:30 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
12:00 p.m. - Trade Show Closes

Trade Show is open from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

How to View Past Conference Sessions and Presentations

Final video recordings are posted to the Almond Board of California's YouTube playlist, "The Almond Conference 2022", and available at Almonds.com/Conference.

Final presentation slides are also available from each session, posted to Almonds.com/Conference