2026 Convention Sessions
Wednesday, April 29th
Speakers:
Alexi Rodriguez, Almond Alliance
Erin Norwood, Norwood Associates
Cole Rojewski, The Bernhardt Group
As the almond industry faces continued economic and regulatory pressure, advocacy remains critical. President & CEO Alexi Rodriguez, alongside Erin Norwood of Norwood & Associates and Cole Rojewski of The Bernhardt Group, will discuss the policy and political dynamics affecting agriculture and what the Almond Alliance is doing to protect industry interests, advance practical solutions, and help shape the future.
Speaker:
Clarice Turner, The Almond Board of California
Join Clarice Turner, CEO of the Almond Board of California, for a discussion on the global trends, market dynamics, and innovation shaping the future of the almond industry. This session will explore the forces influencing demand, competition, and opportunity, along with the emerging ideas and advancements helping position California almonds for long-term success.
Speaker:
Matt Woolf, Terrain
Matt Woolf of Terrain will present an economic analysis of the almond industry using a SWOT framework. The session will explore the market fundamentals, structural challenges, and emerging opportunities shaping the sector, offering attendees a clear perspective on the economic realities influencing almonds today.
Speakers:
Erin Norwood, Norwood Associates
Cole Rojewski, The Bernhardt Group
Christy Wilson, Wilson Public Affairs
Kelly Calkin, Calkin Public Affairs
Grab a front-row seat for a lively insider briefing on the political storms brewing in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. ahead of the 2026 elections. Veteran political strategists Christy Wilson of Wilson Public Affairs and Kelly Calkin of Calkin Public Affairs will break down the race for California’s next governor, the ballot initiatives that could reshape state policy, key legislative contests that will determine the makeup of the Capitol, and the congressional races that will shape control and priorities in Washington.
Moderated by the Almond Alliance’s lobbyists, Erin Norwood of Norwood Associates and Cole Rojewski of The Bernhardt Group, this fast-paced conversation will offer candid insights, smart predictions, and a few behind-the-scenes stories about what’s really happening across the campaign trail.
Thursday, April 30th
Speakers:
Tom Carter, Harris Woolf
Dave Thiel, Cortez Growers Assoc.
Join Committee Chair Tom Carter and Vice Chair Dave Thiel for the Huller Sheller Breakfast. This session will cover the latest hull market updates, explore opportunities for alternative hull uses, and highlight emerging topics of key importance to huller shellers.
Speaker:
Jenny Pierre, State Water Contractors
Examine California’s water landscape: what has been accomplished, where we stand today, and the key gaps that remain. We’ll explore what true water security looks like for both agriculture and urban communities, and outline the priorities the next administration must address to ensure a reliable, sustainable water future for the state.
Speaker:
Stacy Henderson, Henderson Hatfield
As leaders of your organization, your management team can either help you reduce liability exposure, or increase your risk. Your management team is vested with significant responsibility to oversee your employees and ensure they are effectively enforcing your policies. This presentation provides practical guidance to assist you in training your management team regarding the importance of understanding, respecting, and enforcing the laws and policies that govern the employment relationship, and provides tips for how to appropriately correct and discipline employees who violate your policies. In this session, we will explore the role leaders play in building strong and effective teams, appropriately addressing employee performance issues, and minimizing liability exposure. This session also provides an opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and discuss realistic challenges your management team has, or will, face in their role as the leaders of your organization.