With three days of research findings on topics including irrigation and pollination, a trade show with more than 250 almond-specific exhibitors, and opportunities for personal interaction with researchers, pest control advisers (PCAs), and representatives from all areas of the industry, this is one Almond Conference not to be missed.

Onsite registration for The Almond Conference, Dec. 6–8 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, Calif., opens Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 10:00 a.m. Presentation sessions will begin at 11:30 a.m.

At 4 p.m., the “State of the Industry” session will be presented by Almond Board President and CEO Richard Waycott, along with Board Chairman Mike Mason and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.

Following this key session, the Opening Reception, sponsored by Premier sponsor BASF, will be held on the trade show floor from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Searchable exhibitor database

With more than 250 exhibitors, this year’s trade show is sure to be a conference highlight. This year, for the first time, a new web page on AlmondConference.com provides a searchable database of all exhibitors. The page lists all exhibitors and sponsors currently signed up for The 2016 Almond Conference, and give the option to search by Company Name, Resource or Sponsorship.

Once you find the company you are looking for, you can click the company’s name, and the contact information for the company will appear along with its booth number, making it easy to find it on the trade show floor.

Something for everyone

This year’s conference will have more sessions than ever. With more than 3,500 attendees expected, representing all facets of the industry, there is a session for everyone. This year, the conference will offer multiple experiences, covering every aspect of the California almond industry.

Production-related sessions throughout the three days will include:

What to Consider: Almond Rootstocks, Almond Varieties;

Healthy Hives: A Grower’s Role;

Precision Irrigation Management, Part 1;

Precision Irrigation Management, Part 2;

Good Irrigation Water Management Practices;

Managing Orchard Salinity;

Tree Physiology: How Does an Almond Tree Grow?;

Tree Physiology: Tree Nitrogen Uptake and Management;

Tree Physiology: Young Trees and Orchard Management;

Pest Management: Practices;

Pest Management: Mites; and 

Pest Management: Sprayer Calibration.

Be sure to visit AlmondConference.com for program updates and features.

Help support the California FFA Foundation

In an effort to support the California FFA organization, the Almond Board of California each year conducts a silent auction over the duration of the three-day event. In its fifth year, the event strives to raise money for the California FFA Foundation to fund scholarships for high school students who plan to attend college and pursue an agriculture-related degree.

Since its inception with the help of industry support, we have raised more than $20,000.
The 2016 Almond Leadership Program participants, eager to support this cause, have developed two new opportunities to provide support to the foundation.

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One new opportunity is the establishment of a fund-raising website for companies or individuals who would prefer to make a monetary contribution rather than donate an auction item. These donations can be made anytime and go straight to the California FFA Foundation. To make a donation, visit CalAgEd.org/Foundation.

Additionally, for the first time, a live auction will be incorporated into the conference. The auction will include larger ticket items and will take place at the annual Gala Dinner on Dec. 8. Contact Rebecca Bailey at [email protected] or (209) 343-3245 with questions.

Register today!

Registration and attendance are free, with the exception of meal tickets, and it’s easy. Simply visit AlmondConference.com/Register. Hotel rooms are filling up quickly, so be sure to book yours today. Hotel rates and contact information can be found at AlmondConference.com under the Location/Hotel tab. 

Gala Dinner

This year’s Gala Dinner will shake things up! The Denim and Diamonds-themed event will kick off with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for the traditional cocktail and social hour, followed by dinner. This year’s dinner will include family-style table seating to allow for a relaxing, conversational ambience. Following dinner, the traditional program of presentations and awards will be followed by a live auction supporting the California FFA Foundation.

The evening’s entertainment will feature the country rock group - the Smith Band. This six-piece pop country music group can rock your favorite country hits as well as Top 40. The Smith Band’s high-energy sound is sure to lead you out to the dance floor, where a caller will teach line-dancing steps for the first few songs. After this, folks are welcome to dance freely or continue to visit with one another.

So, whether you dress in your diamonds or your denim, it sure will be a grand time for all. Tickets for the Gala Dinner on Thursday night, Dec. 8, can be purchased when registering for The Almond Conference.

Thanks to 2016 Metal Sponsors

Thanks to the support of our 2016 Almond Conference exhibitors and sponsors, we’re able to keep direct meal and event costs low. This is our way to thank you for being such an important part of the California almond industry.

A big thank-you to the following metal sponsors: BASF (Premier), Borrell USA (Gold), Tomra Sorting Solutions (Silver), JKB Energy (Emerald), Coldwell Solar (Bronze) and Satake (Copper).