2026 CNI
ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Scottsdale, Arizona
January 17th – 19th, 2026

We invite you to join us for the
2026 CNI Annual Conference

Join us as we gather to discuss our year in review, current market conditions and future plans for our business. As we continue to face challenges in our industry, the value we receive by gathering in person and growing our relationships with each other is vital and we look forward for the opportunity to be together. We hope you take this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our industry.

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Agenda

SATURDAY, January 17th, 2026

TimeItemLocationDescription
7:00 AM - 7:45 AMGolf Registration & Golfer BreakfastAztec RoomVisit the Golf registration desk to pick up your conference badge.
8:00 AM - 2:30 PMGolf TournamentPhoenician Golf CourseSpend the day on the beautiful Phoenician Golf Course. Registration is required for this event.
11:00 AM - 5:00 PMConference Welcome- RegistrationAztec RoomVisit the conference registration desk to pick up your name badge. We will have drinks and light bites.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PMWelcome EventThe DuceWelcome to Arizona! Join us for a reception and dinner at The Duce, as featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. There will be dueling pianos, delicious food and drinks, with plenty of fun. Transportation will be provided. Please check the corresponding section in the event app for details.

SUNDAY, January 18th, 2026

TimeItemLocationDescription
7:30 AM - 11:30 AMHospitality DeskGold RoomVisit the hospitality desk to pick up your name badge. We are also here to answer any questions you may have!
8:00 AM - 11:00 AMBrunchGold RoomEnjoy a heavy breakfast/brunch including local favorite dishes.
12:30 PM - 6:30 PMHospitality DeskFrank Lloyd Wright Ballroom Lobby AreaVisit the hospitality desk to pick up your name badge. We are also here to answer any questions you may have!
1:00 PM - 3:00 PMMarket Focus SessionFrank Lloyd Wright BallroomCheck out the speakers section to find more details on our engaging program. Dresscode is business casual.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PMSupplier ExhibitionFrank Lloyd Wright BallroomJoin us for this exhibition where you have the opportunity to interact with industry suppliers!

MONDAY, January 19th, 2026

TimeItemLocationDescription
6:30 AM - 3:30 PMHospitality DeskFrank Lloyd Wright Ballroom Lobby AreaWe are here to answer any questions you may have!
7:00 AM - 8:00 AMContinental BreakfastFrank Lloyd Wright Ballroom Lobby AreaGrab a quick pastry and coffee before enjoying our general session.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PMGeneral SessionFrank Lloyd Wright BallroomCheck out the speakers section to find more details on our engaging program. Dresscode is business casual.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMLunch BuffetArizona Biltmore
1:30 PM - 3:15 PMCNI Retailer's Only MeetingFrank Lloyd Wright BallroomFor registered CNI Retailers only
5:30 PM - 8:30 PMFarewell ReceptionSpire LawnJoin us for a special farewell event on the picturesque Spire Lawn at the iconic Biltmore Hotel.

Presenter Overview

General Session

Jake Joraanstad

CEO at Bushel

General Session

Jake Joraanstad

Jake Joraanstad is the CEO of Bushel, an independently owned and operated software company headquartered in Fargo, N.D. Bushel is focused on bringing innovative software products and solutions to the agriculture value chain. Since launching in 2017, Bushel’s software powers 3,500+ ag retail and grain facilities and reaches over 100,000 farmers across the U.S. and Canada with real-time business information for their producers. He serves on the Ninth District Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, advising on regional economic conditions. He also is an Advisory Council Member for the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University. Jake is actively involved in the entrepreneurial community, co-founding Emerging Prairie and serving on the Grand Farm Advisory Board. He has been named to Farm Journal’s The Scoop's 40 Under 40 in Ag Retail list.
LinkedIn

Paul Mobley

Award-winning Photographer

General Session

Paul Mobley

Paul Mobley is the quintessential portrait photographer. As much a director as a photographer, his ability to forge quick connections with his clients and put them at ease creates the possibility for strikingly intimate images. His years of experience photographing everyone from Amy Schumer to Zac Brown, combined with his contagious enthusiasm and willingness to take risks, allow him to approach each shoot with a confidence that leads to a fresh, unique portrait of the subject. Whether it’s a celebrity promoting his or her latest project or a 100-year- old farmer celebrating his family’s legacy, Mobley approaches his work the same way—he aims to capture the soul of the subject and present a compelling portrait that is authentic and timeless.

Keni Thomas

Motivational Speaker

General Session

Keni Thomas

Staff Sergeant Keni Thomas served with the 3rd Ranger Battalion and deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993 as part of Task Force Ranger. On October 3rd, he fought in the intense 18-hour battle later known worldwide through Black Hawk Down, where U.S. Rangers and special operators faced the heaviest urban combat since WWII. After Mogadishu, Thomas reenlisted and became an assistant team leader on a six-man Ranger reconnaissance team. He earned his Master Parachutist rating with more than 400 free-fall jumps, completed the Special Forces Combat Diver course, became an Advanced EMT, and was one of only ten Americans to finish the Belgium Commando Course. A Bronze Star for Valor recipient, Thomas later continued supporting deployed troops and advising on military projects.
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Market Focus Session

Martin Demoret

Partner at Faegre Drinker

Market Focus Session

Martin Demoret

Martin Demoret is a litigator and legal strategist who works closely with clients in the food, agribusiness, insurance and other industries to develop and execute plans for resolving clients’ disputes and furthering their legal and business goals. He has won motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, defended class actions and major MDLs, represented clients at trial, and reversed losses and defended victories on appeal.
LinkedIn

Ross Johnson

Partner at Faegre Drinker

Market Focus Session

Ross Johnson

Ross Johnson is an experienced litigator and strategic counselor who has more than 20 years' experience working closely with clients in the agribusiness, insurance, finance and other industries to develop and execute plans for avoiding, resolving or taking disputes to trial to further client’s business and legal goals. He has managed hundreds of cases in more than 30 states around the country, including cases involving product liability, toxic tort, personal injury and class action issues, and he has achieved excellent results, including significant trial victories, for clients as both plaintiff and defendant in the commercial context.
LinkedIn

Joe Quinn

Associate at Faegre Drinker

Market Focus Session

Joe Quinn

Litigator Joseph Quinn advises and represents clients navigating the stages of product liability and mass tort litigation. Joe is known for his ability to devise creative solutions for even the most complex problems. No matter the case, Joe’s tireless work ethic and dynamic approach to each client’s unique situation help to advance the best possible outcomes.
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Alexandra Dunn

President and CEO at CropLife America

Market Focus Session

Alexandra Dunn

Alex Dunn has proudly led CropLife America (CLA) since March 2024, bringing exciting leadership and direction to the U.S. national trade association representing the pesticide industry. CLA’s members drive innovation and sustainability by discovering, producing, selling, and distributing the essential pesticide products that empower American farmers to grow healthy, nutritious, and abundant food, fiber, and fuel for the U.S. and the world. She is committed to partnerships, sound policy solutions, and to elevating the voice of the pesticide sector in Washington, DC and across the country.
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EXPLORE Scottsdale

From the stirring beauty of the lush Sonoran Desert to the luxury resorts, chef-driven restaurants and exciting activities and attractions, Scottsdale is bursting at the seams with the makings of a memorable getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to Scottsdale soon!

EXPLORE SCOTTSDALE

Where you'll be staying

Building on the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, the Arizona Biltmore has been transformed into a resort of innovative delight. Updated with a chic edge of its very own, the Biltmore is for those seeking elegant adventures beautifully wrapped in a level of personalized service and attention to detail. The Hotel accommodation can be booked as part of the registration process.

Visit Hotel Website

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Saturday, January 17, 2026
Phoenician Golf Club
Shotgun start at 9am

Sign up available during registration.
More information to come.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

SPONSORS

An overview of our sponsors

SPONSORS

FAQ

  • Go to the register tab on top of the page.
  • Then, click on the conference registration button and fill out all your personal details to sign up for the conference
  • Meet fellow CNI retailers from across the country
  • Network with industry colleagues to create, strengthen and grow relationships
  • The conference provides additional time to interact with your local account manager and the CNI team.

Daytime high temperatures in Scottsdale during the winter months typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s, with occasional warmer days reaching into the upper 70s. Nighttime and early morning lows generally fall in the upper 30s to low 40s, though colder nights can dip into the low 30s.

Three fun facts about Scottsdale:

Desert Beauty: Scottsdale is located in the Sonoran Desert, known for its striking desert landscapes, towering saguaro cacti, and colorful sunsets.

Art & Culture Hub: The city hosts the annual Scottsdale Arts Festival and is home to more than 100 art galleries, making it one of the country’s premier art destinations.

Frank Lloyd Wright Influence: Taliesin West, the winter home and architectural school of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in Scottsdale and open to visitors.

The hotel, the Arizona Biltmore, is located approximately 10 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with an estimated driving time of 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.