2025 CNI
ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Nashville, TN
January 18th – 20th, 2025

We invite you to join us for the
2025 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

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Sunday, January 18th, 2025

TimeItemLocationDescription
7:30 AM - 5 PMHospitality DeskJW MarriottVisit the hospitality desk to pick up your name badge. We are also here to answer any questions you may have!
2:30 PM - 4:30 PMBoard MeetingJW Marriott- EmoryBy invitation only
6:00 PM - 11:00 PMWelcome EventCategory 10Welcome to Nashville! Join us for a reception and dinner at Category 10 formerly known as the iconic Wildhorse Saloon). There will be live music line dancing delicious southern food and drinks.

Sunday, January 19th, 2025

TimeItemLocationDescription
7:30 AM - 6:00 PMHospitality DeskJW MarriottVisit 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 AMBrunchJW MarriottEnjoy a heavy breakfast/brunch including: _________
1:00 PM - 3:00 PMMarket Focus SessionJW MarriottCheck out the speakers section to find more details on our engaging program. Dresscode is business casual.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PMSupplier Exhibition Reception beginning at 5:00 PMJW MarriottJoin us for this exhibition where you have the opportunity to interact with industry suppliers!
From 6:45 PMDinner on your ownNashville
From 7:00 PMBoard Dinner404 KitchenBy invitation only

Sunday, January 20th, 2025

TimeItemLocationDescription
6:30 AM - 3:00 PMHospitality DeskJW MarriottVisit the hospitality desk to pick up your name badge. We are also here to answer any questions you may have!
7:00 AM - 8:00 AMContinental BreakfastJW MarriottGrab a quick pastry and coffee before enjoying our general session.
8:00 AM - 12:15 PMGeneral SessionJW MarriottCheck out the speakers section to find more details on our engaging program. Dresscode is business casual.
10:00 AM - 3:00 PMShopping Day in FranklinFranklin TN
12:15 PM - 1:30 PMLunch BuffetJW Marriott
1:30 PM - 3:15 PMCNI Retailer's Only Meeting (for registered CNI Retailers only)JW Marriott
6:00 PM - 8:00 PMFarewell ReceptionCountry Music Hall of Fame
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AGENDA

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Presenter Overview

Market Focus Session

James Mann

Partner at Kearney

Market Focus Session

JAMES MANN

James Mann has over thirty years of leadership and business experience in agricultural and food businesses. He has the unique background of having half of that experience in the crop protection and seed industry and the other half as a Management Consultant. Dr. Mann has extensive experience in both R&D and commercial aspects of the Agricultural and Food Value Chain, as well as global business planning, finance, licensing, business development, and acquisitions in small and large company settings. He holds an MS and PhD from Clemson University and an MBA from the University of Missouri.

Alexandra (Alex) Dapalito Dunn

President and CEO, CropLife America

Market Focus Session

Alexandra (Alex) Dapalito Dunn

Alex Dunn joined CLA as President and CEO in March 2024, bringing exciting leadership and direction to this relevant and dynamic organization. She combines 30 years of experience at the local, state, and federal levels with her passion for agriculture, partnerships, engagement, communication, and results. Alex has held key roles in national environmental organizations, served as EPA Regional Administrator for New England (2018), and was unanimously confirmed as Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (2019-2021). Alex is widely recognized as one of the top environmental leaders and attorneys in the nation, and is a past Chair and active member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources.
LinkedIn

General Session

Bora Manzanares

Financial Crimes Compliance Manager

General Session

Bora Manzanares

Bora Manzanares serves as the Financial Crimes Compliance Manager at CoBank. As a Certified Fraud Examiner with over a decade of expertise in banking operations and fraud prevention, Bora has handled numerous cases, including those involving social engineering, counterfeit check fraud, and ransomware. Over the past six years, Bora has focused on expanding CoBank's Fraud Program and enhancing fraud awareness across the industry. The program has successfully prevented losses amounting to over $32 million and recovered $6.6 million in funds. In her fraud prevention sessions, Bora shares valuable insights, case studies, and best practices to mitigate fraud risks.
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Shane Battier

2012 and 2013 NBA Champion, Miami Heat; Former Vice President, Analytics and Basketball Development, Miami Heat

Key note speaker

Shane Battier

Shane Battier is a leadership expert, speaker, and philanthropist. A former NBA player and two-time champion with the Miami Heat, Battier is celebrated for his ability to cultivate the often-overlooked intangibles that drive success. A scholar-athlete and Naismith National Player of the Year at Duke University, Battier applies his expertise in teamwork, data, and analytics to help organizations and individuals achieve their full potential. Off the court, he leads The Battier Take Charge Foundation, supporting educational opportunities for underserved youth.

Col. Mark Tillman

Colonel, U.S. Army (retired)

General Session

Col. Mark Tillman

Colonel (ret.) Mark Tillman served as the 12th Presidential pilot and commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009. Known for protecting the President on 9/11 and leading the first mission to fly a Commander-in-Chief into a war zone, he orchestrated these historic moments with precision and secrecy. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran of 30 years, Col. Tillman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2004. A captivating storyteller, he offers unique insights into leadership and pivotal moments in history.

Nathan Tyson

Vice President of Sales and Operations at CNI

General Session

Nathan Tyson

Nathan Tyson, a native of Portal, Georgia, serves as Vice President of Sales and Operations at CNI. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Nathan began his career as a Field Research Associate with Monsanto. Since joining CNI in 2012, Nathan has held multiple roles in account management, product management, and sales management. Over the past 12 years, he has developed extensive expertise in agricultural distribution and operations. In his current role, Nathan leads the company's sales, customer service, warehousing and operations, and technical agronomy teams. He is deeply passionate about U.S. agriculture and is a strong advocate for independent ag retail.
LinkedIn

James Clements

Vice President of Procurement and Marketing at CNI

General Session

James Clements

James Clements is the Vice President of Procurement and Marketing at CNI, overseeing teams across Agriminerals, Specialty, Turf and Ornamentals, Adjuvants, Seed, and Crop Protection. With 13 years at CNI, he has extensive company knowledge, managed Crop Protection programs, spearheaded the seed business growth, and cultivated strong vendor and customer relationships. Previously, James worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, held a position as Environmental Scientist and Project Manager at Garlick Environmental, and served on the board of the Georgia/Alabama Seed Association, contributing his expertise to the seed industry. Growing up in a farming family in southwest Georgia, he developed a deep passion for agriculture and its advancement. He now resides in Albany, GA, with his wife and two children.

EXPERIENCE NASHVILLE

Creativity is the heart and soul of Music City, and there’s never a shortage of inspiring things to do. From new sounds that fill our speakers to old songs that fill our hearts, Nashville has the musical attractions to honor both past and present.

Even Nashville’s creative community spills out into an art scene filled with art galleries, theaters, and performance stages. Step back into time to learn about Nashville’s history or explore a Nashville museum to discover artifacts, memorabilia, and more. From tours, music, and the arts to food, sports, and shopping, there is an “only in Nashville” experience waiting for you.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

Where you'll be staying

Discover breath-taking skyline views in the heart of downtown Nashville within easy walking distance to Broadway and the Gulch. Guests will enjoy downtown’s largest rooftop pool deck, open year-round, heated in winter months, and enveloped by stylish cabanas with a sophisticated poolside bar and grill operating in the summer. Additional amenities include a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, a gourmet café, an artisan bakery, and multiple artfully crafted cocktail lounges spread thoughtfully across the property.
Make your reservation

Your Hotel in DowntoWn Nashville

Exterior in JW Marriott Nashville

Discover breath-taking skyline views in the heart of downtown Nashville within easy walking distance to Broadway and the Gulch.

Guests will enjoy downtown’s largest rooftop pool deck, open year-round, heated in winter months, and enveloped by stylish cabanas with a sophisticated poolside bar and grill operating in the summer. 

Additional amenities include a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, a gourmet café, an artisan bakery, and multiple artfully crafted cocktail lounges spread thoughtfully across the property.

Learn more about JW MARRIOTT 

Make Your Reservation
Hotel website

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sponsorship

An overview of our sponsors will soon be shared here.

Sponsor overview

Spouses Outing

Explore activities in one of America’s favorite Main Street Districts

lEARN MORE

FAQ

  • Go to the register tab on top of the page or click here.
  • 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 tend to be in the mid to upper 40s with a few of the warmer afternoons getting up into the low to mid-60s. Late night and early morning low temperatures average in the upper 20s with a few colder mornings dipping down into the mid-teens. 

  • Three fun facts about Nashville:

    • Music City: Nashville earned its “Music City” nickname due to the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio show, starting in 1925.

    • Hot Chicken: The city is the birthplace of the famous spicy “hot chicken,” a dish created out of a revenge recipe that became a local staple.

    • Parthenon Replica: Nashville has a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena.

  • The hotel is located 7.5 miles from Nashville International Airport, approx. driving time 20 minutes