Since 1900, the CCOA convention has served as an important forum for dairy farmers, processors, academics, and allied industry members. While the CCOA celebrates its 125-year history, the conference program will cover cutting-edge innovations and forward-looking opportunities. This year's theme is 125 Years Strong, Securing the Future Together.

Through keynote presentations and dynamic panel discussions, 25 speakers will take the stage, including industry leaders, analysts, and technical experts. The program will recognize the incredible amount of innovation that has already occurred and the transformational investments still being made today as industry leaders advance sustainable practices and embrace consumer demands. Discussions will also highlight relevant changes occurring in local, state, and federal policies that impact the industry.

“The CCOA conference takes a head-on look at the challenges that come with California’s leadership in sustainability and overall progressive policies,” said Steve Galbraith, CCOA President and VP of Procurement and Risk Management for Saputo Dairy Products USA. “By coming together to learn, network, and build relationships, we as dairy professionals always come away refreshed and better equipped to continue tackling challenges and embracing opportunities for growth and advancement.”

The program will provide a wide-ranging assessment of dairy today and new developments on the horizon as they relate to dairy production, processing, packaging, labor, transportation, and more. The following is a list of conference sessions:

• Dairy’s Global Economic Outlook
• The Dairy Processing Plant of the Future
• Preparing the Workforce of the Future
• Production and Processing Capacity- A Look at CA Dairy’s Future
• Artificial Intelligence Trend in Food Processing and How to Get Started
• Ultra-Processed Foods and Dairy: Policies, Trends, and Opportunities
• Food Safety: The Latest Standards and Solutions
• Update on Animal Health from the State Veterinarian
• Dairy Food Trends & Opportunities
• GHG Reporting: New Requirements on the Way
• California's Evolving Sustainable Packaging Requirements
• New Opportunities for Renewable Natural Gas in Dairy Transportation

CCOA’s annual meeting is a longstanding, family-oriented tradition, set in beautiful South Lake Tahoe—with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment all within walking distance. The two-day program includes the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament or a lake cruise. The Tuesday-night golf awards dinner includes raffle prizes with great odds for all in attendance. Proceeds from the conference support the CCOA’s annual scholarship program.