NSAC Far Western 2026 Annual Conference

NSAC Far Western 2026 Annual Conference
May 20-22, 2026 | Palm Springs, CA

Register Now  

Dust off your sunglasses and join us for the Far Western Annual Conference is heading to Palm Springs in May 2026! 

Designed for cooperative financial and accounting professionals, this conference will blend:

  • CPE-eligible education on timely industry topics
  • Valuable networking with peers from across the region
  • A relaxed, desert-inspired setting perfect for learning and connection

Think engaging sessions by day, meaningful conversations with colleagues, and just the right amount of Palm Springs vibe throughout.

Agenda

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

8:00 AM
8:00AM - 9:00AM PDT

Breakfast

9:00 AM
9:00AM - 10:50AM PDT

Understanding Cooperatives and Pool Accounting

Laura Troost, CPA, CFO, Saticoy Lemon Association
11:00 AM
11:00AM - 12:00PM PDT

Inventory Accounting Methods and Financing Options for Cooperatives

Jessica McCloskey, CPA, Assurance Senior Manager, Baker Tilly
12:00 PM
12:00PM - 1:00PM PDT

Lunch

1:00 PM
1:00PM - 2:50PM PDT

Basic Cooperative Taxation

Josh Bakke, Managing Director, Baker Tilly US
3:00 PM
3:00PM - 4:00PM PDT

Advanced Cooperative Taxation

Josh Bakke, Managing Director, Baker Tilly US
4:00 PM
4:00PM - 4:30PM PDT

Board Meeting

5:30 PM
5:30PM - 7:00PM PDT

President's Hospitality Reception (Sponsored by CoBank)

Thursday, May 21, 2026

7:00 AM
7:00AM - 8:00AM PDT

Breakfast

8:00 AM
8:00AM - 8:10AM PDT

Welcome and Early Bird Prizes

8:10 AM
8:10AM - 8:20AM PDT

National Update

Erik Gillam, CPA, Partner, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP
8:20 AM
8:20AM - 9:15AM PDT

Economic Update

Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist, CoBank, ACB
9:15 AM
9:15AM - 10:10AM PDT

Labor and Employment Law Update (WA and CA)

Michael W. Droke, JD, Partner, Industry Group Co-Leader, Food and Agribu, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
10:30 AM
10:30AM - 11:25AM PDT

Tax Update

Josh Bakke, Managing Director, Baker Tilly US
11:25 AM
11:25AM - 11:30AM PDT

Prizes

11:30 AM
11:30AM - 12:30PM PDT

Lunch

12:30 PM
12:30PM - 1:30PM PDT

ERP System Selection and Strategy for Cooperatives

Harold Birch, Executive Vice President, Co-Founder, UnCommon Farms
Adnan Lawai, CEO, Folio3
1:30 PM
1:30PM - 2:00PM PDT

Member and Governance Priorities – RoundTable Discussion

Jessica McCloskey, CPA, Assurance Senior Manager, Baker Tilly
Bill Tanimoto, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative
Kamaldeep Dhaliwal, CPA, Partner, Baker Tilly
2:15 PM
2:15PM - 2:20PM PDT

Prizes

2:20 PM
2:20PM - 3:20PM PDT

Insurance Update

Jedean Corpron, Marsh McLennan
Nate Fulton, Marsh McLennan
3:30 PM
3:30PM - 4:30PM PDT

Evolving Cyber Security Awareness

Zoran Jovic, Manager Cybersecurity, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
4:30 PM
4:30PM - 5:00PM PDT

Cooperative Exchange: Member Open Forum

Catherine Roddick, CoBank
Shevar Goonewardena, Principal, Agribusiness, CLA
6:00 PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM PDT

Chapter Dinner at Kaiser Grille Palm Springs (Optional Activity – $100 per person)

Friday, May 22, 2026

7:00 AM
7:00AM - 8:00AM PDT

Breakfast

8:00 AM
8:00AM - 8:05AM PDT

Early Bird Prizes

8:05 AM
8:05AM - 9:00AM PDT

Year of the International Woman Farmer Spotlight: Saticoy Lemon Association

Lisa Tate Soury
Laura Troost, CPA, CFO, Saticoy Lemon Association
9:05 AM
9:05AM - 10:00AM PDT

Accounting Standards and Application Update

Teresa Stopka, CMA, CPA, Signing Director, CLA
10:30 AM
10:30AM - 10:35AM PDT

Early Bird Prizes

10:35 AM
10:35AM - 11:30AM PDT

Private Equity Meets Agriculture: What Every Co-op Should Know

Megan Gess, Dorsey & Whitney
11:30 AM
11:30AM - 12:00PM PDT

Far Western Chapter Business Meeting and Late Bird Prizes

12:00 PM
12:00PM - 1:00PM PDT

Lunch

Registration

NSAC Member Pricing
General Session Only - May 21-22, 2026
$450 Early Bird (Before 4/30/2026)
$500 Late (After 4/30/2026)

General Session + Education Day - May 20-22, 2026
$550 Early Bird (Before 4/30/2026)
$600 Late (After 4/30/2026)

Non-Member Pricing
General Session Only - May 21-22, 2026
$550 Early Bird (Before 4/30/2026)
$600 Late (After 4/30/2026)

General Session + Education Day - May 20-22, 2026
$650 Early Bird (Before 4/30/2026)
$700 Late (After 4/30/2026)

Optional Activity
Far Western Chapter Dinner - May 21st
$100 per person 

Register Now  

Hotel Information

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
888 Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California, USA, 92262
Room rate: $209.00 plus tax and fees
Booking Link
Reservation Deadline: May 1, 2026

Hotel Reservation  

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