2027 Agenda
Saturday, March 20, 2027
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
AFOA Board Meeting — Cushing
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mix and Mingle — Vista Morada Patio
(Early Arrival Reception)
Sunday, March 21, 2027
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Golf Registration and Breakfast — Kierland Golf Course
9:00 AM
Shotgun Start Golf Tournament — Kierland Golf Course
9:00 AM
Pickleball Competition and Play — Kierland Tennis Courts
11:00 AM
Pickleball Player Brunch — Vista Morada Patio
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Conversation Cafe — Kierlend 3, 4
(Open for Use)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
New Member/1st Time Attendee Reception with Board of Directors — TBD
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception — Marshall Outpost & Pavilion
Monday, March 22, 2027
7:30 AM
Registration Opens — Culturekeepers Registration
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast in the Conversation Café — Kierland 3,4
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Spouse Breakfast — Vista Morada Patio
All spouses of attendees are welcome to enjoy breakfast on the NIOP!
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Session: Thomas Mielke | Oil World — Kierland 2
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Food Trends Session: Joe Pawlak | Technomic — Kierland 2
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch — Kierland 3,4
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Hot Topic Speakers: TBD — Kierland 2
(3 different speakers 30 minutes each covering "hot" topics that matter to our industry)
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Ladies of Lipids Lunch — Vista Morada Patio
All ladies invited to attend!
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Afternoon Reception (Hit the Boat (3-5), Puppy Break(4-5) — Northern SkyTerrace
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Beers with Peers — Marshall's Outpost & Pavilion
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dinner & Entertainment — Marshall's Outpost & Pavilion
(Pre-registration required)
Tuesday, March 23, 2027
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast in the Conversation Café — Kierland 3,4
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
WTF (What's the Future) Panel — Kierland 2
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Breakout Session: Logistics — Kierland 2
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch in the conversation Café — Kierland 3,4
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
NIOP Board Meeting — Merriam
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Closing Reception — Vista Morada Patio
Additional Activities
Emmett Cornibe Memorial Golf Tournament
Sunday, March 21, 2027
9:00 AM Shotgun Start
Early Bird Rate: $325
Jan. 9 and Later Rate: $375
The Annual Emmett Cornibe Golf Tournament is a unique gathering where golf enthusiasts and industry professionals unite for a day of sport and networking. Set against the backdrop of lush fairways and greens at the Kierland Golf Course, this event provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy a round of golf while forging valuable connections with colleagues from the industry. With the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, it’s a day to tee off, relax, and foster meaningful relationships in a picturesque setting.
Pickelball
Sunday, March 21, 2027
9:00 AM
Early Bird Rate: $50
Jan. 9 and Later Rate: $75
Join us for a fantastic morning of fun, competition, and camaraderie at NIOP's annual pickleball event! Whether you’re a veteran on the courts or someone who’s never picked up a paddle before, this event has something for everyone.
Networking Night: Dinner & Entertainment
Monday, March 22, 2027
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Early Bird Rate: $50
Jan. 9 and Later Rate: $70
The convention's newest event: a networking dinner followed by a thrilling concert beneath the Scottsdale night sky. Enjoy dinner with your peers, customers, and potential new connections. Then, let loose and groove to the tunes of live music (entertainer being confirmed now!) It’s the perfect combination of business connections and a memorable night of music and fun. Be sure to opt-in to this on the Convention registration form.
Spouses / Partners Activities
NIOP attendees' spouses/significant others are welcomed and encouraged to attend events listed here. The events outlined are especially social and therefore spouses do typically attend and participate. (Spouses/significant others can attend the convention free of charge; however, we do ask that you let us know they're attending. You can register your spouse on the convention registration form.)
Sowing Success:
The Future of Foods, Fuels and Strategic Partnerships!
The NIOP Annual Convention is the hub for industry-wide networking, offering a unique platform to connect with fellow professionals, exchange insights, and build valuable relationships. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions with industry thought leaders, gaining invaluable perspectives on the latest trends and innovations. Beyond the enriching experience of knowledge sharing, the Annual Convention also offers a vibrant social atmosphere, providing opportunities to unwind, relax, and simply enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
What To Expect…
Get ready for a convention experience that’s as valuable as it is enjoyable. At the 2027 NIOP Annual Convention, attendees can expect to take part in sessions that are timely, relevant, and applicable to their day-to-day work. NIOP is intentional in its convention programming, reserving space in the agenda for “hot topics”—issues that are especially pressing and important to our membership—ensuring the content stays fresh, responsive, and impactful. We promise to deliver an agenda that is strategic and dynamic, making your attendance well worth the investment.
But it’s not all business—NIOP also builds in plenty of time for fun and connection. You’ll enjoy ample social opportunities to meet, mingle, and build relationships with fellow attendees and industry peers.
And when we say we plan memorable experiences, we mean it. In 2027, we’re bringing back fan-favorite events like Hit the Boat and our Monday night dinner + concert—this time featuring a brand-new band! Returning to one of our attendees’ favorite spots, The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa – this year is sure to deliver!
2027 Important Dates
- Registration Opens: Oct 14, 2026
- Super Early Bird: Oct 15, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027
- Early Bird: Jan 9 – Feb 12, 2027
- Standard: Feb 13 – March 19, 2027
- Onsite Registration: March 20, 2027
- Conference: March 21 – 24, 2027
2027 Convention Location
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Member Rates
Non-Member Rates
For any first-time member company, the first two attendees from that company may attend at half price — CALL NIOP Headquarters at 803-252-7128 to take advantage of this opportunity.