Special Events

We are excited to offer these special events for registered attendees and guests.  Advance payment is required to reserve a spot.  Onsite registration for events will be subject to availability.  An event may be cancelled if the minimum participant sign-up is not met.

Annual Awards Luncheon

Date:   Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time:   Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cost:   $40
Location:  Desert Vista Ballroom

A highlight of every USA Rice Outlook Conference is the Annual Awards Luncheon.  It’s an exciting event where attendees gather to recognize and reward their peers for accomplishments in service to the industry.  The luncheon includes a salad, entrée, dessert, tea, and coffee.

Rice Awards:

  • Rice Farmer of the Year Award
  • Rice Industry Award
  • Rice Lifetime Achievement Award

Additional Recognition:

  • National Rice Month Scholarship Award
  • USA Rice PAC Outstanding Contributor Award
  • USA Rice Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award
  • USA Rice Sustainability Award
  • Rice Leadership Development Program’s New Class
Hundreds of people seated at tables for luncheon.

The Rice Foundation Charity Golf Tournament

Date:   Friday, December 8, 2023
Time:   10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location:  Indian Wells Golf Resort
Cost:   $425 per golfer
Golf Club Rental:  $80
Minimum Participants:40
Price Includes:
  • Golf Cart
  • Greens Fees
  • Boxed Lunch
The first ever golf tournament to benefit The Rice Foundation.  The tournament will be a four-person scramble held at the 36-hole Palm Springs Golf Resort next to the conference hotel.  The course was recently ranked #16 by Golf Magazine.  The Rice Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so your entry fees can be tax deductible and paid using personal or corporate funds. Sponsorships are welcome!
golf
 

Retirement Party for Betsy Ward

Date:   Friday, December 8, 2023
Time:   6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Brief Ceremony at 7:00 p.m.)
Location:  Desert Vista Ballroom
Cost:   $125

Earlier this year, our President and CEO, Betsy Ward, announced that after 16 years leading our organization with vision, class, and resolve, she would be retiring in 2023. Tonight, we celebrate her and her many accomplishments on behalf of our industry and bid her a bittersweet farewell.

Please join us for light hors d’ouevers and cocktails as we reminisce and congratulate Betsy, and show her our heartfelt appreciation. Contact Jeanette Davis, jdavis@usarice.com,for more information on the evening’s program.
Headshot of Betsy Ward


Persons requiring special accommodations or having any dietary restrictions to attend or participate in this conference should contact Jeanette Davis at (240) 682-0059, or e-mail jdavis@usarice.com no later than Dec. 1, 2024.

USA Rice is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  USA Rice does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital/family status or political beliefs.