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Annual Conference & Exposition Agenda

This year’s agenda features tracks include general Foreign-Trade Zone topics, as well as specific tracks for:

Grantees, Operator/Users, Petroleum Professionals, Advanced Professionals, and those learning the Fundamentals.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

TBD TBD charity opportunity to come
5:30pm-6:30pm Registration & Attendee Reception

Monday, October 19, 2026

 

7:30am-8:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:20am Opening Remarks & Welcome

  • Review key association developments and provide an event overview.
 SPEAKER:
Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear		 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:20 - 9:20 am What's next for U.S. FTZ Advocacy?

 INVITED SPEAKERS:

Megan Costello, Sorini & Samet, & Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ

 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
 9:20 - 10:10 am USTR Perspective

  • Explore latest USTR developments
  

INVITED Speakers: USTR Leadership

    • (invitation handled by Sorini & Samet)
 MODERATOR: Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
9:40am-10:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:10am-11:10am FTZ Board Update

  • Review FTZ operational developments.
 SPEAKER(s) INVITED: Christopher Abbott, Designated Representative of the Secretary of Commerce to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board & Elizabeth Whiteman, Executive Secretary, U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. FTZ Board  MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
11:10am-12:00pm 2026 Regional FTZ Success Stories: How Operators Use Zones to Drive Economic Decisions

  • Desc, how U.S. FTZ users evaluate zone benefits in co. operations, supply chain needs, & regional business conditions.
  • Identify local & regional factors — incl. workforce, logistics infrastructure, transportation access, & industry clusters — that can influence U.S. FTZ implementation & expansion decisions.
  • Explain how U.S. FTZ participation can support operational flexibility, cost management, investment planning, & broader economic development goals.
  • Recognize practical lessons from operators that may inform future U.S. FTZ activation, utilization, or expansion strategies.
 Invited SPEAKERS: Connie Le Fevre, City of San Diego, Mechelle Ngin, Port of Long Beach +

TBD user/oper in CA: -request suggestions from David Harlow

 INVITED MODERATOR: Patty Cannon, State of DE, Department of State
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:10pm-2:10pm FUNDAMENTALS: FTZ Overview, Benefits, Participants & Zone Types

  • Identify benefits & review the regulatory process (review advanced webinars highlighting benefits, application, activation).
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Sean Lydon, ISCM Inc. MODERATOR: Wolfram F. Schaffler Gonzalez, City of Laredo
Operators/Users Track: CPSC E-Filing Requirements & Timelines

  • Review lessons learned from non-FTZ entries filing CPSC as part of the session.
 SPEAKER(s): Chris Smith, IKEA, Kimberly Coyne MODERATOR: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear
GRANTEE Track: Grantee CBP Best practices

  • Explore ideal strategies for compliance
 SPEAKERS: Denise Yanez & (invited) CBP Asst. Port Director West from Phoenix MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah
PETROLEUM: Washington & Trade Relations Update

  • Desc. Explore the latest developments impacting trade and Petroleum FTZs.
 SPEAKERS:
TBD		 MODERATOR: TBD
2:10pm-2:20pm BREAK
2:20pm-3:20pm FUNDAMENTALS: FTZ Application Process, Zone Status & Activation

  • Identify proper documentation.
  • Determine delivery type & authorization requirements
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 Speaker(s): Scott Taylor, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. INVITED MODERATOR: Luke Watts, John S. James Co.
GRANTEE TRACK: Economic Development Benefits impact FTZ to local markets

  • Understand how to highlight the significance in community to enhance the message
 SPEAKER: David Sikkink, Hawaii FTZ and Torrey Chambliss (invited), Port of Tampa Bay INVITED MODERATOR: Angela Cook, CVG Airport Authority
OPERATORS/USERS Track: Trade Enforcement: Company vs. Individual liability

  • Desc. TBD
 SPEAKERS: David Murphy, GDLSK INVITED MODERATOR: Brandi Stoddard,
PETROLEUM: CTPAT Trade Compliance & Petroleum CEE Update

  • Explore an overview of Petroleum CEE’s role and responsibilities and update on current initiatives.
  

SPEAKERS: TBD

 MODERATOR: TBD
3:20-3:50pm REFRESHMENT BREAK 
3:50pm-4:50pm FUNDAMENTALS:  Inventory & Recordkeeping

  • Identify storage, removal, and destruction rules.
  • Determine necessary authorization required.
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER (invited): Fany Messen, LEGO Manufacturing Richmond, Inc. MODERATOR: Joe Blaskiewicz, MIC Customs Solutions
Operator/user Track:TBD SPEAKER: TBD MODERATOR: TBD

GRANTEE TRACK:FTZ Budget Management (or Enhancing the Zone Value Proposition: Funding User and Operator Benefits)

  • Explore compliance with regulations for appropriate use
  • Review ways to increase the level of service provided to existing and prospective operators.
 SPEAKERS:
Julie Brown, Georgia FTZ (invited)
Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority		 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
PETROLEUM: The Shipping Forecast: Trump's Maritime Policy & Jones Act Insights

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of current U.S. maritime policy developments under the Trump administration, emphasizing the Jones Act and its impact..
 SPEAKER: TBD MODERATOR: TBD
5:00pm-6:00pm FUNDAMENTALS: Merchandise Handling & Admissions

  • Identify discrepancies.
  • Define HMF.
  • Review Reporting Responsibilities.
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER (invited): Teri Moreno, Betchel INVITED MODERATOR:  Diana Urelius, KPMG, LLP
GRANTEE Track:

GRANTEE Track: How Best to Marketing FTZs to promote overall outcomes  

  • Explore a Focus on potential users as target audience
 SPEAKERS: Justin Ryan, JAXPORT, Krystal Permanan, Port of Everglades, Broward County FTZ 25 MODERATOR: TBD
OPERATOR/USER Track: New’ Pharma / cold chain FTZ operations

  • Review Pre-covid and Covid era zone usage
  • Explore Growth post covid and vision for sustaining and growing FTZ use
  • Understand operational challenges unique to Pharma vis-à-vis CBP and PGAs

PETROLEUM: Key to Successfully Balancing FTZ, FTA, and Drawback (Introduction & Advanced topics)

  • Conduct an in-depth exploration of strategies to maximize tax savings, maintain trade compliance while effectively navigate the interplay between FTZ, FTA, and duty drawback programs.
 OPER/USER SPEAKERS INVITED:
Jessica Rosen or Michael Eissig of UPS
Jason Given, KPMG LLP

 

PETRO SPEAKERS:
TBD

 OPER/USER MODERATOR (invited): Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide Inc.

 

PETRO MODERATOR: TBD
6:00pm ADJOURN
6:00pm-7:00pm Grand Opening Welcome Reception

  • Network with industry peers and providers at this Expo Hall opening reception.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

 

7:30am Registration
7:30am-8:00am Continental Breakfast  
8:00am-8:30am Opening Address

  • Review Outlook/trade developments of the day & local zone environment
 SPEAKERS (invited):

  • Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear Co.
 MODERATOR: Bridget Beran, Miller & Co. -
8:30am-9:30am FTZ Program Enforcement Updates From CBP

  • Hear direct from CBP on the current status of trade developments such as:
    • Forced Labor
    • ACE functionality updates Impacting FTZs
 INVITED SPEAKERS: TBD MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
9:30am-9:40am BREAK
9:40am-10:40am FUNDAMENTALS: Transfer of Merchandise, Movements, withdrawals and special handling

  • Identify discrepancies
  • Review reporting responsibilities
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Will Coffey, Thomson Reuters INVITED MODERATOR: Will Cawthern, EY
ADVANCED Track: Handling inventory in a Manufacturing environment BOOT CAMP

  • Explore beyond on the basics in taking a deep dive into inventory from manufacturing perspective
  • Address Country of Origin & USMCA
  • Review examples and break down the complexity behind big words such as BOM substitution, recursion and orphans.
  • Understand how to troubleshoot to determine a problem and best practices to resolve the problem and steps to take to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
  • Understand the compliance requirements and available options behind some trade agreements (i.e., USMCA, CAFTA) and country of origin determination for manufacturing zones.
 INVITED SPEAKERS:
Polia Comella, Rockefeller Group
Cody Davis, EY		 INVITED MODERATOR:  James Grogan, KROLL
OPERATOR/USER Track: Best Practices When Implementing an ICRS System.

  • 1. Understand key regulatory requirements for Inventory Control and Recordkeeping Systems (ICRS) within a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ).
  • 2. Identify best practices for designing and implementing an effective ICRS, including data accuracy, system integration, and internal controls.
  • 3. Apply strategies to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness, including monitoring, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Andrew Seibert, Copper Hill
  • Eric Dalby, Descartes Visual Compliance (USA) LLC
  • TBD (if seek third)
 INVITED MODERATOR: Kelly Steward, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company
PETROLEUM: Renewables Unplugged: Import, Export, FTZ, FTA & Drawback—What’s New and What Matters: 

  • Provide a practical overview of the latest developments impacting renewable energy imports and exports, including key updates on FTZ, FTA, and duty drawback.
 INVITED SPEAKERS: National Petroleum
Chemist/Gauger Manager: Robert Munivez; National Account Manager, Office
of Field Operations for Petroleum Natural Gas and Minerals- CEE: Bryan Gray;
Assistant Center Director for Partnership Petroleum, Natural Gas and Minerals
CEE: Jeffrey Saum; Assistant Director for Petroleum Natural Gas and Minerals
Center: TJ Kendrick; Center Director, Petroleum Natural Gas and Minerals
Center: David McGurk)		 MODERATOR: TBD
10:40am-11:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:10am-12:10pm FUNDAMENTALS: Periodic Reporting & Regulatory Requirements & Inspections

 SPEAKER(S): Kyle Goehring, Valbruna Stainless Inc. INVITED MODERATOR: Brian White, Land of Sky Regional Council
 ADVANCED TRACK A step-by-step Guide on what to do before/after an activation request

  • Describe real-world critical considerations pertaining to FTZ activation well beyond the regulations outlined in 19 CFR 146.
  • Learn about recent CBP developments pertaining to FTZ activation and oversight.
  • Provide tangible information for attendees to consider implementing and/or for creation of internal SOPs, etc.
  • 1) Understand the factors that impact FTZ implementation speed: Evaluate how data readiness, process alignment, and system dependencies influence timelines and time to value.
  • 2) Identify common pitfalls that disrupt FTZ implementations: Recognize where projects break down, including gaps in inventory tracking, classification alignment, and reporting processes.
  • 3) Apply practical strategies to improve implementation outcomes: Learn how to better prepare for activation, reduce risk, and build a more sustainable operating model.
  • Create the needed documentation for activation of an FTZ.
  • Understand how to get cross-functional teams onboard.
  • Present tangible results to internal stakeholders/leaders.
    • 1. Understanding and implementing CBP Security requirements.
    • 2. How to evaluate operations and prepare for compliant FTZ activation.
    • 3. How to continually audit FTZ operations to maintain compliance.
 SPEAKER (s) invited:
Joshua Guy, VP of FTZ Solutions and Strategy, QAD
Jules Kotrba, FTI Consulting Inc.		 MODERATOR: Bridget Beran, Miller & Co.
OPERATOR/USER Track: Managing Customs bonds and insurance amid trade uncertainty.

  • Desc. TBD
 INVITED SPEAKER(s)

  • Stephen Bilasz, Avalon Risk Management 
  • Patrice Lafayette
 MODERATOR: Jill James, John S James Co.
PETROLEUM: From Entry to Exit: A Compliance Checkpoint (Import, Export & US Goods Returned)

  • Conduct a focused review of end-to-end trade compliance requirements across import, export, and U.S. goods returned processes, highlighting key checkpoints to help ensure accurate entries, proper classification, and compliance with U.S. Customs regulations.
 SPEAKERS:
TBD		 MODERATOR: TBD
12:10pm-1:10pm LUNCH
1:20pm-2:20pm  General session: Unlocking the FTZ Workforce: The Higher-Ed Connection

  • Review FTZ Industry Profession Opportunities
 SPEAKER: Chris, JR Holcomb, & (invited) Miami Dade College MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
2:30pm-3:10pm FUNDAMENTALS: ABCs of FTZs — Game Show of Knowledge

  • Utilize FTZ knowledge in real world scenarios in jeopardy style interactive format
 INVITED SPEAKERS:
Gabrielle Yarbrough, Kubota Manufacturing of America
Jessica Miserendino, AFL		 MODERATOR: Darcy Emehiser, DSV
ADVANCED Track:  How to assess risk and scope when receiving a CF‑28 or CF‑29 2 (CHECK TITLE)

  • Review how to assess risk and scope when receiving a CF‑28 or CF‑29
  • Explore documentation and response strategies that reduce enforcement exposure
  • Understand how to leverage CBP feedback to improve FTZ controls
 INVITED SPEAKER(s):

  • Nick Baker, KROLL
  • Gage LaFlamme, BLOOM Energy
 MODERATOR: Sarah Messeih, KPMG LLP
 OPERATORS/USERS: Supply Chain Structure Challenges

  • Understand job/outsource/relocation dynamics
  • Address Data visibility gaps
  • Review Bottlenecks and accountability
  • Respondents encouraged to identify other supply chain challenges to address

PETROLEUM: Better Together: Cracking the Code on Grantee Partnerships

  • Explore insights on how to establish, sustain, and nurture a strong and effective partnership with your grantee from both the grantee and importer perspectives
 Oper/User SPEAKERS:

  • Mohawk Global Trade Advisors - Bill Fisher
  • GEODIS - Shana Head
  • TURMS - Matt Williams 

 

 

 

PETRO INVITED SPEAKERS: TBD

 OPER/USER MODERATOR INVITED: Rina Lawrence, Port Houston

 

PETROLEUM MODERATOR:TBD
3:10pm-3:40pm REFRESHMENT BREAK

3:40pm-4:30pm

  

FUNDAMENTALS: Professional Development in the FTZ industry

  • Learn from a panel of Grantee, Operator/User and Service Provider professionals on how they navigated their careers within the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program.
  • Gain first-hand insight into these roles, hear from those who have transitioned across industries, pick up tips for success
  • Explore their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges ahead in this field.
 Speakers: REQUEST to Courtney Stiers for suggestions INVITED Moderator: Angela Cook, CVG Airport Authority
3:40pm-4:30pm ADVANCED Track: Info on PGAs & How it Relates to FTZ

  • Review applicable PGAs such as FDA, EPA, NITSA, etc.)
 SPEAKER(s) invited:

Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group, & suggestion of user/oper/service providers to build panel based on current pga activity

not incl. CPSC (FDA, APHIS Lacey, WS, etc.)

BACKUP 2025 PGA SPEAKERS: (review feedback)
Eric Shumaker, Steelite International USA Inc.,
Gabi Yarbrough, Kubota North America,
Laura Gipson, Bayer Crop Science LP,
Santos Rodriguez, Boehringer &
Shedrick Grant, Syngenta Crop
INVITED MODERATOR: Yvonne Reed, Columbus Regional Airport
OPERATORS/USERS: Local FTZ Perspective and Operational Realities

    • Explain CBP's role in FTZ Board applications
    • Outline best practices and do's and don'ts with activations, facility security, and compliance reviews.
    • Provide an overview of FTZs in the Port of Kansas City's area of responsibility

PETROLEUM: Tariffs, Tariffs and More Tariffs

  • Conduct an in-depth review of the tariff landscape.
 Oper/User SPEAKERS INVITED: Deputy Chief Officer Stephen Long, Branch Chief Jonathan Culp and Deputy Assistant Director Boston Field Office Chadi Nicolas Kiami

 

 

 

 

 

PETRO Speakers: TBD

 OPER/USER MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ

 

PETROLEUM MODERATOR: TBD
4:30pm-6:00 pm GRANTEES: Grantee Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Grantees in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Justin Ryan, JAXPORT
OPERATORS/USERS: Operator/User Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Operator/Users in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Shana Head, GEODIS
PETROLEUM: Petroleum Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Petroleum Professionals in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Amy Schnipke, Marathon Petroleum
6:00pm-8:00pm TUESDAY MAIN RECEPTION

  • Connect with industry partners while enjoying a taste of San Diego during the Tuesday night reception.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

7:30am-10:00am Annual Business Meeting MEMBERS ONLY Breakfast
9:00am-10:00am

10:00am - 10:30am

 Non-Member Breakfast

BREAK
10:00-10:30am GENERAL: Administration economic success story

  • Review supreme court decision status
  • Explore results of IEEPA
 SPEAKER: TBD MODERATOR: TBD
10:30am-11:30am ADVANCED: When Entities Shift: Strategic FTZ Planning for M&A, Divestitures, and Reorganizations

  • Review (Acquire/entity changes - how impact applications; sunset redesignations (co. changes), scope review, etc)
  • Provide a clear roadmap for executing entity transitions smoothly while protecting FTZ benefits and minimizing operational disruption.
 SPEAKERS: Courtney Stiers, KROLL + TBD (To approach customer if declines to approach backup list),

Jeremy Page or Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC,

BACKUP LIST: Operator: Robert Balli, P66; Laura Heyburn (Rebecca contact if seek)

 MODERATOR: TBD
SPEAKERS:
Ariana Cox, PAX (invited)
and Frankie Bryson, Nissan		 MODERATOR(invited): Joe Burks, Yamaha Motor Corporation
GRANTEE Track: What Every Grantee Needs to Know BUT Doesn’t

  • What exactly is “Direct Delivery” ? What does it mean for CBP? For the Operator? Why do some companies get approval and others do not? Why do some CBP teams not approve it at all (Savannah) and why?
  • Under ASF why dose a company select a usage driven site vs a sub zone? What does it really mean for the Operator? What does it mean for CBP?
  • Let’s talk FIRMS codes. What are they? What do they relate to and how are they used? Who issues them and or resends them? Where do you find them?
 SPEAKERS: Michael D’Aoust, Watermark (TO INVITE) MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah (TO INVITE)
11:40am-12:40pm ADVANCED Track: Setting Realistic Expectations in Preparation of UAT testing of FTZ Software

  • Attendees would learn a more realistic timeline for going live with new software
  • Attendees would obtain talking points for speaking to upper management regarding requirements prior to going live with new software
  • Attendees will have a list of recommended key participants in preparing for new software
 SPEAKERS: Heather Hute, Livingston International + TBD (request software provider or operation suggestion from Heather)
 MODERATOR: TBD
OPERATORS/USERS Track: CF3461 Estimates, Regulations, Supplemental

  • Explore current status, challenges, tariff impacts, changes in CBP expectations, weekly and supplemental estimates, etc.
  • Review Common challenges, Best Practices within the FTZ, Strategies to ensure accuracy, reduce risk, and streamline entry processes
  • Understand how to Be in compliance, the requirements to submit a 3461 weekly entry, and how to gather the data for the reporting, and how to do their check and balances.
  • (1) Understand the requirements for filing CF3461 estimates and the appropriate procedures for handling estimates;
  • (2) Identify and evaluate gaps in current estimates and apply methods to build a new CF3461 using ACE data; and
  • (3) Recognize key PGA reporting requirements associated with CF3461 filings.
 SPEAKERS:
Sara Hastings, Aqua Gulf,
Yoselin Hernandez, ITC-Diligence, Inc. and
Tanna Johnson, EY,		 MODERATOR TBD
GRANTEE Track: Zone In: How Grantees Can Qualify Prospective Operators

  • Equip grantees with a structured screening framework that helps prospective zone users think through whether designation is likely to generate meaningful benefit for their specific operation.
  • Strengthen grantee business development while staying clearly within the grantee's facilitative role.
 INVITED SPEAKER: Justin Ryan, JAXPORT MODERATOR (to invite): Tony Rodriguez, Port of Brownsville
12:40pm ADJOURN