Skip to content

Spring Seminar Agenda

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

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

Sunday, May 17, 2026

5:00pm-6:30pm Welcome Reception

  • Network with FTZ Industry partners

Monday, May 18, 2026

 

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

  • Explore the daily outlook & NAFTZ developments
 SPEAKER: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:30- 9:30am FTZ Board Update 

  • Review latest developments impacting the Foreign-Trade Zones program.
 SPEAKERS: TBD MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
9:45 -10:30am Trade Policy

  • Review important policy changes affecting U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones.
  • ACE
    Functionality Updates Impacting FTZs and Import Processes
  • Part 146 Rewrite Update
    Truck Manifest Update
 SPEAKERS: INVITED Director Brad Slutsky, & Local Portland, Maine FTZ personnel MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
10:30am-11:00am Refreshment Break
11:00am - 12:00pm OPERATORS/USER: ABC's of the FTZ Program from Setup to Ongoing Management for 3PLs

  • Desc. Attendees will walk away with
  • (1.) a foundation of the FTZ requirements,
  • (2.) explanation of the many unique differences for multi-user 3PL operations as compared to single user non-3PL operations, and
  • (3.) a list of best practices specifically based upon 3PL needs.
SPEAKER: Sara Hastings, AquaGulf, (3FP member)? + 1 MODERATOR/speaker: Shana Head, GEODIS
Z-TECH: (PLACEHOLDER) Countdown to FTZ Launch: Readiness Essentials

  • Assess FTZ systems readiness
  • Understand how to implement effective training plan
  • Establish a plan for documented FTZ processes and controls –
  • Understand how to coordinate stakeholders for proper go-live planning and
  • Evaluate overall readiness of FTZ program before go-live.
 SPEAKER: TBD MODERATOR/SPEAKER: TBD
GRANTEES: From Interest to Activation: Modern Strategies to Market Your U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone

  • Desc. Explore Marketing methodologies specific zone sites, magnet sites, local industry, and unique strategies
 SPEAKERS: Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority, FTZ #29

*Asked Grantee Comm./Robbie for suggestions

 MODERATOR: Robbie Williams, America's Central Port
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-2:00pm OPERATORS/USERS: Setting up & organizing (or re-organizing) a multi-location FTZ program.

  • (1.) a comprehensive list of the topics and areas to be reviewed and/or considered;
  • (2.) the pros & cons of insourcing vs. outsourcing; and
  • (3.) recommendations on best practices for improved chances of success.
 SPEAKERS: Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group
+ operator client		 MODERATOR: Robert Balli, P66
Z-TECH: PGA – Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Zone Compliance: Best Practice Requirements

  • Review upcoming E-filing deadlines and compliance
  • Understand the different types of CPSC reporting methods and their application in FTZ environments.
  • Identify when and how zones must report CPSC certificate information to ensure compliance.
  • Recognize the unique challenges zones face compared to other PGA programs and apply strategies to overcome them.
 SPEAKER: Kimberly Coyne, TR +automation committee co-speaker

 

 MODERATOR: TBD
GRANTEES: Strategies/Messaging and Promoting FTZs to businesses and communities

  • Diving deeper into the balance of economic development mindset and FTZ company benefits in reaching target audiences
  • How to craft FTZ value propositions for the C-suite and civic leaders
  • Balance economic-development goals with compliance credibility and myth-busting talking points.
  • Community storytelling: Translate FTZ benefits for local stakeholders (jobs, capex, resilience) without hype; prepare elected-official talking points and “why here/why now” narratives.
 SPEAKERS: Biguita Hernandez-Smith, City of Bangor + Wayne Coleman, BC Cal Kal Inland Port Development Corporation MODERATOR: Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi (POCCA)
2:00-2:30pm  FTZs in your Area

  • Review local FTZ outlooks
  • how activated/reactivated
 SPEAKERS:
Biguita Hernandez-Smith, City of Bangor Maine Mechelle Ngin, Port Long BeachDavid Panko, City of El Paso, TX		 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
2:30 - 3:00pm

 

 AI in the International Trade Areana: Intelligent Workflows in Regulated Environments

  • 1. How AI agents function as operational teammates across classification, validations, exception handling, and reporting.
  • 2. A blueprint for designing intelligent workflows that combine humans, systems, and agents into a coordinated operational model.
  • 3. Governance and controls required to deploy agents safely in regulated and audit-sensitive environments.
  • 4. Where AI agents deliver the biggest value first and which areas still require human judgment.
  • 5. How trade and compliance teams can prepare now for a future of continuously improving, semi-autonomous operations.

3:00-3:30pm REFRESHMENT BREAK 

 SPEAKERS:  TBD  MODERATOR:TBD
3:30pm-4:30pm OPERATORS/USERS: FTZ Operator's Procedures Manual

  • desc - Review a full and complete listing of content needed for compliance with 19 CFR 146, as well as a tool to assist FTZ Operators especially during headcount transition.

 

 SPEAKERS: Bill Fisher Mohawk Global + Operator  MODERATOR: Diana Urelius, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc.
Z-TECH: Mastering Section 232 Reporting: Compliance Strategies, Country-Specific Rules, and FTZ Best Practices

  • Understand the different types of CPSC reporting methods and their application in FTZ environments.
  • Identify when and how zones must report CPSC certificate information to ensure compliance.
  • Recognize the unique challenges zones face compared to other PGA programs and apply strategies to overcome them.
 SPEAKER:
Eric Dalby, Descartes
Craig Pool, QAD Precision FTZ, &
Andrew Seibert, Copper Hill		 MODERATOR: Sean Lydon, ISCM, Inc.
GRANTEES: Demystifying the FTZ Journey: A Practical Guide for New Grantees and Operators

  • Desc. 1. Understand the path from inactivity to activation — how designated but dormant zones can be revived through clear planning, partnerships, and outreach,
  • 2. Learn how to translate complex FTZ regulations into plain language and actionable steps, ensuring alignment among public, private, and federal partners
  • 3. Gain practical communication and coordination strategies that foster collaboration between grantees, operators, and consultants — building a sustainable foundation for long-term FTZ success
  • 4. Explore ways to effectively manage FTZ responsibilities alongside other core duties, developing systems and partnerships that allow limited-staff entities to stay compliant and proactive without dedicated full-time FTZ personnel
 SPEAKERS: Biguita Hernandez-Smith, City of Bangor + 1 (request suggestion)    MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC
4:30pm-6:00pm OPERATORS/USERS ONLY: Roundtable

  • Join the discussion on hot topics for Operators/Users
 MODERATOR: Shana Head, GEODIS
GRANTEES ONLY: Roundtable

  • Join the discussion on hot topics for Grantees
 MODERATOR:  Justin Ryan, JAXPORT
6:00pm Adjourn
6:00pm-8:00pm Tentative (TBD) Reception

Location: TBD

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

7:30am-8:00am Networking Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:20am Opening Remarks

  • AZS & CZS Announcements & announce winner of the Photo Scavenger Hunt
  • Explore the daily outlook & NAFTZ developments
 SPEAKER: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:20am-8:50am Forced Labor

  • Review storage nuances, policy and outlook developments
  • Review UFLPA Mechanics: How to Handle a Response
  • Understanding the Penalty Process: Who, What, Why and How
  • Classification Basics: What you Should Do and Resources
 SPEAKERS: Chris Smith, IKEA MODERATOR: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear
8:50am-9:20am Advocacy & Trade Policy

  • Current U.S. FTZ policy discussion and updates & impact on the program
 SPEAKERS: Ron Sorini, Sorini and Samet MODERATOR: Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
9:20am-9:50am Country of Origin within FTZs

  • An understanding of the various rules of origin that apply for duty assessment; how to exercise due diligence in making sourcing decisions; how to address CBP inquiries.
 SPEAKER:

  • David Murphy, GDLSK, + co-speaker
 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
9:50am-10:20am Refreshment Break
10:20-11:20am  OPERATORS/USERS: Zone-to-Zone Transfers: Operational Best Practices and Compliance Pitfalls

  • desc review compliance tools and strategies to avoid pitfalls
 SPEAKERS: Will Coffey & Cody Davis, EY MODERATOR: Ileana Klepeisz, Tapestry
z-TECH: FTZ & AI: Efficiency, Ethics, and Effectiveness 

    • Explore the Tactical / Practical approach of Ai, explore:
      • Efficiency – How AI can save time on routine FTZ tasks like drafting, tracking, and organizing information.
      • Ethics – How to use AI responsibly, protect data, and stay compliant.
      • Effectiveness – How AI can improve accuracy, consistency, and decision-making in FTZ work
 SPEAKER: Biguita Hernandez-Smith, City of Bangor & Andrea Levy, Lutron Electronics, Inc. MODERATOR: Patty Cannon, State of DE, Department of State
ADVANCED: Local FTZ Perspective and
Operational Realities

  •  CBP Officers to speak from their local perspective and that of doing
    national FTZ training. Local stories examples of FTZ reviews & outcomes/Dos and Don’ts on interface between FTZ operators and CBP personnel at a local level
 SPEAKER(S): INVITED Deputy Chief Officer Stephen Long & Local FTZ Officers MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
11:30am-12:30pm OPERATORS/USERS: In-Bonds

  • Explore all in-bond transportation including export
  • Understand how to help forwarders and carriers understand the process to help us ship with them. We find we have to educate them most of the time.
  • Review Port to port, same operator vs. different operator
 SPEAKERS:TBD

Michael D’Aoust, Watermark and Jill James, John S. James, Co.

 MODERATOR: Kelly Steward, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company
Z-TECH: Integrating Technology in 3PL and Operator/User Environments

  • Desc. Explore the regulatory framework for operator vs. user roles, and the operational complexities of managing these relationships.
  • Discuss how companies are using platforms, automation, and digital agreements to divide responsibilities, manage workflows, and ensure compliance.
  • Provide practical insight into how technology is being deployed to solve operational challenges in multi-party environments.
 SPEAKER: Panel discussion recommended, including operators/users and software providers. MODERATOR: James Grogan, KROLL
Grantee: Foreign Trade Zone Feasibility Study

  • 1. Describe the key components and purpose of a feasibility study in the context of Foreign Trade Zones.
  • Analyze the potential benefits, costs, and risks associated with FTZ designation for a business.
  • Determine the critical factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue Foreign Trade Zone status based on feasibility study findings.
 SPEAKERS: Ohdi Williamson, PwC + TBD MODERATOR: Sarah Messeih, KPMG, LLP
12:30pm Conclude