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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, September 14, 2025

11:30am - 2:00 pm NAFTZ is proud to partner with local Kansas City charity: Operation Breakthrough known as an organization that provides a safe, nurturing, educational, and loving environment for children in poverty and empowers their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. Sunday offers an optional activity for attendees (in addition to the Annual Conf. Monday 6am 5k) to support this charity by organizing donations and supporting the local facility on Sunday Sept. 14, 11:30am-2:00pm. Space is limited so please let us know if interested in joining us (Transporation will be provided) & thanks to our sponsor: MIC Customs Solutions for covering any processing fees - all donations made will go directly to the charity). NAFTZ making a difference for Operation Breakthrough!
5:30pm-6:30pm Registration & Attendee Reception

Monday, September 15, 2025

 

6:00 am Charity 5K -Join us by walking, running and/or donating in support of local Kansas City charity: Operation Breakthrough known as an organization that provides a safe, nurturing, educational, and loving environment for children in poverty and empowers their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. Thanks to our sponsor: MIC Customs Solutions for covering any processing fees - all donations made will go directly to the charity Operation Breakthrough!
7:30am-8:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:10am Opening Remarks & Welcome

  • Review key association developments and provide an event overview.
 SPEAKER: Mayor of Kansas City, Quinton Lucas 
James Grogan, KROLL		 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:10am-8:40am Top Advocacy & NAFTZ Insights

  • High level overview of the current political reality of U.S. trade and what is on the horizon for U.S. FTZs
 SPEAKER: James Grogan, KROLL & Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:40am-9:40am CBP “Taking it from the Top – The CBP HQ Perspectives”

  • Review changes affecting the Foreign-Trade Zones program and other importers.
    • CBP Focus in FY 2024+
    • The Future of Port/Trade Resources
    • ACE and Other CBP Budget Priorities
    • Section 321 (de minimus) and its growing impact on cargo processing
 SPEAKERS INVITED Acting Commissioner, & EAC Sabatino, XD Thomas MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
9:40am-10:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:10am-11:10am FTZ Board: Developments

  • Review FTZ Board current and ongoing developments.
 SPEAKER INVITED: Liz Whiteman, US FTZ Board MODERATOR: James Grogan, KROLL
11:10am-12:00pm 2025 Regional FTZ: Driving economic decisions for FTZs

  • Local factors with Operator Panel - supply chain, renewable, etc.
  • Expand discussion to Rail transportation & FTZ as applicable
 SPEAKERS: Jeff Kimble, Kawasaki, Guillermo Lamadrid, Assa Abloy & John Cookinham, MRI Global MODERATOR: Chris Gutierrez, Greater Kansas City, FTZ
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: Ileana Klepeisz, Tapestry
Operators/Users Track: What I was doing on Feb. 1, 2025?

On the evening of February 1st, significant punitive tariffs were announced affecting almost 40% of U.S. international trade. This came on the heels of announcements that the funding for several economic develop programs had been eliminated. Join this panel of veteran policy & FTZ professionals as they map the process that unfolded inside and outside their organizations to deal with the crisis. Our panelists will address:

    • Assessing and communicating the impact
    • Developing and implementing contingency plans
    • Defining the role of FTZs in a volatile trade environment
    • Exploring what's on the horizon: China, Europe & Great Britain
 SPEAKERS: Torrey Chambliss, Port Tampa Bay & Jorge Aguilar, HIT Promotions MODERATOR: Kelly Steward, Proctor & Gamble
GRANTEE Track: A step-by-step Guide on what to do before/after an activation request (102 class process and procedures)

  • Explore the Economic development approach – constituents vs. Control approach
  • Understand Documented process & procedures (internal process)
  • Review Application Procedure
  • Define how to communicate; enable the process; & be more efficient in timelines/process/empower by board vs paperwork approach etc.
  • Increase FTZ knowledge and usage within their own communities.
  • Define what the steps are in submitting an operator for activation
 SPEAKER: Rina Lawrence, Port Houston  MODERATOR: Laura Swankler, Virginia Port Authority
PETROLEUM: Washington Trade Relations Update

  • Review Latest developments impacting Trade and Petroleum FTZs
 SPEAKERS:
Larry Hanson, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. 		MODERATOR: Amy Schnipke, Marathon Petroleum
2:10pm-2:20pm BREAK
2:20pm-3:20pm FUNDAMENTALS: FTZ Application Process

  • Identify proper documentation.
  • Determine delivery type & authorization requirements
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER INVITED: Camille Evans, US FTZ Board  MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
GRANTEE TRACK: A Review of all the Risk and Cost strategies for Global Supply Chains  

  •  Explore how to overcome costs by utilizing the FTZ program.
 SPEAKER:  Cindy Wellever, Intel + SPEAKER: Ellen Bishop, Corning MODERATOR: David Panko, City of El Paso
 OPERATORS/USERS Track: CPSC E-Filing requirement and timelines

  • Review the January 8th CPSC published final rule requiring the submission of CPSC Certificates of Conformity to be filed at the time of entry. There are currently two ways to file this through the message set. One is a full message set and one is an abbreviated message set referencing their data base reference number. There is an 18 month implementation for entries and a 2 year implementation for FTZs
 SPEAKERS: Chris Smith, IKEA, Polia Comella, Rockefeller Group  Speaker/MODERATOR: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear  
PETROLEUM: CTPAT Trade Compliance Update & CEE Update

  • Provide an overview and benefits of the CTPAT Trade Compliance program along with the partnership with trade compliant members
  • Explore an overview of Petroleum CEE’s role and responsibilities, update on current initiatives, and Q&A
    session (questions will be submitted prior to conference to CBP)
  

SPEAKERS: Petroleum personnel: Bryan Gray, NAM, Petroleum CEE, Jeff Saum, CBP: Robert Munivez

 MODERATOR: Beverly Cruz, SHELL
3:20-3:50pm REFRESHMENT BREAK 
3:50pm-4:50pm FUNDAMENTALS: Zone Status, Inventory & Recordkeeping

  • Identify storage, removal, and destruction rules.
  • Determine necessary authorization required.
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Diana Urelius, MITSUBISHI LOGISNEXT AMERICAS INC. MODERATOR: Shane Williams, EY
 Operator/user Track: How to Leverage FTZ's to manage increased tariffs and the impacts on insurance and customs bonds

  • Explore methods to navigate the ever-changing tariff landscape
 SPEAKER: Patrice Lafayette, Roanoke Insurance Group Inc. & Wanda Sample, Avalon Risk Management MODERATOR: Maddi Krieger, QAD
GRANTEE TRACK: Stronger Together: Building FTZ Relationships That Save Time, Cut Risk, and Drive Success
 SPEAKERS: Sara Hastings, Aqua Gulf & Shana Head, GEODIS MODERATOR: Laura Swankler, Virginia Port Authority
PETROLEUM: Vessel Clearance Panel & Understanding Jones Act It's implications (Introduction and Advanced topics)

  • Understand Comprehensive review of vessel clearance procedures and Jones Act considerations, featuring key scenarios and practical applications
 SPEAKER: TBD MODERATOR: Helen Estrada, P66
5:00pm-6:00pm FUNDAMENTALS: Merchandise Handling & Admissions

  • Identify discrepancies.
  • Define HMF.
  • Review Reporting Responsibilities.
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Patrick Lowery, Bayer Crop Science MODERATOR: Shane Williams, EY
GRANTEE Track: FTZ Board Changes-Navigating UncertaintyThe U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board has not been immune to the changes in Washington, D.C. From DOGE to staff reductions and a general pivot to import enforcement, interactions with Board staff have changed. Join this panel of industry experts to review how that in turn should change Grantee interactions with operators, prospects and applicants. Our panelists will address:

    • Shifting FTZB staff assignments and their impact
    • Additional information requested in the application processes
    • Changes to application timelines
    • Sunset confirmation procedures
 SPEAKERS : Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix, Patty Cannon, State of DE, Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah MODERATOR: Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group
OPERATOR/USER Track: CF3461 estimates regulations, and supplemental.

  • The regulation on a estimate with HTS/ MID combination surpassing the estimates. How and when the supplemental can take place and be in regulation with CBP.

PETROLEUM: Key to Successfully Balancing FTZ, FTA and Drawback 

  • Explore In-depth strategies to maximize tax savings, maintain trade compliance while effectively navigate the interplay between Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and duty drawback programs.
 OPER/USER INVITED SPEAKERS: Michael D’Aoust, Watermark

 

 

PETRO SPEAKERS:
Matt Anderson, Charter; Todd Davis, Charter Brokerage; Hillary Jones, Marathon & Francisco Justinianes, Puerto Rico Energy LLC

 OPER/USER MODERATOR: Maddi Krieger, QAD

 

PETRO MODERATOR: Megan Niese, Marathon Petroleum
6:00pm ADJOURN
6:00pm-7:00pm Grand Opening Welcome Reception

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

 

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

  • Review Outlook/trade developments of the day
 SPEAKERS: James Grogan, KROLL MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
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: Director Brad Slutsky & CTPAT Program Office Representative, CBP MODERATOR: James Grogan, KROLL 
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: Bill Fisher, Mohawk Global MODERATOR: Joe Blaskiewicz, MIC Customs Solutions LLC
ADVANCED Track: Export controls and compliance reports for FTZ Exports

  • Understand FTZ Exports: Translating the Complexities into Simple Terms & Defining Liabilities
  • Review Export in-bond vs not in-bond including all of the in-bond options and nuances/liabilities of each; Incoterms and their impact; EEI filing responsibilities; PGA export compliance responsibilities; BIS export compliance responsibilities; selling to US entity buyer vs foreign entity buyer, etc.
 SPEAKERS: Paige Carr, CEVA Logistics & Melissa Hopkins, Mercedes MODERATOR:   Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC
OPERATOR/USER Track: Is it True?  (Are your assumptions about imports and FTZs (always) correct?)  Previously Documentation compliance and scope of authority issues

  • Understand Nuances to not keeping in regular upkeep
  • It would be beneficial to provide guidance to operators, particularly manufacturing operators, in how to recognize and utilize their scope of authority to confirm they're compliant with CBP/FTZ Board requirements. Particularly for legacy FTZ Operators, Scope of authorities or needs/operations may have changed and the appropriate FTZ Board filings may not have occurred.
 SPEAKERS:  Brian Murphy, Miller & Co. PC MODERATOR: Wayne Coleman, BC/CAL/KAL Inland Port Development Corp. 
PETROLEUM: Renewables Panel Discussing the Nuances of Import, Export, FTZ, FTA & Drawback

  • Explore the complexities of imports, exports, FTZs, FTAs & Duty Drawback as they relate to the renewable energy sector.  The session will also cover CBP's approach inventory measurement requirements, audits, and key recordkeeping considerations unique to   renewable operations.
 INVITED SPEAKER: Robert Munivez, National Petroleum Chemist Division, Petroleum CEE personnel CBP; Michael Leightman, Charter Brokerage;  Kelly Towner, Valero; Robert Balli, P66; Greg Towne, Charter Brokerage; Christian Szymanski, Charter Brokerage; MODERATOR: James Rojas, P66
10:40am-11:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:10am-12:10pm FUNDAMENTALS: Periodic Reporting & Regulatory Requirements & Inspections

 SPEAKER(S): Sarah Messeih, KPMG MODERATOR: JR Holcolmb, Hillwood, A Perot Company
ADVANCED TRACK Penalty exposure under additional tariffs-Customs penalties and potential mitigation under Section 232, IEEPA, and Reciprocal Tariffs SPEAKER: Jeremy Page, Page Fura PC MODERATOR: TBD
OPERATOR/USER Track: FTZ Inventory Discrepancies & Reporting: A DEEP DIVE

  • Understand the reasons and ways to report nuances
 SPEAKERS: Justin Poyser, ITC Diligence International,  Will Coffey, Thomson Reuters & Wanda Wiggins, Kontane Logistics MODERATOR: Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide Inc.
PETROLEUM: Benefits Beyond Petroleum Refining

  • Unlocking FTZ benefits beyond petroleum refining
 SPEAKERS:
Michael Leightman, Charter Brokerage & Hillary Jones, Marathon Petroleum, Robert Balli from P66 & Jason Given, KPMG 		 MODERATOR: Brittany Jones, Valero
12:10pm-1:10pm LUNCH
1:20pm-2:20pm  General session: New Trade Developments

  • Details on how U.S. trade policy has affected U.S. FTZ program along with Q&A on this and next steps for NAFTZ members
 SPEAKER: Ron Sorini, Sorini & Samet & Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ 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
 SPEAKERS: Gabi Yarbrough, Kubota Manufacturing of America & Jessica Miserendino, AFL MODERATOR: Patrice Lafayette, Roanoke Insurance Group Inc.
ADVANCED Track: Duty Drawback Parity between FTZ and Non-FTZ duty drawback claims

  • Explore how these differ, what are your liabilities, requirements, etc.
 SPEAKER: Mike Cerny Charter Brokerage MODERATOR: Frankie Bryson, Nissan
OPERATORS/USERS: Trade Enforcement under the New Administration  (old title compliance risks)

  • Review required data points for CBP filings, and the risks to a Zone operation without them. Defined HTSUS, MID codes for Manufacturers, Etc...

PETROLEUM: Neoflow & U.S. CBP: Building Digital Traceability for Oil & Gas—and Extending It into FTZs

  • Undergo a Deep dive into digital transformation including a comprehensive overview of Neoflow’s capabilities and functionalities
 Oper/User SPEAKER: David Murphy, GDLSK & Sean Murray, Miller & Co. PC

 

 

 

PETRO INVITED SPEAKERS: Russell Labiuk, Enbridge, Jeff Saum, US CBP, Chris Wallace, NEOFLOW, Ronnie Reynolds of Exxon Mobil & Amy Schnipke, Marathon

 INVITED MODERATOR: Robin George, Marathon Petroleum
3:10pm-3:40pm REFRESHMENT BREAK

3:40pm-4:30pm

  

FUNDAMENTALS: Professional Development in the FTZ industry

  • Utilize FTZ knowledge in real world scenarios
 Speakers: Chris Smith, IKEA, Torrey Chambliss, Port of Tampa Bay +ELITE Committee Co-Chair: Courtney Stiers + Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority Moderator: NAFTZ ELITE Committee Co-Chair: Angela Cook
3:40pm-4:30pm ADVANCED Track: Bonded Shipments/In-bond

  • 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
 SPEAKER: Carrie Cooper-Grubs, Host Terminals, LLC MODERATOR: Tasha Wooten, Kravet
OPERATORS/USERS: Local FTZ Perspective and Operational Realities

  • Explore CBP Officers (and national FTZ trainers) from their local perspective
  • Understand best scenarios:
    • Before I concur with your applications, I would like…
    • Before you apply for activation, make sure you do THIS
    • Facility security dos and don’ts
    • The best activation meeting I ever went to looked like this...
    • Review Implementing state law taxes
    • Ocean House Bill release update - policy impact (OFO)
    • Looking ahead to In-Bond Reg changes (OFO)
    • Forced Labor - Security (OFO)

PETROLEUM: Tariff Mitigation For Petroleum Industry

  • Review Comprehensive Tariff Mitigation Strategies in the Petroleum Industry
 Oper/User SPEAKERS INVITED: Deputy Chief Officer Stephen Long and Local FTZ Officers

 

 

 

 

 

PETRO Speakers: Michael Cerny, Charter Brokerage

 OPER/USER MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ

 

PETROLEUM MODERATOR: Amy Schnipke, Marathon
4:30pm-6:00 pm GRANTEES: Grantee Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Grantees in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Justin Ryan, JAXPORT & William Cawthern, FTZ #74 Baltimore Development Corp. 
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 Kansas City during the Tuesday night reception.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

7:30am-10:00am Annual Business Meeting MEMBERS ONLY Breakfast
9:00am-10:00am Non-Member Breakfast
10:00-10:30am BREAK
10:30am-11:30am ADVANCED: How does your FTZ stack up? (previously Identifying FTA Qualifications)

  • Provide the latest developments to stacking, reciprocals and US Content challenges
 SPEAKERS: Eric Dalby, Descartes & Kimberly Coyne, TR MODERATOR: Matt Williams, TURMS Consulting
OPERATORS/USERS: Info on PGAs (especially FDA) and how it relates to FTZ

  • Address topic with Universal approach (to include Grantees)
 INVITED SPEAKERS:  Arcelio Gerardo, FTZ World Services & Angela DeVries, Pfizer MODERATOR: Teri Moreno, Bechtel
GRANTEE Track: Developing the skill sets necessary for managing and operating FTZ’s

  • Identify how to Equip a grantee with knowledge of needs such as import/compliance department, operations approach to run an FTZ (what’s required – inventory control system, etc.), role of customs broker, etc.
 SPEAKERS: David Panko, City of El Paso & David Sikkink, Hawaii FTZ MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah &
11:40am-12:40pm ADVANCED Track: FTZ Scrap, Waste & Destruction: Options for Handling in Manufacturing and Distribution Operations"

  • (Destruction, unusable options – destruction, scrap entry, expired inventory, damaged, etc.– 2019 webinar
  • Connect with FTZ Manufacturers on the A-Z Process for Scrap from Manufactured Goods
  • Explore Specifically, scrap that is subject to Tariff Remedies and AD/CVD and if possible to avoid.
  • Identify how to track, report, and what is needed to support scrap claim?
  • More ways for benefits (amidst tariffs)v
  • Increased recycling – residuals options, etc.
 SPEAKERS: Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group
 INVITED MODERATOR: Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
OPERATORS/USERS Track: How "cargo" becomes "inventory"

  • Define when it happens: leaving a foreign port or while it is in a container on the ocean? Or maybe when it leaves the destination port here in the US and/or when the container is attached to a truck or a rail car?
  • Explore When & where does that "cargo" stop being cargo and begin being inventory??
  • Define what does that mean for the importing operator/user as well as CBP??
 SPEAKERS: Darcy Emehiser,US DSV & Kelly Steward, Proctor and Gamble MODERATOR Carrie Cooper-Grubbs, HOST Terminals
GRANTEE Track: Leveling the Playing Field: Harnessing Free Digital Tools & AI To Market & Manage Your U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone

  • Explore Marketing methodologies specific zone sites, magnet sites, local industry, and unique strategies (Welcome expanding upon the topic)
 SPEAKERS: Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi & Justin Ryan, JAXPORT MODERATOR: Robbie Williams, America's Central Port
12:40pm ADJOURN