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Annual Conference & Exposition Agenda

Sunday, October 18, 2026

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:

  • (INVITED) Port of San Diego Commissioner;
  • Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear
 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:20 - 9:20 am What's next for U.S. FTZ Advocacy?

 SPEAKERS:

  • Ron Sorini / Megan Costello, Sorini Strategic Advisors;
  • Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
 9:20 - 10:10 am USTR Perspective

  • Explore latest USTR developments
  

Speakers: 

  • Jennifer Thornton, General Counsel, USTR

 

 MODERATOR: Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
9:40am-10:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:10am-11:10am U.S. FTZ Board Update

  • Review U.S. FTZ operational developments.
 SPEAKER(s)

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

  • How U.S. FTZ users evaluate zone benefits, supply chain needs, & regional business conditions.
  • Local & regional factors including workforce, logistics infrastructure, transportation access, & industry clusters
  • How U.S. FTZ participation can support operational flexibility, cost management, investment planning, & broader economic development goals.
  • Practical lessons from operators that may inform future U.S. FTZ activation, utilization, or expansion strategies.
 SPEAKER(s):

  • Connie Le Fevre, Port of San Diego
  • Mechelle Ngin, Port of Long Beach,
 MODERATOR: Patty Cannon, State of DE, Department of State
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:10pm-2:10pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: U.S. FTZ Overview, Benefits, Participants & Zone Types

  • Identify benefits & review the regulatory process
 SPEAKER:

  • Sean Lydon, ISCM Inc.
 MODERATOR: Wolfram F. Schaffler Gonzalez, City of Laredo
OPERATOR/USER Track: CPSC E-Filing Requirements & Timelines

  • Review the current state of the new e-filing requirements and the outlook for U.S. FTZs ahead of the January 8th, 2027 U.S. FTZ deadline.
 SPEAKER(s):

  • Chris Smith, IKEA
  • Kimberly Coyne, TR
 MODERATOR: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear
GRANTEE Track: Grantee CBP Best practices

  • Explore ideal strategies for compliance
 SPEAKERS:

  • Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
  • Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi 
  • (INVITED) Phoenix CBP Asst. Port Director Jason R. West  
 MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah
PETROLEUM Track: Washington & Trade Relations Update

  • Explore the latest developments impacting trade and Petroleum U.S. FTZs.
 SPEAKERS:

  • David LeClere, API
MODERATOR: Amy Schnipke, Marathon
2:10pm-2:20pm BREAK
2:20pm-3:20pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: U.S. 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.
 MODERATOR: Luke Watts, John S. James Co.
GRANTEE Track: Economic Development Benefits that impact U.S. FTZ to Local Markets

  • Understand how to highlight the significance in community to enhance the message
 SPEAKER:

  • David Sikkink, Hawaii FTZ 
  • Torrey Chambliss, Port of Tampa Bay
 MODERATOR: Angela Cook, CVG Airport Authority
OPERATOR/USER Track: Trade Enforcement: Company vs. Individual Liability SPEAKERS:

  • David Murphy, GDLSK
 MODERATOR: Brandi Stoddard, ITC Diligence International
PETROLEUM: Key to Successfully Balancing U.S. 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 U.S. FTZ, FTA, and duty drawback programs.
  

SPEAKERS:

  • Alejandro Urdinola, Charter Brokerage
  • Greg Towne, Charter Brokerage
  • James Grogan, KROLL
 MODERATOR: Robin George, Marathon
3:20-3:50pm REFRESHMENT BREAK 
3:50pm-4:50pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: Inventory & Recordkeeping

  • Identify storage, removal, and destruction rules.
  • Determine necessary authorization required.
 SPEAKER(s)

  • (INVITED): Fany Messen, LEGO Manufacturing Richmond, Inc.
 MODERATOR: Joe Blaskiewicz, MIC Customs Solutions
OPERATOR/USER Track: Industry take on the CBP Enhanced Compliance Audits SPEAKER:

  • Amanda Ward, Miller & Co. 
  • Sara Hastings, Aqua Gulf
 MODERATOR: Eva Tomlinson, FTI Consulting Inc.

GRANTEE Track: Enhancing the Zone Value Proposition: Funding User and Operator Benefits

  • Explore compliance with regulations for appropriate use annual zone fees
  • Review ways to increase the level of service provided to existing and prospective operators.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
  • Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority
 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
PETROLEUM Track: The Shipping Forecast: Trump's Maritime Policy & Jones Act Insights

  • Review of current U.S. maritime policy developments under the Trump administration, emphasizing the Jones Act and its impact.
 SPEAKER(s):

  • Mark Johnson, Deputy Maritime Administrator, US DOT
 MODERATOR: Amy Schnipke, Marathon
5:00pm-6:00pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: Merchandise Handling & Admissions

  • Identify discrepancies.
  • Define HMF.
  • Review Reporting Responsibilities.
 SPEAKER:

  • Teri Moreno, Betchel
 MODERATOR:  Diana Urelius, KPMG, LLP
GRANTEE Track: How Best to Market U.S. 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: Christine Allen, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)
OPERATOR/USER Track: New’ Pharma / cold chain U.S. FTZ operations

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

  • Jessica Rosen, UPS
  • Jason Given, KPMG LLP
  • (INVITED) Manas Dasaraju, Merck Sharp
 MODERATOR: Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide Inc.
PETROLEUM Track: Beyond the FTZ: Navigating Expansions, Bonded Facilities & the Path to Successful Activation

  • Gain practical insight into FTZ expansions and bonded facilities, including activation and implementation processes, key planning considerations, timelines, and the advantages, limitations, and ideal use cases of each approach.
 SPEAKER:

  • Michael Leightman, Charter;
  • James Grogan, Kroll; 
  • Amy Schnipke, Marathon
 MODERATOR: James Rojas, P66
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
 SPEAKER(s):

  • Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear Co.
8:30am-9:30am U.S. FTZ Program Enforcement Updates From CBP

  • Hear directly from CBP on the current status of trade developments, recent Executive Orders, and enforcement activities
 SPEAKER (s):

  • Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Judson W. Murdock, Office of Field Operations
 MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
9:30am-9:40am BREAK
9:40am-10:40am FUNDAMENTALS Track: Transfer of Merchandise, Movements, Withdrawals and Special Handling

  • Identify discrepancies
  • Review reporting responsibilities
  • SPEAKER(s):
    Will Coffey, Thomson Reuters
 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.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Polia Comella, Rockefeller Group
  • Cody Davis, EY
 MODERATOR: Alison Jacobs, 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 U.S. 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
 MODERATOR: Kelly Steward, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company
PETROLEUM Track: Renewables Unplugged: Import, Export, U.S. 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 U.S. FTZ, FTA, and duty drawback.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Michael Leightman, Charter Brokerage
  • Amy Schnipke, Marathon,
  • Robert Balli, P66
  • Jonathan Dicks, Neste
 MODERATOR: Carmella Schroeder, Marathon
10:40am-11:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:10am-12:10pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: Periodic Reporting & Regulatory Requirements & Inspections

 SPEAKER(S):

  • Kyle Goehring, Valbruna Stainless Inc.
 MODERATOR: Tasha Wooten, ITC Diligence Worldwide
ADVANCED Track: A Step-by-Step Guide on What to do Before/After an Activation Request

  • Real-world considerations pertaining to U.S. FTZ activation.
  • Learn about recent CBP developments pertaining to U.S. FTZ activation and oversight.
  • Factors that impact U.S. FTZ implementation speed: data readiness, process alignment, & system dependencies.
  • Common pitfalls that disrupt U.S. FTZ implementations and where projects break down, including inventory tracking, classification alignment, and reporting.
  • How to prepare for activation, reduce risk, and build a more sustainable operating model.
  • How to get cross-functional teams onboard.
  • Implementing CBP Security requirements
  • Continually audit U.S. FTZ operations to maintain compliance.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Joshua Guy, VP of FTZ Solutions and Strategy, QAD
  • TBD FTI Consulting Inc.
 MODERATOR: Bridget Beran, Miller & Co.
OPERATOR/USER Track: Managing Customs bonds and Insurance amid Trade Uncertainty.

  • Desc. TBD
 SPEAKER(s)

  • Stephen Bilasz, Avalon Risk Management 
  • Patrice Lafayette, Roanoke Group
 MODERATOR: Jill James, John S James Co.
PETROLEUM Track: 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:

  • Christian Szymanski, Charter,
  • Matt Sliwinski, PBF Energy
 MODERATOR: Beverly Cruz, SHELL
12:10pm-1:10pm LUNCH
1:20pm-2:20pm  GENERAL Track: Strengthening Customs Order Enforcement: What the New Exec Order could mean for FTZs

  • Review latest developments 
 SPEAKER(s)

  • TBD
 MODERATOR: Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
2:30pm-3:10pm FUNDAMENTALS Track: ABCs of FTZs — Game Show of Knowledge

  • Utilize FTZ knowledge in real world scenarios in jeopardy style interactive format
 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

  • 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
 OPERATOR/USER Track: 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 

 

 

SPEAKERS:

  • Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi
  • Nicole Bell, Valero

 

 OPER/USER MODERATOR Rina Lawrence, Port Houston

 

 

MODERATOR: Louise Guerra, Valero

 
3:10pm-3:40pm

 

 

 

 

3:40pm-4:30pm

 

 

 

 

 REFRESHMENT BREAK

 

 

FUNDAMENTALS Track: 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 (FTZ) 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.
  

 

 

Speaker(s): INVITED JR Holcomb, Alliance Corridor

  • Brandi Stoddard – ITC
  • Daniel Parnell – Subaru
  • Korey Garceau, Port Milwaukee
  

 

 

Moderator: Angela Cook, CVG Airport Authority
 

3:40pm-4:30pm

 ADVANCED Track: Info on PGAs & How it Relates to U.S. FTZs

  • Review applicable PGAs such as FDA, EPA, NITSA, etc.)
 SPEAKERs:

  • Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group,
  • (INVITED) Josh Nordahl, LOGISTEED America, Inc.
  • (INVITED) Kojo Nyarko, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.  
 MODERATOR: Yvonne Reed, Columbus Regional Airport
OPERATOR/USER Track: Local U.S. FTZ Perspective and Operational Realities

    • Explain CBP's role in U.S. FTZ Board applications
    • Outline best practices and do's and don'ts with activations, facility security, and compliance reviews.

 

 

PETROLEUM Track: Duty Calls: Tariffs and the New Age of Trade Enforcement

  • Conduct an in-depth review of the tariff landscape.
 SPEAKERS:

  • (INVITED) Deputy Chief Officer Stephen Long, Branch Chief Jonathan Culp

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker(s):

  • Michael Cerny, Charter Brokerage
  

MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ

 

 

 

 

 

PETROLEUM MODERATOR: Helen Estrada, P66
4:30pm-6:00 pm GRANTEE Track: Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Grantees in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Justin Ryan, JAXPORT
OPERATOR/USER Track: Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Operator/Users in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: Cindy Welliever, INTEL
4:30-5:00 pm Petroleum Track: US Customs LS&S: Current Priorities and Updates with (INVITED) Robert Munivez, US CBP

* Insight into laboratory operations, commodity testing, enforcement support, and evolving compliance considerations, while highlighting issues of particular importance to FTZs and importers.

5:00 - 6:00 pm PETROLEUM Track: 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

8:00am-10:00am Annual Business Meeting MEMBERS ONLY Breakfast
9:00am-10:00am Non-Member Breakfast
10:00-10:30am Networking Break
10:30am-11:30am ADVANCED Track: When Entities Shift: Strategic U.S. 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 U.S. FTZ benefits and minimizing operational disruption.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Courtney Stiers, KROLL
  • Amanda Thore, Qorvo
  • Jeremy Page, Page Fura PC
 MODERATOR: Nesia Warner, EY
OPERATOR/USER Track: Determine a strong financial outcome: How Duty Drawback and U.S. FTZs complement one another SPEAKERS:

  • Ariana Cox, PAX
  • Frankie Bryson, Nissan
 MODERATOR: 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?
  • Under ASF why does 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?
  • 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?
 SPEAKER(s):

  • Michael D’Aoust, Watermark
 MODERATOR: Leigh Ryan, WTC Savannah
11:40am-12:40pm ADVANCED Track: Setting Realistic Expectations in Preparation of UAT testing of U.S. FTZ Software

  • Realistic timelines for going live with new software
  • Talking points for speaking to upper management regarding requirements prior to going live with new software
  • Recommended key participants in preparing for new software
 SPEAKERS:

  • Heather Hute, Livingston International
  • Jake Postle, GEODIS
 MODERATOR: Andrea Levy, Lutron Electronics, Inc.
OPERATOR/USER 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 U.S. FTZ, Strategies to ensure accuracy, reduce risk, and streamline entry processes
  • Requirements to submit a 3461 weekly entry, how to gather the data for the reporting, checks and balances.
  • Identify and evaluate gaps in current estimates and apply methods to build a new CF3461 using ACE data
  • Key PGA reporting requirements with CF3461 filings.
 SPEAKERS:

  • Sara Hastings, Aqua Gulf
  • Yoselin Hernandez, ITC-Diligence, Inc.
  • Tanna Johnson, EY,
 MODERATOR Ileana Klepeisz, Tapestry
GRANTEE Track: Zone In: How Grantees Can Qualify Prospective Operators

  • Structured screening frameworks that helps prospective zone users evaluate if designation will generate meaningful benefits for their operations.
  • Strengthen grantee business development while staying within the grantee's facilitative role.
 SPEAKER:

  • Justin Ryan, JAXPORT
 MODERATOR: Tony Rodriguez, Port of Brownsville
12:40pm ADJOURN
1:00 - 3:30 PM U.S. FTZ TOUR (limited to first 50 to RSVP); currently WAITING LIST ONLY