Skip to content

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 8, 2024

5:00pm Registration
5:30pm-6:30pm Attendee Reception

Monday, September 9, 2024

7:30am Registration
7:30am-8:00am Continental Breakfast
8:00am-8:10am Opening Remarks & Welcome

  • Review key association developments and  provide an event overview.
 SPEAKER: Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:10am-8:40am Top Advocacy & NAFTZ Insights

  •  Review key ongoing trade developments.
 SPEAKER: Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC 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
 SPEAKER: CBP Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino MODERATOR: Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC
9:40am-10:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:10am-11:10am FTZ Board: Developments

  • Review FTZ Board current and ongoing developments.
 SPEAKERS: Liz Whiteman, US FTZ Board
Dawn Shackleford, Executive Director for Trade Agreements, Policy & Negotiations at the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration		 MODERATOR: Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC
11:10am-12:00pm Transportation in the Supply Chain Panel: What Carriers Are Seeing

  • Review the latest FTZ developments and challenges (freight, etc.) by air/ocean/port freight issues.
 SPEAKERS: Aimee Andres, Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc.
Bill Fisher, DHL		 MODERATOR: Kyle Gilmore, Port of New Orleans
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: Tony Rodriguez, Port of Brownsville MODERATOR: Shane Williams, EY
GRANTEES: Keeping Your Operators Up-to-Date

  • Improve compliance among your FTZ operators.
  • The FTZ program is dynamic, and requirements for operators are constantly changing. Learn ways you can make sure your operators stay up-to-date with federal requirements.
 SPEAKERS: Sean Lydon, ISCM Inc.
Mechelle Ngin, Port of Long Beach		 MODERATOR: Patty Cannon, State of DE, Department of State, FTZ #99
OPERATORS/USERS: FTZ Production in Critical Section 301 Sectors

  • Review recent Section 301 actions (impacted HTS subheadings, proposed rates and effective year(s))
  • Understand History and status of FTZ production requests (approvals/denials) in sectors subject to new Section 301 tariffs:
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Batteries and components
    • Solar Cells
    • Steel/aluminum
    • Semiconductors
    • Critical minerals
    • Medical Products
  • Explore practical challenges with FTZ implementation
  • Review Leading practices for navigating these types of Board and CBP challenges
 SPEAKERS: James Grogan, FTI Consulting Inc.  MODERATOR: Larry Hanson, Lawrence W. Hanson
PETROLEUM: Part 1 — Renewable Fuels

  • Understand the nuances of renewable fuels in a deep dive on the petroleum sector.
 SPEAKERS: Michael Leightman, EY
Jeff Shanks, Charter Brokerage
Robert Balli, P66		 MODERATOR: Brittany Jones, Valero
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: Camille Evans, US FTZ Board MODERATOR: Shane Williams, EY
GRANTEES: FTZ Feasibility Analysis Tips for Grantees

  • Define helping Grantees more effectively conduct high-level FTZ feasibilities is critical to efficiently vetting potential zone candidates.
  • Learn simple strategies of how to overcome common challenges when evaluating FTZ feasibility for distributors, manufacturers, and 3PLs.
 SPEAKERS: Matt Williams, FTI Consulting Inc.
Araceli Barnard, City of El Paso No. 68
Leigh Ryan, World Trade Center		 MODERATOR: Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
OPERATORS/USERS: FTZ Developments in Washington, DC

  • Review up-to-the-minute updates on the advocacy issues currently active for each of NAFTZ's five Advocacy Working Groups - Production Zones, Warehouse/Distribution, Zone Operations, Awareness and Petroleum.
  • Understand with multiple advocacy issues in motion simultaneously this year that directly impact companies engaged with the U.S. FTZ program, each working group will provide an overview of each active issue, the current status in Washington DC, and the next steps NAFTZ anticipates for taking for each.
  • Learn what steps they can take to further these critical efforts.
 SPEAKERS: NAFTZ TASKFORCE CHAIRS/Advisor —
Megan Costello, Sorini Samet & Associates LLC
Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi
Jason Ricketts, Nissan 		 MODERATOR: Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ
PETROLEUM: Part 2 — Renewable Fuels in FTZ

  • Understand the nuances of renewable fuels in a deep dive on the petroleum sector
 SPEAKERS: Michael Leightman, EY
Jeff Shanks, Charter Brokerage
Robert Balli, P66		 MODERATOR: Brittany Jones, Valero
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: Morgan Sullens, Kubota North America MODERATOR: Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority, FTZ #29
GRANTEES: Crafting an Operating Agreement for Your Zone

  • Define the Grantee Operator relationship.
  • Review common elements of the Grantee/Operator relationship when evaluating your Agreement template:
    • What belongs in my Operator’s Agreement?
    • What should not go in my Operator’s Agreement?
    • How does the Operator’s Agreement work with my Zone Schedule?
    • When should it be signed?
    • How often should it be updated?
 SPEAKER: Sean Murray, Miller & Co. MODERATOR: Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix
OPERATORS/USERS: Nuts & Bolts — Building Blocks to FTZ Compliance Program

  • Review oversight and how to stay ahead of corporate risks and challenges that may affect your Zone’s compliance, comprehensive audit
  • Understand elements of an effective FTZ compliance program
  • Explore keys to maintaining oversight of Zone transactions and activity
  • Define tips for a comprehensive audit program
  • Difference from Tuesday's session - presented from an Operator/ User perspective at a nuts and bolts level for how you do compliance in your Zone.
 SPEAKERS: Sarah Messeih, KPMG
Diana Urelius, MITSUBISHI LOGISNEXT AMERICAS INC.		 MODERATOR: Jorge Aguilar, HIT Promotions
PETROLEUM: HMF & In-Bonds

  • Understand production opportunities and realistic project timelines.
 SPEAKER: Joseph Garcia, Charter Brokerage & Ali Edwards, Charter Brokerage MODERATOR: Megan Niese, Marathon Petroleum
5:00pm-6:00pm FUNDAMENTALS: Merchandise Handling & Admissions

  • Identify discrepancies.
  • Define HMF.
  • Review Reporting Responsibilities.
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Joe Blaskiewicz, MIC Customs Solutions MODERATOR: Miguel Zamora, Louisville Riverport Authority, FTZ #29
GRANTEES: Marketing Your Zone/ Best Practices

  • Review realistic budgeting & goal setting.
  • Understand effective planning cycle and monitoring of progress & success.
  • Explore available resources, marketing suggestions/tactics/best practices/social media/websites & networking events
 SPEAKERS: Will Cawthern, FTZ #74 Baltimore development Corp.
Christine Allen, Lubbock Econ. Development Alliance		 MODERATOR: Thomas Cook, Blue Tiger International & National Institute for World Trade
OPERATORS/USERS & PETROLEUM: Top Operational Challenges

  • Review most pressing challenges operators are facing today.
 SPEAKERS: Jennifer VanGundy, GEODIS
Ellen Bishop, Xylem		 MODERATOR: David Sikkink, Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9
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 10, 2024

 

7:30am Registration
7:30am-8:00am Continental Breakfast & Welcome Remarks
8:00am-8:30am Trade Enforcement/CTPAT Priorities Impact on FTZs - OFF THE RECORD

  • Review OFO and CTPAT Priorities and Policy Updates
 SPEAKERS: CBP Executive Director Susan Thomas and Director Dina Amato MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
8:30am-9:30am FTZ Program Policy Updates from CBP - OFF THE RECORD

  • Hear direct from CBP on the current status of trade developments such as:
    • Forced Labor
    • ACE functionality updates Impacting FTZs
 SPEAKER: AnnMarie Highsmith, CBP MODERATOR: Shannon Fura, Page Fura PC
9:30am-9:40am BREAK
9:40am-10:40am FUNDAMENTALS: Transfer of Merchandise, Periodic Reporting

  • Identify discrepancies
  • Review reporting responsibilities
  • BONUS Grantee 202 Webinar — click here to purchase.
 SPEAKER: Will Cawthern, FTZ #74 with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), MODERATOR: Federico Schaffler, City of Laredo
ADVANCED: Compliance Risks in Today's FTZ

  • Identify ongoing and current risks impacting FTZs
 SPEAKERS: Eric Berry, Copper Hill
Leigh Burton, KPMG		 MODERATOR: Frankie Bryson,  Nissan
OPERATORS/USERS: Inbound & Outbound Processes for Bonded Movements

  • Review inbound and outbound processes for Bonded Movements, e.g., POA, best practices, arrival/export, requesting extensions for delayed exports, time limits for physical removal after QP Authorization, etc.
 SPEAKERS: Will Coffey, Thomson Reuters
Arthur Cha, Livingston International 		MODERATOR: Mike Padovano, PwC
PETROLEUM: CBP Petroleum Measurements — Meters, Scales & More

  • Review special nuances involved with zone inventory measurements in the petroleum FTZ sector. This includes meters, scales, and tanks.
  • Understand CBP approach to meter readings
  • Review meter reading audit and calibration criteria
  • Review employing scales, tanks and more in the process
  • Understand how recordkeeping for petroleum is different
 SPEAKER: Robert Munivez, National Petroleum Chemist Division MODERATOR: Helen Estrada, P66
10:40am-11:10am REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:10am-12:10pm FUNDAMENTALS: Regulatory Requirements & Inspections

 SPEAKER(S): Scott Taylor, STR MODERATOR: Federico Schaffler, City of Laredo
ADVANCED: UFLPA / Forced Labor Update

  • Understand the current state of enforcement.
  • Review updates on Customs Policy & use of FTZs & what is next.
  • Explore the use of FTZs & direct impact to program.
  • Understand what CBP is currently doing & what future target areas can impact members zone operations
 SPEAKER: Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear MODERATOR: Jeremy Page, Page Fura PC
OPERATORS/USERS: Creating Your Weekly 3461 Estimate

  • Understand that Customs is reviewing 7501 entries and 3461 estimates during their annual FTZ audits
  • Review the importance of compliant records to meet FTZ regulations (For example: Do exclusions for Section 301 need to be listed?)
 SPEAKERS: Rebecca Williams, Rockefeller Group
Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide Inc.		 MODERATOR: Patrice Lafayette, Roanoke Trade
PETROLEUM: FTZ Fuel Terminals & Distribution

  • Review the latest terminal developments and industry distribution.
 SPEAKERS: Ali Edwards & Jason Garcia, Charter Brokerage  MODERATOR: Robert Balli, P66
12:10pm-1:10pm LUNCH
1:20pm-2:20pm FTZ Program Enforcement Updates from CBP - OFF THE RECORD

  • Review Ocean House Bill release update – implementation discussion
  • Understand ACE functionality updates impacting FTZs and import processes - implementation and policy perspective
  • Explore Part 146 Rewrite & Truck Manifest status from the implementation side
  • Ocean House Bill release update - policy impact (OFO)
  • Looking ahead to In-Bond Reg changes (OFO)
  • Forced Labor - Security (OFO)
 SPEAKERS: CBP Executive Director Thomas Mills, CBP Dir. Brad Slutsky, CBP Director Brian Hoxie 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: Danielle Converse, POCCA
Jennifer Powers, Ralph Lauren		 MODERATOR: Wanda Sample, Avalon Risk Management
ADVANCED: Navigating CBP Origin Requests Beyond Forced Labor

  • Understand differing Rules of Origin applicable to marking, FTAs, and trade remedies, such as every imported item's origin must be declared on entry and admission.
  • Review rules applicable to the item will differ depending on whether it is subject to an FTA, trade remedy (301/232/AD/CVD).
 SPEAKER: David Murphy, GDLSK MODERATOR: Andrea Dupre, Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission
OPERATORS/USERS & PETROLEUM: Manufacturing & Scrap

  • Review different types — What requires production authority from CBP and how to go about getting it.
  • Understand how best to manage inventory, tariff reductions, value added, why priv. is handled differently how non-priv. has to be handled and how to go about getting a production MID for those that have prod authority.
  • Explore manufacturing the different types — What requires production authority from CBP and how to go about getting it. How best to manage inventory, tariff reductions, value added, why priv is handled differently how non-priv has to be handled and how to go about getting a production MID for those that have prod authority.
  • Define scrap - What constitutes the differences between waste scrap dutiable, not dutiable and reduced tariffs and best practice for handling in an FTZ. Impact of what CBP thinks is scrap vs. often mistakes of what a client thinks is scrap.
 SPEAKER:
Rochelle Borbon, Andersen Windows, Robert Balli, P66		 MODERATOR: Torrey Chambliss, Port of Tampa Bay
3:10pm-3:40pm REFRESHMENT BREAK
3:40pm-4:30pm ADVANCED: Managing Classification in an FTZ Environment

  • Understand production/distribution (if have software in place, update part masters, CBP updates)
  • Review impacts of classifications (sets), zone status (how impacted by classification)
 SPEAKERS: Jill James, John S. James
Melissa Hopkins, MBUSI		 MODERATOR: Rocio Ramirez, Givaudan Fragrances Corp
OPERATORS/USERS & PETROLEUM: CBP Local Priorities

  • 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)
 SPEAKERS: Stephen Long, CBP and Troy Simon, Assistant Port Director-Trade, CBP Port of New Orleans MODERATOR: Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ
4:30pm-6:30pm GRANTEES: Grantee Roundtable

  • Explore today's trending topics with fellow Grantees in this roundtable discussion.
 MODERATOR: 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: Robert Balli, P66
6:30pm-8:00pm TUESDAY MAIN RECEPTION

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

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

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: DEEP DIVE — Elements of an Effective FTZ Compliance Program

  • Identify how to stay ahead of corporate risks and challenges that may affect your Zone’s compliance
  • Understand keys to maintaining oversight of zone transactions and activity
  • Review kips for a comprehensive audit program
  • As companies and regulations evolve over time, the importance of maintaining an effective FTZ compliance program is imperative to the success of a company’s zone program.
  • Different from Tuesday’s session given the scope of discussion focus
 SPEAKERS: Yuko Hampton, SUMCO
Jason Ricketts, Nissan		 MODERATOR: Darcy Emehiser, DSV
OPERATORS/USERS: Maintaining Governance Over your FTZ Program — In-House vs. Outsource

  • Explore maintaining governance over your FTZ program.
  • Understand how to maintain operational and compliance oversight over your FTZ program.
  • Review importance of maintaining communication with all stakeholders that touch your FTZ program.
  • Explore tips for creating an FTZ governance program within your company.
  • Understand governance over an FTZ program can help mitigate compliance and operational issues that may lead to non-compliance or operational risks and identify possible opportunities for expanded Zone savings. Having a governance plan in place allows a company to proactively monitor all aspects of their FTZ program.
 SPEAKERS: Bill Fisher, DHL
Brandi Stoddard, Copper Hill		 MODERATOR: Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide Inc.
GRANTEES: Best Practices Working with CBP

  • Review technique used for successful CBP working relationship
 SPEAKERS: Patty Cannon, State of Delaware FTZ #99
Leigh Ryan, World Trade Center Savannah		 MODERATOR: Torrey Chambliss, Port of Tampa Bay
11:40am-12:40pm ADVANCED: It’s Pronounced Data, Not Data — The Importance of Data in FTZ Management

  • Understand the importance of data for FTZ management.
  • Review common areas where bad data may impact zone compliance.
  • Explore leading practices in implementations and ongoing monitoring.
 SPEAKERS: Maddi Krieger, QAD
Eric Dalby, Descartes
 MODERATOR: Darcy Emehiser, DSV
OPERATORS/USERS: CBP Detention — What, When & Why?

  • Provide an education on the current operational trends within the FTZ environment.
  • Review what happens once detained.
  • Understand the environment needed for success.
 SPEAKERS: Paige Carr, CEVA
Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear		 MODERATOR: Teri Moreno, Dixie Cullen Interests Inc.
GRANTEES: Managing My Risk as a Grantee

  • Review Grantee agreements, managing operators and operations.
  • Provide an advanced review of the risks a Grantee faces in the current FTZ environment.
 SPEAKERS: Carrie Zethmayr, Greater Rockford Airport Authority
Arcelio Gerardo, Miami FTZ 		MODERATOR: David Sikkink, Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9
12:40pm ADJOURN
1:00pm-3:00pm OPTIONAL Port of New Orleans Tour

  • Meet in Lobby at 1pm.
  • RSVPs required.
  • Limited to first 50 Grantee, Operator/Users to RSVP, service provider RSVPs accepted as space allows.
  • Transportation provided & expected to return to hotel by 3pm.
  • Questions? Call 703-309-6640
3:30pm-6:00pm OPTIONAL Terminal Tour

  • Meet in Lobby at 3:30pm.
  • RSVPs required.
  • Limited to first 40 Grantee, Operator/Users to RSVP, service provider RSVPs accepted as space allows.
  • Transportation provided & expected to return to hotel by 6pm
  • Questions? Call 703-309-6640