2026 NAFTZ Spring Seminar
Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:00 PM - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:30 PM (EDT)
Description
The 2026 NAFTZ Spring Seminar returns with a focus on the practical realities shaping today’s Foreign-Trade Zone environment—and a forward look at what’s next. Designed for operators, users, grantees, and service providers alike, Spring Seminar has long been the place where FTZ professionals come to deepen their understanding, sharpen their skills, and exchange real-world insights. This year’s program builds on that foundation with a deliberate blend of hands-on learning and strategic perspective, all in a setting that encourages meaningful connection and conversation.
New this year, Z-Tech sessions are woven into the Spring Seminar program, examining how technology, technical expertise, and techniques are shaping trade compliance, FTZ operations, and global competitiveness. These sessions reflect the evolving demands placed on FTZ professionals—where operational excellence, regulatory fluency, and smarter use of tools increasingly intersect.
Set against the walkable waterfront backdrop of Portland, Maine, the 2026 Spring Seminar offers an engaging, focused environment to learn, connect, and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your day-to-day operations, support the future of the FTZ program, or align your organization with the next phase of trade and compliance, Spring Seminar is a must-attend event.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS IS CLOSED.
The Call for Presentations for the Spring Seminar is now closed—thank you to everyone who submitted! Going forward, NAFTZ will use this open process for all in-person conferences. Keep an eye out: the next call opens in early 2026 for the NAFTZ Annual Conference (October 2026). If you want to be considered to speak, mark your calendar now and plan to submit—every speaking slot, including sponsors and past speakers, is selected through this process.
AGENDA
Check out the 2026 Agenda here. Sessions at the seminar include speeches, panel discussions, and thought-provoking Q&A sessions with government officials and industry experts. New Z-Tech sessions on how technology, technical expertise and techniques are shaping FTZ operations.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Collect credits towards your Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) or Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS) certification renewal when you attend the LIVE event. NAFTZ is in the process of finalizing the agenda to formally apply for CCS/CES/LCB event credit and will update the website accordingly pending approval. NOTE regarding CCS/CES/LCB credits - per NEI Policy, attendees should NOT detrimentally rely on the content of the activity for compliance, auditing, or other enforcement purposes based on the NEI's accreditation approval. Learn more about the value of each educational credit offered here.
SPONSORSHIP
Spring Seminar sponsorship is the ideal place to display your brand to the top FTZ Professionals. The NAFTZ team is happy to develop customized solutions for your brand - check out the standard sponsorship opportunities as a starting point or contact Victoria Cartwright vcartwright@naftz.org 703-309-6640 for more information about customized branding solutions to align with your goals.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS (host meeting location for NAFTZ Spring Seminar):
Join NAFTZ in the heart of Downtown Portland, ME, at the NAFTZ host hotel: The Westin Portland Harborview (157 High Street Portland, ME 04101) -- only steps away from dining, restaurants, museums, and attractions.
Book Online ASAP to secure the discount hotel rate of $169/night+service/tax based on availability or call the hotel directly at (207) 775-5411 and reference NAFTZ Spring Seminar May2026 to secure the discount NAFTZ rate or Book online here All sleeping rooms shall be subject to an Early Departure Charge equal to one night’s room rate, plus applicable fees, taxes and assessments.
A limited number of hotel rooms were reserved for the NAFTZ Spring Seminar by the early deadline (or earlier pending availability). Any issues - contact Victoria Cartwright 703-309-6640 ASAP.
Reservations must be booked by April 14, 2025, to secure the discounted rate - based on availability. Be sure to reference the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) Spring Seminar to receive the discount rate and NAFTZ Conference exclusive perks.
Check out the local James Beard Award Semifinals restaurants and make your reservations to join us in Portland, ME today.
Sponsors
Spring Seminar Event App Sponsor
Spring Seminar Notepad Sponsor
Spring Seminar brand sponsorship level
Registration Rates
Member Registration Rates:
Early Registration: $549
Register by April 14, 2026
Regular Registration: $649
Register by April 30, 2026
Last chance & On-site Rate: $749
Register after April 30, 2026
Non-member Registration Rates:
Early Registration: $749
Register by April 14, 2026
Regular Registration: $849
Register by April 30, 2026
Last chance & On-site Rate: $949
Register after April 30, 2026
Event & Registration Policies
Substitutions: If the registered NAFTZ member cannot attend, a colleague from the same company may attend in their place, additional fees may apply. Please email vcartwright@naftz.org
Federal Rate: A discounted rate is available for federal government attendees by request.
Membership Savings: NAFTZ members receive the best rates plus added benefits throughout the year. Make sure your membership is current to maximize savings - or join today and save! Please email kwells@naftz.org.
Payment: Early registration must be paid by April 14th, 2026 to secure the discount. All registrations must be paid at least two weeks prior to the event.
Cancellations/Refunds:
Full refund for written cancellations received by April 15th, 2026.
50% credit toward another NAFTZ event for written cancellations between April 15-25, 2026.
After April 25, 2026 no refunds or credits will be issued.
By registering, you agree to be listed in the event app and attendee roster, and to comply with NAFTZ’s photo/video policy.
157 High Street
Portland, ME 04101 United States
Join NAFTZ in the heart of Downtown Portland, ME, the NAFTZ host hotel is The Westin Portland Harborview (157 High Street Portland, ME 04101) is only steps away from dining, restaurants, museums, and attractions.
Book Online ASAP to secure the discount hotel rate of $169/night+service/tax based on availability or call the hotel directly at (207) 775-5411 and reference NAFTZ Spring Seminar May2026 to secure the discount NAFTZ rate.
Check out the local James Beard Award Semifinal restaurants and start making your reservations to join us in Portland, ME today.
Join for Sunday evening reception and educational sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
Conference