Fundamentals of FTZs - Regional Tampa Florida
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (7:00 AM - 5:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
2026 Fundamentals of FTZs Seminar (August, 4, 2026) - Location Tampa, FL
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in the FTZ Program in One Course!
Curious about the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone program? Has your boss asked you to learn if your company can save money using an FTZ? Did you start a new job as an economic developer and found out part of your role includes overseeing the FTZ? As a broker or 3PL, do you have clients in the FTZ program that need your services?
The NAFTZ Fundamentals of FTZs course is the best opportunity to learn from FTZ industry experts and network at the same time! Join us for this one-day seminar where you will learn:
- Foreign-Trade Zone Benefits
- FTZ Application and Activation Process
- Inventory Control and Recordkeeping in an FTZ
- Procedures and Filings for Admitting and Withdrawing Merchandise
- Periodic Reporting and other Special Circumstances in FTZs
Interested in sponsorship?
Contact vcartwright@naftz.org for more info on a customized solution.
Earn your Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) credential!
The Fundamentals course is the prerequisite for sitting for the CZS Exam.
This course provides all of the content needed to prepare for the Certified Zone Specialist certification offered in partnership with the NEI at the National Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (NCBFAA). Attendees of the Fundamentals course qualify to take the test without the full purchase of the CZS course. Show your commitment to the FTZ industry with this recognized certification!
EDUCATIONAL CREDITS
NAFTZ is going thru the application process for CCS/CES/LCB educational credit to share more information as soon as available.
Learn more about becoming AZS and CZS certified on their applicable websites.
LOCATION
Hosted by Port Tampa Bay - Terminal 6 - 1331 McKay Street Tampa, FL 33602
HOTEL
Guests may make their own hotel accommodation bookings.
Find nearby hotel options shared from our local partners below such as:
Hampton Inn Downtown Tampa - 1155 East Kennedy Blvd. - 0.4 miles from host venue
Home2 Suites Downtown Tampa - 1155 East Kennedy Blvd. - 0.4 miles from host venue
Hotel Haya - 1412 E. 7th Ave. - 1 mile from host venue
Embassy Suites – Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center- 513 South Florida Ave - 1.4 miles from host venue
Hilton Tampa Downtown - 211 North Tampa - 1.2 miles from host venue - 9.8 miles from host venue
Homewood Suites Tampa Brandon - 10240 Palm River Road - 9.8 miles from host venue
Courtyard Tampa Brandon -10152 Palm River Road - 9.7 miles from host venue
Fairfield Tampa Brandon - 10150 Palm River Road - 9.7 miles from host venue
DRAFT AGENDA
| August 4, 2026 | |
| 7:00 AM | Continental Breakfast |
| 7:15 - 9:45 AM | Welcome Address, FTZs Program Overview (History), Zone Benefits, Zone Roles & Types (Module 1) |
| 9:45 AM | BREAK |
| 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | Application Process, Zone Status, Activation (Module 2) |
| 10:45 - 11:15 AM | Depart for FTZ Tour |
| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Lunch & FTZ Tour (limited capacity - please rsvp to attend); |
| 12:15-12:45 PM Return to Terminal | |
| 12:45 - 2:15 PM | Activation (continued Module 2) & Inventory Control & Recordkeeping, Merchandise Handling & Admissions (Module 3) |
| 2:15- 3:55 PM | Transfer of Merchandise, Movements, FTZ Withdrawal & Special handling (Module 4) |
| 3:55- 5:00 PM | Periodic Reporting, Regulatory Requirements & Inspections (Module 5) |
Invited Speaker(s):
Kyle Goehring, Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc.,
Melissa Irmen, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Relations, NAFTZ
Torrey Chambliss is the Director for Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) and Cargo Business Development at Port Tampa Bay. His responsibilities include management and development of the Tampa Bay/I-4 Corridor FTZ project and increasing the total amount and type of cargo moving through Port Tampa Bay.
Before working at Port Tampa Bay, Mr. Chambliss worked for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council as its principal Research Analyst investigating key macro-economic indicators that affected the Tampa Bay business community and conducting confidential research for companies looking to establish and/or expand their presence in the Tampa Bay market.
Prior to moving to Tampa, Florida, Mr. Chambliss worked as a consultant at the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City, Mexico and as a consultant for the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program in Washington DC. In addition, he worked as a representative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mr. Chambliss earned an MBA from the Mexican Autonomous Institute of Technology (Mexico City, Mexico) and obtained both an MA in International Relations and a BA in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University (Illinois, USA). Mr. Chambliss serves as the Vice Chair for the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Trade and Logistics Institute and is a former-member of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) Board of Directors. Mr. Chambliss is also a U.S. licensed customs broker, a NAFTZ Accredited Zone Specialist, and fluent in Spanish.
Sponsors
2026 Regional. Fundamentals Seminar Notepad
Aug. 2026 Fundamentals Event App Sponsorship
EARLY RATE (until July 3, 2026)
Members: $449
Non-Members: $549
STANDARD RATE (July 4- August 4, 2026)
Members: $549
Non-Members: $649
One must be a current NAFTZ member to receive the member rate. Full registration payment is due at the time of registration. If you organization needs to pay by invoice or check, please contact vcartwright@naftz.org.
CANCELLATION/ REFUNDS
Registration fees are fully refundable for written cancellations received by NAFTZ by July 3, 2026. Cancellations received by the NAFTZ between July 4 & July 12, 2025 will receive a 50% credit for their registration fee toward a future 2026 NAFTZ event. Meeting. Cancellations received after July 12 will be responsible for the full registration fee amount due to the NAFTZ and no meeting credits will be issued.
Allergy Disclaimer
NAFTZ is pleased to communicate dietary restrictions and allergy-related concerns to host venues and catering providers and will make reasonable efforts to support attendee needs. However, NAFTZ, its venues, and food service providers cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, including meeting rooms, dining areas, hotel spaces, or other shared public areas. This includes possible cross-contact during food preparation and the presence of allergens introduced by other guests or attendees. Attendees with severe or life-threatening allergies should consult their physician regarding any potential risks associated with attendance and take any personal precautions they deem appropriate.
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