** Find 2026 event highlights below with 2027 info released soon **
NAFTZ Legislative Summit Brings U.S. Trade Leaders to the Ronald Reagan Building
In February 2026\, advocates from across the United States gathered in Washington\, D.C.\, to ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) program. Hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center&mdash\;home to the World Trade Center Washington\, DC and widely recognized as the federal hub for international trade activity&mdash\;the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) brought together industry leaders\, zone administrators\, and trade experts for its 2026 Legislative Summit.
The Ronald Reagan Building provided an ideal setting for the event. With its exceptional conference facilities and central role in the federal trade ecosystem\, the venue offered a fitting environment for discussions focused on strengthening U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. For NAFTZ members\, meeting in the nation&rsquo\;s capital at a location so closely tied to international commerce underscored the importance of the conversations taking place.
The NAFTZ Legislative Summit is designed to prepare industry professionals to engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill. Over two days\, participants received policy briefings\, advocacy preparation\, and updates from trade experts before heading to congressional offices to share how the FTZ program supports businesses and communities across the country.
Participation in the 2026 Summit reflected growing momentum behind that message. Sixty-six NAFTZ members participated\, forming 12 advocacy teams that conducted 67 meetings with congressional offices\, including 16 meetings directly with Members of Congress. The level of engagement marks significant growth compared to previous years and reflects increasing interest from policymakers in understanding how the FTZ program supports American economic activity.
Foreign-Trade Zones are a federally authorized trade program that allows companies to operate under special customs procedures within designated locations in the United States. Today\, more than 3\,500 companies operate in FTZs across the country\, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic activity.
For manufacturers\, distributors\, and logistics providers\, the program serves as a strategic tool that strengthens U.S. operations in a competitive global environment. By improving operational efficiency\, providing greater financial flexibility\, and helping companies maintain global competitiveness\, FTZs encourage businesses to invest\, produce\, and grow in the United States rather than moving activity offshore. The result is stronger domestic supply chains\, expanded investment in American facilities\, and greater economic stability for communities that host FTZ operations.
The Summit highlighted how powerful those outcomes become when companies share their experiences directly with policymakers. Participants described how FTZs help their businesses navigate complex global supply chains\, support domestic production\, and maintain jobs in the United States. These real-world examples help translate trade policy into tangible impacts for congressional offices representing districts and states across the country.
In addition to program education\, NAFTZ members discussed several current policy priorities affecting FTZ operations and U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. These conversations focused on ensuring that the program continues to function as Congress intended&mdash\;supporting American industry and helping U.S. companies compete globally.
The success of the Summit ultimately came from the voices of the participants themselves. By sharing firsthand experiences from their companies and communities\, NAFTZ members helped policymakers better understand how the FTZ program contributes to job retention\, domestic investment\, and supply chain resilience across the United States.
The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones represents public and private organizations involved in the U.S. FTZ program\, working to support the program&rsquo\;s continued role in strengthening American competitiveness and economic growth.
For NAFTZ members\, gathering at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center&mdash\;where global commerce and public policy intersect every day&mdash\;was more than symbolic. It was a reminder that the policies shaping international trade ultimately affect real businesses\, real workers\, and real communities across the United States. Ensuring those voices are heard remains central to NAFTZ&rsquo\;s mission and to the continued success of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program.
Support the only event where the Foreign-Trade Zone community comes together to take our message straight to Capitol Hill. By sponsoring the NAFTZ Legislative Summit\, you&rsquo\;re not just putting your brand in front of decision-makers &mdash\; you&rsquo\;re standing shoulder to shoulder with the FTZ community at the very moment our collective voice matters most.
Sponsors gain recognition among the most active and passionate FTZ advocates: the companies and professionals who are shaping policy\, defending competitiveness\, and strengthening U.S. jobs and investment. Your support shows that you are invested in the future of the FTZ program &mdash\; and committed to keeping it strong.
We&rsquo\;re happy to work with you to design a sponsorship package that aligns with your business goals while maximizing visibility at this exclusive\, FTZ-focused advocacy event.
Join us in championing the FTZ program. Reserve your sponsorship today and demonstrate your leadership where it counts most.
Ready to sponsor?
CLICK HERE for past event ideas. Happy to further customize solutions for your brand. Contact Victoria Cartwright at 202-331-1950 ext. 225 or vcartwright@naftz.org \;to reserve your sponsorship and stand with the FTZ community in Washington\, DC.
Monday &ndash\; Kickoff Reception
The Summit begins with connection. Join FTZ professionals from across the country for an evening reception that sets the tone for the days ahead. This is where the network is built\, ideas are exchanged\, and the groundwork for advocacy begins.
Tuesday &ndash\; Legislative Summit
Day Two is about clarity and preparation. Through panels\, briefings\, and interactive sessions\, we&rsquo\;ll examine the shifting tariff environment and the regulatory issues shaping the FTZ program. We&rsquo\;ve invited speakers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection\, the FTZ Board\, Congress\, the Department of Commerce\, the Department of the Treasury\, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative\, and other trade associations. Schedules change\, but our focus remains the same: equipping you with the insights and tools to carry the FTZ message forward. By the end of the day\, you&rsquo\;ll leave with clear talking points\, refined strategies\, and the confidence to represent your company and the FTZ community.
Wednesday &ndash\; Capitol Hill Day
The Summit culminates in action. Armed with preparation and united in purpose\, participants head to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with lawmakers and staff. This is the moment to share real-world impacts\, defend competitiveness\, and ensure policymakers understand the essential role FTZs play in America&rsquo\;s economy. Every voice matters &mdash\; and every conversation pushes our advocacy forward.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
NAFTZ will go thru the process of applying for credit as done in previous years for CCS/CES/LCB credits to feature on the event website as soon as approved. Credit will also be offered towards your Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) or Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS) certification renewal \;when you attend the LIVE event. NOTE regarding if CCS/CES/LCB credits are approved - 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.
Learn more about \;AZS \;and \;CZS \;credit eligibility for webinar attendance on their applicable websites. \;
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For Reference find 2026 LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT AGENDA
*All sessions off the record/closed to press
| Monday \, 5-6pm | Reception |
Tuesday\, 8-9 am | Continental Breakfast |
9:00 &ndash\; 9:15 am | Welcome Address \; |
9:15 &ndash\; 10:00 am | Trade Update from Washington \;w \; - \;Explore the latest trade import/export developments/ anticipated changes leading up to the midterm elections |
10:00 &ndash\; 10:45 am | D.C.'\;s Trade agenda \; |
10:45&ndash\; 11:00 am | Break |
11:00 &ndash\; 12:00 pm | Outlook from the Administration: State of Play of U.S. Trade Policy \; - \;Explore the key factors in understanding the interworking'\;s of trade developments -past\, present and future. |
12:15 &ndash\; 1:30 pm | Lunch \; |
1:30 &ndash\; 1:45 pm | Homer Maxey Award presentation \; |
1:45 - 2:45 pm | Trade from the Association Point of View: \; \; - \;Learn key industry developments and resources in staying on top of the issues |
2:45 - 3:15 pm | FTZ Board Activities &\; Update* \; - \;Understand the U.S. FTZ Board outlook\, interactions and ongoing developments with FTZs anticipated in 2026. |
3:15 &ndash\; 3:30 pm | Break |
3:30 &ndash\; 4:30 pm | NAFTZ Advocacy Issues &\; Trade Policy Perspective \; - \;Explore trade policy perspective thru key industry developments\, and identify ways to share your story to continue to allow FTZs to stimulate the economy and create US Jobs. |
4:30 &ndash\; 5:15 pm | Perspective from U.S. FTZ Caucus \; - \;Meet the co-chair(s) of the new U.S. FTZ Caucus \; |
6:00 &ndash\; 7:30 pm | Congressional Participant Dinner (RSVP required) |
| Wednesday 9am-5pm | Congressional Visits (on the Hill) |