Every year, I look forward to the NAFTZ Annual Conference & Exposition. While the agenda is always outstanding, what makes the event special are the people, the relationships, and our shared commitment to advancing the U.S. FTZ program.

It Feels Like a Family Reunion

One of the things I value most about our annual conference is the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends. The FTZ community is a relatively small one. Over the years, many of us have worked together on challenges, served on committees, advocated for program improvements, and helped each other navigate regulatory and operational complexities.

The annual conference gives us a chance to reconnect, welcome new members, and strengthen the ties that make our association special. Every year, I leave feeling energized as much by the people as by the content.

An Unmatched Forum for Updates and Benchmarking

The pace of change in international trade continues to accelerate, and the conference remains one of the best opportunities to understand what is happening across the FTZ landscape.

Discussions on trade policy, FTZ Board updates, agency priorities, and compliance requirements provide valuable insight into how organizations are responding to shared challenges. Benchmarking against peers often leads to ideas that can save time and improve outcomes.

The Educational Content Is Always Top-Notch

NAFTZ has built a reputation for industry-leading educational programming. Sessions cover everything from FTZ fundamentals and regulatory developments to emerging compliance and operational issues, presented by experts who bring practical, real-world perspectives attendees can immediately apply.

The Receptions Are Fun

Some of the most productive conversations happen outside the meeting rooms. Receptions, roundtables, and informal gatherings create opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen the sense of community that defines NAFTZ. Many of my most valuable professional relationships started there.

The Exposition Showcases What's Next

The Exposition remains one of the most important parts of the event. The exhibit hall brings together service providers, consultants, software developers, logistics experts, customs specialists, and other organizations supporting the FTZ community. The exhibit hall showcases products and services for hundreds of FTZ decision-makers and provides a great opportunity to see what's new in the industry.

As technology continues to transform international trade operations, it is more important than ever to understand the tools available to improve compliance, visibility, efficiency, and decision-making. The exposition provides an excellent opportunity to see new solutions firsthand and to learn where the industry is heading.

Why I'm Especially Looking Forward to 2026

Location, Location, Location!

This year's conference will be held in beautiful San Diego, California.

With its great weather, vibrant waterfront, and outstanding dining scene, San Diego is an ideal setting for learning, networking, and reconnecting with colleagues.

I can think of few better places to gather this October.

A Timely Opportunity to Learn, Share, and Problem-Solve

More than ever, this is a time for our community to come together.

International trade continues to face extraordinary uncertainty, with shifting trade policies, new compliance requirements, and ongoing supply chain challenges affecting organizations of every size. That's exactly why this conference matters. It gives us a chance to compare notes, share lessons learned, and work through challenges together while drawing on the collective expertise of the FTZ community.

I hope you'll join us in San Diego this October. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new members, exchanging ideas, and spending a few days with the best community in international trade as we continue advancing and strengthening the U.S. FTZ program together.