Happy New Year! We made it through 2025! After riding that roller coaster I hope we’ve built up some core strength to steady us through the next swoops and turns.

Here at NAFTZ, 2026 is going to be full of new opportunities for learning, engagement, and career development. Check the website frequently for updates, but here are a few highlights:

Legislative Summit

We’re just around the corner from our Legislative Summit. Last year we had our largest group ever visiting Capitol Hill to meet with legislative staffers and members of Congress keeping them informed about the FTZ program and our top priorities.

  Since then, we’ve seen major successes, including:

• Introduction of a bill to level the playing field for U.S. FTZs under USMCA
• Inclusion of FTZ-specific language in both House and Senate appropriations bills

February will be the perfect time to promote these and other issues, plus enjoy a full day of education and preparation before the Hill visits.

Emerging Technology Advisory Group (ETAG)

If you’re on the cutting edge of emerging technologies such as AI this is your chance to engage! ETAG will monitor new technologies, assess their uses and risks, and advise the association on shaping internal and external policy. Informed by this group, we’ll also help members understand how these technologies may impact their operations.

Spring Seminar

We are testing a new format for Spring Seminar this year, providing a new educational track, Z-TECH, focused on technology, technical expertise, and technique. We are hoping to help differentiate the content a bit more from our other conferences to provide even more benefit to members! Stay tuned for additional exciting updates on the event format!

Of course, you already know about our annual conference coming up in sunny San Diego, but did you know there are many other ways to engage throughout the year?

• Frequent webinars
• Committees, task forces, and advisory groups
• Calls for input on topics that matter to you and your organization--helping shape policy and influence the future of FTZs.

Finally, we’re launching a new platform to help you connect with fellow members. Kristine Wells, our Director of Communications & Member Services, has been piloting it with our Mentorship Program participants and it will soon roll out to the entire membership!