Linkedin-in
Contact us

AAEI's 104th Annual Conference & Trade Day

Washington, DC: June 26-27, 2025

Join us at the AAEI 2025 Conference & Trade Day, in Washington, DC, June 26-27, 2025, where you and fellow importers, exporters, and trade strategists can navigate the tariff crisis and mitigate supply-chain risks!

REGISTER NOW

Event Information

Gain valuable insights on tariff mitigation strategies and managing supply chain risks. Build relationships with trade compliance professionals who are actively reducing their companies’ tariff exposure. Engage directly with trade policy decision-makers—don’t miss this opportunity to advance your trade expertise and advocate for your company!

  • Receive legislative training and meet with your congressional representatives.

  • Engage in solutions-based trade compliance programming.

  • Expand your professional network by connecting with experts and leaders in the trade community.

  • Gain practical knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving trade landscape and protect your company’s competitive edge.

REGISTER NOW

Terms and Conditions: After January 31, 2025, registration fees are nonrefundable.  However, all registrations (Pre-Sale, Early Bird, Group, and Standard rates) are transferable at any time prior to June 27, 2025.

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Image Likeness Release

#AAEI25 Agenda At-A-Glance

Thursday, June 26, 2025 - Trade Day* - National Press Club

All sessions on June 26 are off the record

Kickstart your Trade Day experience early and give yourself time to get through security, grab your coffee and breakfast, and claim a prime seat. You’ll want to be ready and energized for a powerful day packed with insights, strategies, and the tools you’ll need to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill! 

Fuel up for the day as we kick things off with a welcome from AAEI leadership, setting the tone for a day of advocacy and trade insights. 

From forced labor to country-of-origin issues to tariffs, global trade in the 21st century will be defined by economic security initiatives. Hear government officials from a wide range of agencies share how initiatives in economic security can impact your supply chain. 

Sponsorsed by

Representatives from agencies at the border will participate in a speed dating style panel covering tariffs, export controls, PGA compliance, export manifest, and 21st-century customs and touch on compliance best practices for you and your company.

Speakers:

Sponsored by

 

Get behind the scenes with the trade policy insiders! AAEI’s key partners—organizations that regularly coordinate on trade advocacy—will share how they are tackling the tariff crisis head-on and shaping the conversation in Washington. Learn how these collaborations are streamlining advocacy efforts and, more importantly, what you can do to strengthen your company’s voice on the Hill. This session is your inside track to smarter, more strategic advocacy! 

Speakers:

Hear from House and Senate leadership and key Hear from House and Senate leadership and key policy staffers about the trade agencies’ staffing and funding, tariffs, market access, export controls, China PNTR and other issues facing trade compliance professionals and their companies that are being discussed throughout the halls of Congress.  

Be prepped and polished before heading to the Hill! Hear how to effectively advocate for causes, policies, or individuals, aiming to influence decision-making and bring about positive change. 

No need to worry about navigating D.C. in the summer heat—AAEI has you covered! Buses will be ready to transport attendees directly from the National Press Club to Capitol Hill for your congressional meetings. After a successful afternoon of advocacy, we’ll bring you back to the Hotel Washington in time to celebrate at our Trade Day Reception! 

It’s time to take your voice to the Hill! Armed with the insights and connections made throughout the day, you’ll head to Capitol Hill to present a powerful, unified presence. This is your chance to meet with those who shape and vote on trade policy—don’t miss the opportunity to advocate for your company’s needs and ensure your concerns are heard where it counts most! 

Wrap up an action-packed day with a refreshing beverage and great conversation at our Trade Day Reception! Connect with fellow attendees, including Embassy officials, Hill staffers, and government agency representatives, while enjoying stunning views of the iconic D.C. skyline. It’s the perfect chance to reflect on the day’s experiences, build lasting relationships, and unwind in great company! 

Sponsored by

Friday, June 27, 2025 - Conference Day* Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Start your day with a strong cup of coffee and even stronger connections! Explore our Expo Hall, featuring leading trade service providers, law firms, and industry experts ready to support your trade compliance and supply chain needs.

Join AAEI leadership in the amphitheater as we kick off the day’s programming and prepare for a full day of education, insights, and meaningful connections across the trade community.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection leadership. Get the latest updates on trade initiatives, enforcement priorities, and strategies to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This session is off the record.

Sponsored by    

Join us for an insightful session exploring the critical strategies for navigating risk, enhancing compliance, and building resilience within global supply chains. This session will showcase the impactful work of AAEI’s Supply Chain Resiliency Committee and provide an overview of their white paper. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and shape your strategies for supply chain success.

Speakers

Many importers do not realize full duty recovery to optimize  trade compliance departments as profit versus cost centers. Learn how you  can cultivate the latest duty drawback approaches for maximum gain.

Speakers:

  • Dave Corn, COAC Member, Comstock & Holt Inc.
  • Michael Cerny, Charter Brokerage, LLC

(Description coming soon)

Speakers

Sponsored by

This session covers the key elements of importing and exporting, along with updates on Continuing Education for LCBs

Speaker:

Presented by

Refuel and recharge during lunch in the Expo Hall, where you can continue the day’s conversations after a morning of insightful programming. This is your chance to deepen connections with fellow professionals, trade experts, and service providers in a relaxed, engaging environment.

Discover ways to help quantify the return on investment (ROI) for trade automation and make a compelling business case for implementation. This session will explore key cost-saving benefits, efficiency gains, and risk reduction strategies to help you secure internal buy-in. Learn from experts who have successfully navigated the automation journey and transformed their trade compliance operations.

Trade compliance issues are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and getting leadership buy-in is critical to mitigating risks and seizing opportunities. Learn how to frame compliance challenges in terms of business impact, use data to support your case, and position trade compliance as a strategic advantage rather than a cost center.

Speakers:

Presented by

AI is transforming trade compliance by streamlining audits and enhancing risk detection. Attendees will gain insights into real-world applications of AI in trade compliance and learn best practices for integrating AI solutions to enhance accuracy, reduce manual workload, and drive smarter compliance decisions.

With export controls and denied party screening increasing, ensuring compliance with restricted party lists is more critical than ever. Attendees will gain insights into how technology can enhance due diligence, integrate with existing compliance programs, and provide real-time alerts to mitigate risks.

U.S. and reciprocal tariffs are creating rising costs for importers and exporters.  This session will touch on practical strategies to optimize duty savings, including leveraging free trade agreements, tariff engineering, first sale valuation, and bonded warehouse programs. Experts will share a case study on how companies can proactively manage costs while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Presented by

In today’s fast-paced global market, trade compliance teams must make decisions at speed—without sacrificing accuracy. This session explores how strategic data sharing—both internally across departments and externally with partners—can transform compliance from a reactive function into a proactive business advantage. Learn how timely, accurate data strengthens relationships, streamlines operations, and empowers your team to act decisively in a dynamic trade environment. Discover real-world approaches to data integration that improve visibility, reduce risk, and drive stronger business outcomes.

Tariffs are top-of-mind with ongoing geopolitical tensions, China trade policy shifts, and potential 2025 tariff changes.  AAEI members (importers/exporters) are looking for relief and actionable strategies.

This session will offer real-world experience and can speak to current engagements, compliance, and client success stories.

Presented by      

End-to-end supply chain visibility is crucial for managing compliance risks, improving operational efficiency, and responding to disruptions. Learn how greater visibility can help your organization improve compliance, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive business resilience.

Presented by

The world is facing dramatic geopolitical change. It has become more fragmented and unstable. It is more protectionist, entering a new era of trade disputes with the current global trading system under extreme pressure. Economic and geopolitical consequences have an impact on international trade. Our esteemed panelists, comprised of leaders in logistics, geopolitics, trade compliance, and trade policy, will provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

This session is off the record.

Speakers

 

Sponsored by    

As we wrap up what we expect to be our most successful event to date, join us for the Closing Reception to celebrate the connections made, the insights shared, and the achievements of the day. This final networking opportunity is your chance to reflect on the valuable conversations and collaborations within our trade community — and to connect with embassy staff, government officials, and industry-specific trade association representatives. We look forward to thanking you in person for attending and for being an essential part of our vibrant and vital trade community.

Sponsored by

*Subject to change: Session titles, descriptions, and speakers will be added as programming continues to develop.

Hotel - Almost Sold Out

Hotel block is almost sold out. 

 

For all inquiries regarding room accommodations, please contact the Hotel Washington.

515 15th Street, NW 
Washington, DC 20004 
P: 202-661-2400 

Reserve Your Room

AAEI Thanks Our 2025 Sponsors

APEX SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

AAEI Image Likeness Release Policy: By completing AAEI registration, I hereby grant AAEI (American Association of Exporters and Importers) the unrestricted right to use my name, contact information, image, likeness, quote(s), or voice that is transcribed, photographed, or recorded at the AAEI 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Day, for any purpose, including use or publication on its website, promotional materials, presentations, news releases, social media tools, sponsorship reference, or any other media. I understand that I will not receive any compensation for such use or publication. I understand that edits may be made prior to such use or publication, and I hereby waive the right to inspect or approve any use or publication wherein my name, image, likeness, quote(s), or voice appears. I hereby release AAEI from any and all claims and liability relating to such use or publication of my name, image, likeness, quote(s), or voice. By registering for this event, I agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). PII includes any information that identifies me personally (e.g. name, address, email address, phone number, etc.). AAEI will use PII to: (a) enable your event registration/attendee roster; (b) review, evaluate and administer AAEI initiatives; (c) market AAEI opportunities and sponsorship you may potentially be interested in; AAEI may use your PII for so long as AAEI remains active in conducting any of the above purposes.

The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) — the premier organization representing the community of U.S. trade professionals and companies engaged in global trade.

Quick Links

Contact us

Linkedin-in

Copyright 2025. The American Association of Exporters and Importers. All Rights Reserved.