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AAEI's 105th Annual Conference & Trade Day

June 23-25, 2026 | Washington, DC | Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

AAEI’s 105th Annual Conference & Trade Day is a multi-day educational program bringing together trade compliance professionals, government officials, and industry leaders to examine current U.S. and global trade policy developments. The event features expert-led sessions, practical compliance training, and discussions on regulatory, operational, and strategic issues impacting importers and exporters, along with opportunities for peer exchange and real-time policy engagement.

Powering the Trade Community from Policy to Impact

AAEI Member: $1495
Non-member: $1695

REGISTER

* See terms and conditions below.

Celebrate America250 in DC!

As part of AAEI 105th Annual Conference, attendees are encouraged to explore opportunities to celebrate 250 years of America while visiting the Nation’s Capital. From historic landmarks and museums to special commemorative events and exhibits, Washington, D.C. offers a unique opportunity to experience and reflect on America’s history, innovation, and global leadership.

Events and Attractions

105th Annual Conference and Trade Day *Agenda At-A-Glance

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

DOWNLOAD AGENDA

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Healthcare Industries Committee’s (HIC) Annual In-Person Meeting | Offices of Alston & Bird

Join AAEI’s HIC members responsible for U.S. trade and import operations across the healthcare sector for a focused discussion on the regulatory and operational issues shaping the industry, including engagement on matters involving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The meeting will center on this year’s key priorities, including enhanced healthcare compliance benchmarking, improvements to intended use codes, and the development of industry recommendations on Import for Export (IFE).

Sponsored by:

Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.  

  • 5:00 p.m. | Sponsor Arrival at 5:00 p.m.  
  • 5:15 p.m. | Hispanic Caucus Speaker Arrival (Maria Luisa) 
  • 5:30 p.m. | Welcome/Opening Remarks given by:  STR, Sayari, Member of the Hispanic Caucus, Eugene Laney, Kari Finch  
  • Last Call: 6:10 p.m.   
  • Event ends promptly at 6:30 p.m. 

 

Registration Desk will be set up outside the room at 5:00 p.m. Attendees will check in, get their badge, receive two drink tickets, and then be let into the reception once the doors open at 5:30 p.m.  

Kick off the AAEI 105th Annual Conference & Trade Day in style at our Opening Reception, hosted at the iconic Hotel Washington. Enjoy panoramic views, great conversation, and a relaxed setting to reconnect with colleagues and meet new peers before the program begins. 

This year’s opening reception is proudly sponsored by Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. and Sayari, bringing together leaders in trade law and global risk intelligence to welcome attendees to #AAEI2026. 

A perfect start to two days of connection, policy updates, and compliance insights. 

Sponsored by


Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

All sessions are off-the-record

Doors Open & Continental Breakfast 

Start Day 1 with fresh coffee, a light breakfast, and early access to the Exhibit Hall. This is a great opportunity to ease into the day, connect with fellow attendees, and explore our exhibitors before the sessions begin. 

Sponsored by 

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Our Breakfast Sponsor will open the morning with brief welcome remarks before turning the program over to AAEI Leadership for two special presentations: AAEI’s Small Business Exporter of the Year and the AAEI Trade Warrior Award. 

Speakers

Trade Policy Keynote

Then, to launch Trade Day, attendees will hear from a key architect of U.S. trade policy, sharing the latest developments shaping U.S. trade policy, the legislative priorities to watch, and what it all means for the trade community in the year ahead.

Creating “Comply” Chains 

This panel of experts will explore the rapidly evolving trade policy landscape shaping U.S. supply chains, including tariffs, enforcement, and rising compliance complexity. As companies navigate uncertainty, supply chain shifts, and increased scrutiny, panelists will share advanced insights on building resilient, transparent, and compliant operations.

  • Ned Steiner, Managing Director, International Trade and Governmental Relations, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. 

Presented by


 

Usual Suspects – Using Associations for Advocacy

Hear from leading trade associations shaping policy in Washington. This panel will cover key developments in tariffs, U.S.–China relations, and Congress’s trade agenda, while offering insights on how associations influence policy and advocate for industry priorities. Attendees will gain a clearer view of what’s ahead and how to leverage advocacy to support their business interests.

Speakers

  • Su Ross, Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Chair, Regulatory Practice Chair, Mitchell Silberberg& Knupp LLP 
  • Melissa Irmen, Director of Advocacy & Strategic Relations, NAFTZ 
  • Jonathan Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation
  • Tamekia Flack, Director, U.S. Government Relations, World Shipping Council 
  • David Thomas, Senior Vice President, U.S. China Business Council 

Presented by 

Keep Calm and Claim Drawback…Compliantly!

Duty drawback remains a stalwart for tariff mitigation strategy for U.S. manufacturers and exporters. As the trade landscape evolves, industry leaders and government officials will attempt to calm the storm by providing clarity – highlighting the strength of the program, exploring opportunities for expansion, and examining today’s challenges that shape drawback claiming strategy. This session delivers forward-looking, real-world guidance to assist drawback claimants to optimize opportunities to stay ahead in today’s evolving global trade landscape. 

Speakers:

 

Presented by  

Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall 

Take a break, recharge, and enjoy lunch while exploring the Exhibit Hall. This is a great time to connect with exhibitors, network with peers, and continue conversations sparked throughout the morning sessions. 

Remarks will be made by Colleen Clarke, Senior Vice President at Roanoke Insurance Group Inc.

Presented by  

Capitol Hill Visits 

By invitation only, a group of attendees will head to the Hill to bring a strong, unified presence on behalf of the trade community. Armed with the insights and connections made throughout the day, you’ll meet directly with the lawmakers and staff who shape and vote on U.S. trade policy. This is your opportunity to advocate for your company’s priorities and ensure your concerns are heard where it counts most. 

Trade Compliance Strategies: Discover, Demo, and Connect

Not heading to Capitol Hill? No problem! There’s plenty to experience right here. Explore the Expo Area, meet solution providers, see live demos, and connect with peers who are navigating the same trade challenges. It’s a great window to discover new tools, ask questions, and build relationships that can support your compliance and operational goals.

The Classification Playbook: Peer Insights & Practices

Join your peers for a focused benchmarking session on how companies are structuring and operationalizing their HTS classification programs. From governance models and documentation standards to managing global consistency and leveraging technology, this session gives you a real-world look at what’s working across the industry. Bring your questions — and be ready to share your own wins and challenges. 

  • Hal Berman, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Trade Insight AI 

Presented by 

Mapping What Matters: Building Visibility Where Risk Actually Lives

As supply chain transparency becomes a business necessity, companies are focusing visibility efforts where risk is highest. This session highlights how organizations are mapping supplier networks beyond tier one, prioritizing risk, and using data and visualization tools to gain actionable insight across global supply chains.

Facilitated by Anne Marie Lacourse, Head Global Compliance Advisory, SAYARI

Presented by 

Closing Remarks

AAEI Leadership will offer brief closing remarks to wrap up the day’s programming and highlight key takeaways. Attendees are encouraged to make their way back to the Expo Area for final conversations and connections.

Speaker:

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Doors Open & Continental Breakfast

Start Day 2 with fresh coffee, a light breakfast, and another chance to explore the Exhibit Hall before programming begins. It’s a relaxed way to ease into the morning, reconnect with colleagues, and visit exhibitors before the day’s sessions get underway.

Sponsored by 

Welcome to Day 2 & Opening Remarks

Our Breakfast Sponsor will open Day 2 with brief welcome remarks and set the tone for the morning’s programming. Attendees will hear a quick overview of key themes shaping the day before sessions begin.

Speakers

CBP Fireside Chat (off-the-record)

Kicking off with an introduction by Charter Brokerage, this fireside chat will feature a high-level leader from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for an in-depth conversation on the agency’s priorities, initiatives, and outlook for the year ahead. Attendees will gain timely insights into enforcement trends, modernization efforts, and CBP’s evolving role in shaping the trade landscape. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from CBP leadership in an open, conversational format.

Michael Cerny, Chief Legal Officer, Charter Brokerage, will provide opening remarks.

Presented by  

Trade Compliance in the Age of Geopolitical Risk (off-the-record) 

The global trade environment is becoming more complex, with tariffs, export controls, and enforcement priorities evolving alongside broader geopolitical shifts. Compliance functions built for a more predictable era are adapting to these new realities. 

In this off-the-record discussion, practitioners and policymakers who have sat on both sides of the enforcement table will get candid about what’s actually breaking down, what companies are getting wrong, and what disciplined decision-making looks like when the signals won’t stabilize. No talking points. No 30,000-foot theory. Just the conversation this audience needs. 

Speakers:

  • Hera Abbasi,  Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Mastercard  
  • Isabelle Icso, Executive Director, International Policy, U. S. Chamber of Commerce 

Presented by

Voices at the Table: Strategic Roundtable Discussions 1 

Join focused, small-group discussions on today’s most pressing trade compliance challenges. Topics include managing routed orders, navigating export controls and sanctions, leveraging AI in compliance programs, addressing forced labor and intellectual property enforcement, and strengthening partnerships with brokers and freight forwarders. These interactive sessions provide a strategic forum to exchange insights, benchmark approaches, and learn real-world solutions alongside peers and industry experts.

Topics include:

  • Complying with Export Controls and Sanctions 
  • Duty Recovery Mechanisms 
  • Valuation Strategies in a Shifting Trade Environment 
  • CBP Inquiries: Effective Response Strategies 
  • AI in Trade Compliance: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
  • Broker & Freight Forwarder Management: Building Effective Partnerships 
  • Bond Management Strategies: Navigating Limits, Stacking, and Collateral 
  • Audit Best Practices and Benchmarking from the Field 
  • Forced Labor and IPR Compliance: CBP Enforcement and Supply Chain Impact 
  • Managing Routed Orders 

Maximizing Tariff Savings

Stop letting tariffs eat into your margins! Whether you’re at the beginning of your tariff mitigation journey or well into it, there is always more value to capture. Join us for a dynamic session where we move past the theory and focus on the practical, data-driven ways to identify, quantify, and capture real tariff savings. We’ll break down exactly how to leverage predictive tariff modeling, optimize your post-entry review processes, and maximize import correction mechanisms and duty-mitigation programs. We’ll kick things off with a fast-paced, hard-hitting presentation, then open the floor for a completely audience-driven Q&A. Bring your specific trade challenges and leave with a playbook to protect your bottom line!

 

Presented by

Export Licensing Efficiency: Streamlining Processes Without Adding Risk

Many exporters struggle with lengthy licensing cycles and internal bottlenecks. This rapid-fire session focuses on tools, workflows, and documentation strategies that shorten turnaround times, reduce errors, and enhance coordination between engineering, legal, supply chain, and compliance teams.

  • Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy, Global Trade Compliance, Descartes

Presented by    

Voices at the Table: Strategic Roundtable Discussions 2 

Missed the first roundtable discussion?  Don’t worry! Join focused, small-group discussions on today’s most pressing trade compliance challenges. Topics include managing routed orders, navigating export controls and sanctions, leveraging AI in compliance programs, addressing forced labor and intellectual property enforcement, and strengthening partnerships with brokers and freight forwarders. These interactive sessions provide a strategic forum to exchange insights, benchmark approaches, and learn real-world solutions alongside peers and industry experts.

Topics Include:

  • Complying with Export Controls and Sanctions 
  • Duty Recovery Mechanisms 
  • Valuation Strategies in a Shifting Trade Environment 
  • CBP Inquiries: Effective Response Strategies 
  • AI in Trade Compliance: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
  • Broker & Freight Forwarder Management: Building Effective Partnerships 
  • Bond Management Strategies: Navigating Limits, Stacking, and Collateral 
  • Audit Best Practices and Benchmarking from the Field 
  • Forced Labor and IPR Compliance: CBP Enforcement and Supply Chain Impact 
  • Managing Routed Orders 
Stop Filling Drawback Like It’s 1999

This isn’t another Drawback 101. If you’ve filed claims before, and walked away thinking “there has to be a better way,” this session is for you. We’ll show what a modern drawback program actually looks like, how AI and automation are reshaping the work, and where teams are unlocking refunds they didn’t know they had.

Presented by   . 

Trade Compliance in the Automation Era: What to Prioritize Now

Trade compliance teams are drowning in work—and automation alone isn’t fixing it.

AI tools are everywhere, yet most organizations are still stuck with fragmented workflows, slow decision cycles, and audit risk that only surfaces after the fact. The real issue isn’t a lack of technology—it’s prioritization.

This session challenges conventional approaches to automation and introduces a new model for trade compliance: one built on orchestration, speed, and continuous control. We’ll break down where AI is actually delivering impact today—and where it’s creating false confidence.

Then, we’ll push further.

The session culminates with two emerging capabilities that redefine how compliance work gets done: Trade Prompt, which puts decision-making power directly in the hands of trade professionals—without waiting on IT or vendor support—and Continuous Auditing, which shifts compliance from periodic reviews to always-on validation of customs activity.

If you’re still thinking about automation as a way to “do the same work faster,” you’re behind. This session will show what it looks like to re-engineer trade compliance for an AI-native world—where speed increases, risk decreases, and control actually improves.

Presented by  

Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

Take a midday break and enjoy lunch while exploring the Exhibit Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet with exhibitors, continue conversations from the morning sessions, and connect with fellow attendees before programming resumes. 

Enforce and Protect: Managing EAPA Investigations in an Era of Heightened CBP and DOJ Scrutiny (off-the-record)

As CBP intensifies EAPA enforcement and the Department of Justice increases its focus on trade fraud, companies face rising operational, financial, and legal risk. Tariff evasion, transshipment, and country-of-origin misrepresentation are drawing greater cross-agency scrutiny, with potential civil and criminal consequences. This session will examine what triggers investigations, how CBP and DOJ coordination is reshaping enforcement, and what legal, compliance, and supply chain teams must do to proactively manage exposure and respond effectively.

Speakers:

  • Cindy Allen, (moderator) CEO and Managing Director, Trade Force Multiplier LLC 

Presented by

Enforcement Is Getting Smarter. Is Your Export Program Keeping Up?

With recent record-setting BIS penalties and rising cross-agency enforcement, export compliance failures are becoming far more costly. Regulators are using ACE data, advanced analytics, and pattern recognition to detect anomalies, trigger audits, and pursue enforcement actions. Recent major penalties, including the $252 million Applied Materials settlement—underscore the need for stronger controls, screening, and escalation processes. This session will explore emerging enforcement trends, lessons from recent fines and voluntary disclosures, and the strategic steps exporters should take now to ensure their compliance programs keep pace with smarter, data-driven enforcement.

Speakers:

  • Karen Bland, Senior Director and Counsel, Export Controls and Sanctions Compliance, at Intel  
  • Nick Baker, Managing Director, Trade & Customs, Kroll 

Presented by

Charting the Next Horizon: Trade Risks and the Compliance Imperative for 2027–2028 (off-the-record)

The next two years could redefine global trade. From shifting tariffs, expanded export controls, and sanctions escalation to election-driven policy changes tied to the 2028 presidential campaign and congressional races, companies face growing uncertainty. The 2028 U.S. presidential election and full congressional cycle are already positioned to become major inflection points for trade policy and enforcement priorities. This panel will explore the geopolitical, regulatory, and political events most likely to shape 2027–2028—and what compliance, legal, and supply chain leaders must do now to stay resilient, proactive, and prepared.

Speakers:

  • Lisa Schulte, Senior Director, Global Trade Services, Target  

Presented by

Closing Remarks/Event Close

AAEI Leadership will close the conference with final reflections on the themes, insights, and discussions that shaped this year’s program. Attendees will leave with key takeaways, a look at what’s ahead for AAEI and the trade community, and a heartfelt thank-you for being part of this year’s gathering. A perfect wrap to two days of learning, connection, and shared purpose.

Speakers:

  • Amy Morgan, Annual Conference & Trade Day Co-Chair 

Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee Annual In-Person Meeting

Join AAEI members for a focused discussion on the latest regulatory and operational issues affecting drawback and duty deferral programs. This meeting will include engagement on matters involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection drawback leadership to address key industry concerns. This year’s priorities include IEEPA Tariff Refund updates, proposed changes to drawback and refunds, delays in privilege applications and rulings, inconsistencies in drawback filing guidance, and export manifest requirements for proof of export.

NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI) has approved this conference for 9.5 credit(s) for CCS/MCS, CES/MES, LCB credit type(s). You must attend the event to receive the code and link to submit for credit following the event.

SPEAKERS

Hotel Information

AAEI’s official room block at Hotel Washington is now sold out for June 23-25, with limited availability remaining for one night only (June 26).

However, rooms are still available directly through Hotel Washington, and we strongly encourage you to book as soon as possible.

This year’s conference takes place as the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a milestone that will be celebrated across Washington, DC. With increased travel demand expected, hotel availability is filling quickly.

Secure your stay using the booking link below and make the most of your experience.

Reserve Room

Please note: For all inquiries regarding hotel reservations, modifications, or cancellations, please contact the Hotel Washington directly.

Hotel Washington

515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

#AAEI2026 Sponsorships

Interested in joining us as a sponsor?  Please visit our sponsorship page for opportunities! 

SPONSORSHIPS

*Terms and Conditions

Registration fees are non-refundable. Registrations are transferable at any time prior to June 20, 2026. Please contact [email protected]  for more information.  View AAEI’s Privacy Policy.

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.

By clicking “Complete Registration/Submit” and registering for this event, I acknowledge and agree that my name, job title, company, and email address will be shared with the 2026 event sponsors. Sponsors may use this information to follow up with me prior to, during, and/or after the event but are not permitted to share, sell, or redistribute my information.

Image/Likeness Agreement: 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 2026 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.