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NCBFAA - National Custom Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. - Voice of the Industry since 1897

2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference

Renaissance Orlando
at SeaWorld

NEI logo

2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference Schedule

── ✧ Diamond Sponsors ✧ ──

Avalon Logo

Reform-Logo

Program Sponsored by: 

 

EPIC Insurance Consultants logo &   Tokio Marine Logo

 

NCBFAA Prestigious 2027 Keynote Speakers  

Coming Soon...

 

To view full day's schedule, click on day/date lines below!
 

 


Pre-Conference Meetings:

Friday, April 9th

2:30 - 5:00 PM
Coral Ballroom
NEI Meeting
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Crystal DE
APN Meeting (Regular Members Only)

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Saturday, April 10th

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Crystal DE
RAC (Regular Members Only)
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Crystal DE
Transportation Committee (Regular Members Only)
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Crystal DE
Customs Committee (Regular Members Only)
2:00 - 5:30 PM
Crystal DE
Board of Directors (Regular Members Only)
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Upper Deck
Sponsor Appreciation Reception (Invitation Only; All Sponsors & Their Invited Guests)

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Conference Meetings:

Sunday April 11th

Program Sponsored by: 

EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo

8:00 AMBus Departs from Hotel to Golf Course
8:15 - 8:45 AMGolf Tournament Registration
 Co-Sponsored by:
 
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 
Falcon's Fire Golf Club
Golf Tournament
(Additional cost - $125 [Regular Member discounted rate]; $150 [General registration rate])
 Co-Sponsored by:


 Bus Departs Golf Course at 2:00 PM
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
SeaWorld Tour
(Additional cost - $119)
*Space limited; subject to cancellation if minimum numbers not met. No refunds issued after March 26th.
 Includes guided SeaWorld Rescue Tour, 1.5 hours of free time to explore the park, and reserved seating at the 12 PM Orca Encounter. 

Please note, the tour ends at 12:30 PM. All visitors must leave at 12:30--visitors may purchase their own general admission tickets after the tour at their own expense.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
First Timers Event: Explore SeaWorld
(Additional cost - $98)
 First Time attendees are encouraged to take advantage of NCBFAA's discounted general admission ticket rate at SeaWorld. Participants will gather in the hotel lobby for a prompt 10 AM departure to make their way to the SeaWorld entrance as a group. While this is not a guided/group tour, attendees are encouraged to mingle, network, and explore the park together.
1:00 - 8:00 PM
Oceans Foyer
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
2:00 - 5:00 PM 
Pool Terrace & Lawn
NCBFAA Hospitality Gathering


Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
5:00 - 6:00 PM 
Upper Deck
Stewart B. Hauser First-Timer Reception (by Invitation Only)

First Time Conference attendees are introduced to NCBFAA Officers, Board of Directors, Counsel, Affiliated Association Presidents, Annual Conference Committee, and Media. Please extend a very warm welcome to all "First Timer" attendees identified by the yellow ribbon on their badge.
 Sponsored by: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Oceans 7-12
Exhibitor MarketPlace Grand Opening and Welcome Reception 
 Registrants can visit with this year’s exhibitors, as well as enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. This gathering of old friends and colleagues is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances as NCBFAA welcomes all registrants to its 2027 Annual Conference.
 Sponsored by: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
8:00 - 10:00 PM
Crystal DE
Poker Night

Join your friends and colleagues after the Exhibitor MarketPlace Grand Opening and Welcome Reception for an evening of poker! Winners will receive a raffle ticket to be entered into a grand prize drawing as well as an additional drink ticket to be used during the game. To ensure proper accommodations for all players, please indicate during the registration process if you plan to participate in this event.
 Sponsored by: 


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Monday, April 12th

Program Sponsored by: 

EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oceans Foyer
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
7:30 - 9:30 AM
Oceans Foyer
Coffee Bar


Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
7:30 AM
Oceans 7-12
Exhibitor MarketPlace Reopens
7:30 - 9:30 AM
Oceans 7-12
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
7:30 - 9:30 AM
Oceans 7-12
Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by:
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Oceans 1-6
NCBFAA 2027 Annual Meeting
 All Regular Members are requested to attend this once-a-year event, which includes Officer, Counsel, and Committee reports.
 Presiding: Karen Damon, NCBFAA President; Vice President, Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global
 (Regular Members Only, Please)
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Oceans 7-12
Break in the Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Crystal DE
Lunch
 Sponsored by:  Reform-Logo  Reform
 Keynote Speaker: 
 Introduction:  
 NCBFAA 2027 Scholarship Presentations
 Winner: 
Introduced by: Rob Fickeisen, NCBFAA Annual Conference Chair; Customs Brokerage Compliance Manager, UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Presented by:
Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
 Winner:
Introduced by: Rob Fickeisen, NCBFAA Annual Conference Chair; Customs Brokerage Compliance Manager, UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Presented by:
Sponsored by: Alba Wheels Up International, Inc.
 NCBFAA CCS Award Presentation
 Winner:
Introduced by: Cynthia Whittenburg, Executive Vice President, NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI)
Presented by:
Sponsored by: 
 NCBFAA CES Award Presentation
 Winner:
Introduced by: Cynthia Whittenburg, Executive Vice President, NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI)
Presented by:
Sponsored by: Avalon Risk Management Avalon Risk Management
1:30- 2:00 PM
Oceans 7-12
Dessert in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
2:00 - 4:30 PMExhibitor MarketPlace Closes (Reopens at 4:30 PM)
2:45 - 3:45 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
3:45 - 4:30 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
4:30 - 5:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Oceans 7-12
Exhibitor MarketPlace Reopens
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Oceans 7-12
NCBFAA Hospitality Gathering in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
5:00 PMClosing Announcements

6:45 - 9:30 PMDinner on Your Own

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Tuesday, April 13th

Program Sponsored by: 

EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oceans Foyer
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
7:00 - 8:30 AM
Oceans 7-12
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
7:00 - 8:30 AM
Oceans 7-12
Breakfast Buffet in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Oceans Foyer
Coffee Bar
 Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
8:00 - 8:30 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
8:30 - 9:00 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Oceans 7-12
Break in the Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Oceans 7-12
Luncheon in Exhibitor Marketplace
 Sponsored by: 
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Crystal DE
Legislative Committee Meeting (Lunch Provided)
 Have you ever had an interest in government? Have you ever wondered how a bill is passed into law? Do you have an interest in helping to get laws changed in the industry? If so, the Legislative Committee may be right for you! The NCBFFA Legislative Committee is actively seeking new members to join, and we are looking for dedicated individuals that are committed to the cause and assist with issues pertaining to our industry. This group is committed to helping shape the future of our industry! Please stop by if you are interested during lunch on Tuesday.
1:30 - 5:30 PM 
Veiltail
ACE Portal Training Sessions*
 *Subject to cancellation
1:30 - 5:30 PM 

APHIS Import Tools Training Sessions*
 *Subject to cancellation
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Oceans 7-12
Final Break & Raffles in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
4:30 - 5:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Pool Terrace & Lawn
NCBFAA Happy Hour
 Co-Sponsored by:
 
5:00 PMClosing Announcements
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Crystal DE
The 54th NCBFAA Annual Conference Tuesday Night Dinner


Co-Sponsored by:

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Wednesday, April 14th

Program Sponsored by: 

EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Oceans Foyer
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
7:00 - 8:30 AM
Crystal DE
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast 
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
7:00 - 8:30 AM
Crystal DE
Breakfast Buffet
 Sponsored by:
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
9:00 - 9:45 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
9:45 - 10:00 AM
Oceans Foyer
Morning Session Break
 Sponsored by: 
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Oceans 1-6
Session
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Crystal DE
Luncheon with Keynote Speaker
 Keynote Speaker: 
 Introduced by: Karen Damon, NCBFAA President; Vice President, Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global
 Sponsored by: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
1:30 - 5:30 PM
Veiltail
ACE Portal Training Sessions*
 *Subject to cancellation
1:30 - 5:30 PM

APHIS Import Tools Training Sessions*
 *Subject to cancellation
1:30 - 2:15 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
2:15 - 3:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
3:00 - 3:15 PM
Oceans Foyer
Afternoon Session Break
 Sponsored by: 
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
4:15 - 5:00 PM
Oceans 1-6
Session
5:00 PMClosing Announcements
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Pool Terrace & Lawn
NCBFAA Happy Hour
 Co-Sponsored by:
 
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Crystal DE
Closing Reception, Keynote Address & Special Recognition Awards
 This year we will be honoring Rich Roche, a longtime NCBFAA Member, Past Transportation Committee Vice Chair, and Maritime (formerly NVOCC) Subcommittee Chair, with the highest honor we can bestow: the NCBFAA Centurion Award in appreciation of his outstanding vision, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of the international freight transportation community.
 Sponsored by: 
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Speaker/Moderator Bios

Karen Damon

Karen Damon is Vice President, Regulatory Compliance at Mohawk Global Logistics. As a licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist and Certified Export Specialist, Karen has extensive experience and knowledge in customs brokerage and regulatory affairs, providing leadership and guidance to enhance operational compliance.

She serves as the President of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarder Association of America and a board member of the Northern Border Customs Broker’s Association.

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Rob Fickeisen 

Rob Fickeisen is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist, who works as a Customs Brokerage Compliance Manager with UPS Customs & Trade Compliance.  He has been with UPS for nearly 20 years.  Prior to Compliance, Rob had experience in brokerage on the Northern Border, in air/ocean freight, with small package/express, in client support, and in training.

Rob is a proud and active member of the NCBFAA, serving on the Regulatory Agencies Committee, the CPSC RAC Sub-Committee, the AD/CVD Customs Sub-Committee, and on the Annual Conference Committee.  He also serves on the currently in hiatus TSN eCommerce Committee.

Rob still has two cats, and his favorite color is purple.

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Cynthia Whittenburg

Ms. Whittenburg is a committed champion of international trade education and training, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of the NCBFAA Educational Institute whose mission is to provide relevant content via multimedia platforms to equip our nation’s 21st century cross-border, trade-related workforce. She is a civil service and U.S. Army veteran helping American businesses design clear, legally compliant, and socially responsible cross-border trade strategies. In her over 12 years as a Senior Executive and director, she oversaw a complex mission of facilitating lawful trade and exercising trade enforcement to ensure fair and competitive trade. Ms. Whittenburg managed a $300+ million budget leading a highly diverse staff of CBP professionals in pursuing transformative trade policies that promoted economic security and growth for American businesses, along with ensuring only safe and legitimate products entered the U.S. commerce. Over the course of her 32+ year career at U.S. Customs and CBP, she was blessed with being able to share her knowledge in the trade realm, visiting several nations in Central America and Africa. She is a licensed customs broker and is also currently serving as a member of the United States Trade Representative Trade Advisory Committee on Africa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Business at Dillard University, holds master’s degrees in both Public Administration from Georgia Southern University, and Legal Studies in International Business Law from the University of Oklahoma. Ms. Whittenburg also completed the Senior Managers in Government course at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a recent past president of the Executive Women in Government whose objective is to advocate for the advancement of women in senior leadership positions as well as prepare the up-and-coming tier of women for senior executive roles in the Federal Government.

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