DC Summit (formerly Legislative Summit)
DC Summit (formerly Legislative Summit)
Monday, February 22, 2027 5:00 PM - Wednesday, February 24, 2027 5:00 PM (EST)
Description
SAVE THE DATE - Registration opens soon!
NAFTZ DC Summit
Formerly the NAFTZ Legislative Summit
February 22–24, 2027 | Washington, DC
NAFTZ’s premier federal engagement event combining policy insight, agency access, and coordinated Capitol Hill engagement.
Day 1 — Monday, February 22: Welcome Reception
Reconnect with colleagues and kick off the Summit with an evening of networking in Washington, DC.
Day 2 — Tuesday, February 23: DC Summit Conference
Federal speakers • Advocacy briefings • Agency updates • Capitol Hill preparation
The conference program will be held at the National Press Club, located in the National Press Building—also home to NAFTZ’s Washington offices.
Day 3 — Wednesday, February 24: Capitol Hill Engagement
Coordinated meetings with Members of Congress and congressional staff
Put the Summit’s policy discussions and advocacy preparation into action through coordinated congressional meetings.
NAFTZ Summit Headquarters Hotel
Many attendees told us they enjoyed staying alongside fellow NAFTZ members, volunteers, and staff during our Washington events. We heard you!
For the 2027 NAFTZ DC Summit, we've secured a limited room block at the beautiful Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant, located less than one mile from the National Press Building and National Press Club, where the Summit will be held.
While attendees are welcome to stay at any Washington, DC hotel that best meets their needs, we hope you'll consider making the Morrison-Clark your Summit Headquarters—a place to connect with colleagues, continue conversations after the day's sessions, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes NAFTZ events unique.
NAFTZ Group Rage: $229 per night (plus applicable taxes and fees)
How to Reserve:
- Call: (202) 898-1200 or (800) 332-7898
- Reference: "NAFTZ"
The discounted NAFTZ group rate is available while rooms remain available through January 18, 2027.
If you experience any difficulty securing the group rate, please contact:
Victoria Cartwright, Vice President, Events & Education
vcartwright@naftz.org
202-331-1950 ext. 225
To learn more about the Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant, including its walkable location and directions in the heart of Washington, DC, visit the hotel website here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support NAFTZ's premier federal engagement event, where the Foreign-Trade Zone community comes together to engage with Congress, federal agencies, and the policymakers shaping the future of the U.S. FTZ program.
By sponsoring the NAFTZ DC Summit, you're doing more than increasing your organization's visibility—you're demonstrating your commitment to a stronger, more competitive U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone program. Your support helps bring together FTZ professionals, industry leaders, federal officials, and congressional decision-makers for three days of meaningful dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration.
Sponsors receive prominent recognition throughout the Summit while connecting with one of the nation's most engaged and influential FTZ audiences. From policy briefings and agency discussions to coordinated Capitol Hill engagement, your organization will be visible at every stage of the Summit experience.
Whether your goal is to strengthen existing relationships, increase brand recognition, or demonstrate your leadership within the FTZ community, we'll work with you to develop a sponsorship package that aligns with your objectives and delivers meaningful value.
Join us in advancing the future of the U.S. FTZ program. Become a sponsor of the NAFTZ DC Summit and stand alongside the leaders shaping trade policy, regulatory engagement, and America's global competitiveness.
Ready to Sponsor?
CLICK HERE for past event ideas. We're also happy to customize a sponsorship package tailored to your organization's goals. Contact Victoria Cartwright at 202-331-1950 ext. 225 or vcartwright@naftz.org.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
NAFTZ will apply for continuing education credit for the Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), and Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) programs, consistent with previous years. Approved credits will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.
Attendance at the live DC Summit also qualifies toward Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) and Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS) certification renewal requirements.
If CCS/CES/LCB credit is approved, attendees should not rely solely on the content of this program for compliance, auditing, or enforcement purposes, consistent with NEI accreditation requirements.
Learn more about the professional education credits available through NAFTZ:
Learn more about AZS and CZS credit eligibility for webinar attendance on their applicable websites.
For Reference, the 2026 Legislative Summit Agenda is posted below.
| Monday , 5-6pm | Reception |
Tuesday, 8-9 am | Continental Breakfast |
9:00 – 9:15 am | Welcome Address |
9:15 – 10:00 am | Trade Update from Washington w - Explore the latest trade import/export developments/ anticipated changes leading up to the midterm elections |
10:00 – 10:45 am | D.C.'s Trade agenda |
10:45– 11:00 am | Break |
11:00 – 12:00 pm | Outlook from the Administration: State of Play of U.S. Trade Policy |
12:15 – 1:30 pm | Lunch |
1:30 – 1:45 pm | Homer Maxey Award presentation |
1:45 - 2:45 pm | Trade from the Association Point of View - A panel discussion of trade-related association advocacy professionals |
2:45 - 3:15 pm | FTZ Board Activities & Update |
3:15 – 3:30 pm | Break |
3:30 – 4:30 pm | NAFTZ Advocacy Issues & Trade Policy Perspective |
4:30 – 5:15 pm | Perspective from U.S. FTZ Caucus |
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Congressional Participant Dinner (RSVP required) |
| Wednesday 9am-5pm | Congressional Visits |
Registration Rates to be released soon
2026 rates for reference below
Member Registration Rates:
Early Registration – Set the Agenda
$449
Regular Registration – Build the Momentum
$499
Capitol Hill Countdown – Final Boarding Call
$599
Non-member Registration Rates:
Early Registration – Set the Agenda
$649
Regular Registration – Build the Momentum
$699
Capitol Hill Countdown – Final Boarding Call
$799
All registrations include:
- Access to all DC Summit sessions and materials
- Entry to the Monday evening reception
- Full preparation for Hill Day meetings, including talking points and briefings
- Participation in scheduled congressional visits on Wednesday
Event & Registration Policies
Substitutions: If the registered NAFTZ member cannot attend, a colleague from the same company may attend in their place. Please email vcartwright@naftz.org.
Federal Rate: A discounted rate is available for federal government attendees by request.
Membership Savings: NAFTZ members receive the best rates plus added benefits throughout the year. Make sure your membership is current to maximize savings.
Payment: Early registration must be paid by January 24th, 2027 to secure the discount. All registrations must be paid at least two weeks prior to the event.
Cancellations/Refunds:
Full refund for written cancellations received by January 8, 2027.
50% credit toward another 2027 NAFTZ event for written cancellations between January 9–17, 2027.
After January 17, 2027, no refunds or credits will be issued.
DC Summit Attendance Policy
The NAFTZ DC Summit is designed specifically for companies that operate within the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program and organizations that directly support the U.S. FTZ industry.
Attendance is limited to:
- U.S. FTZ grantees, operators, and users
- Companies and service providers that directly support FTZ operations
- U.S. federal, state, and local government officials participating in the program
The DC Summit is not open to foreign government representatives or foreign-government observers. This policy helps ensure a focused, candid discussion environment aligned with the Summit’s DC and policy objectives.
NAFTZ appreciates your understanding and cooperation.
By registering, you agree to be listed in the event app and attendee roster, and to comply with NAFTZ’s photo/video policy.
ALLERGY DISCLAIMER
NAFTZ is pleased to communicate dietary restrictions and allergy-related concerns to host venues and catering providers and will make reasonable efforts to support attendee needs. However, NAFTZ, its venues, and food service providers cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, including meeting rooms, dining areas, hotel spaces, or other shared public areas. This includes possible cross-contact during food preparation and the presence of allergens introduced by other guests or attendees. Attendees with severe or life-threatening allergies should consult their physician regarding any potential risks associated with attendance and take any personal precautions they deem appropriate.
529 14th street, 13th floor
Washington, DC 20045 United States
- 1177 15th Street NW Washington DC 20005
Conference