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2026 NCBFAA Annual Conference

JW Marriott San Antonio
Hill Country Resort & Spa

NEI logo

2026 NCBFAA Annual Conference Schedule

── ✧ Diamond Sponsors ✧ ──

Avalon Logo

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Program Sponsored by: 

EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo

 

NCBFAA Prestigious 2026 Keynote Speakers  

Rodney S. Scott, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Invited)

 

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


Pre-Conference Meetings:

Friday, April 10th

2:30 - 5:00 PM
Larkspur & Indian Paintbrush
NEI Meeting
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Grand Ballroom K
APN Meeting (Regular Members Only)
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Saturday, April 11th

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Grand Ballroom K-L
RAC (Regular Members Only)
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Grand Ballroom K-L
Transportation Committee (Regular Members Only)
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Grand Ballroom K-L
Customs Committee (Regular Members Only)
2:00 - 5:30 PM
Grand Ballroom K-L
Board of Directors (Regular Members Only)
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Greenhouse Garden Lawn
Sponsor Appreciation Reception (Invitation Only; All Sponsors & Their Invited Guests)

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Conference Meetings:

Sunday April 12th

Program Sponsored by: 
EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo
8:15 - 8:45 AMGolf Tournament Registration
 Co-Sponsored by:
 
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 
TPC San Antonio
Golf Tournament
(Additional cost - $125 [Regular Member discounted rate]; $150 [General registration rate])
 Co-Sponsored by:
2026 NCBFAA Golf Flyer

1:00 - 8:00 PM
Registration Desk
(Ballroom level Corridor)
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Event Lawn 2
NCBFAA Hospitality Gathering
 Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
6:00 - 7:00 PM 
Greenhouse Garden Lawn
Stewart B. Hauser First-Timer Reception (by Invitation Only)

Conference "First Timer" 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: 
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Grand Opening of the Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Registrants can visit with this year’s exhibitors, as well as enjoy refreshments.
 Sponsored by: 
8:00 - 9:00 PM
Event Lawn 1
Welcome Reception (Dinner Included; Attire is Business Casual)
 After the Exhibitor MarketPlace closes, everyone will then join the “Welcome Reception” for dinner. This gathering of old friends and colleagues is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances as NCBFAA welcomes all registrants to its 2026 Annual Conference.
 Sponsored by: 
9:00 - 11:00 PM
Event Lawn 1
Bingo
 Join your friends and colleagues after the Welcome Reception for a friendly game of Bingo. The winner will receive a gift card and all who attend will be provided with one 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 13th

Program Sponsored by: 
EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Desk
(Ballroom level Foyer)
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by:  International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
8:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Exhibitor MarketPlace Reopens
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
8:00 - 10:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
NCBFAA 2025 Annual Meeting
 All Regular Members are requested to attend this once-a-year event, which includes Officer, Counsel, and Committee reports.
 Presiding: Jose D. Gonzalez, NCBFAA President; President, Jose D. Gonzalez CHB
 (Regular Members Only, Please)
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Break in the Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Event Lawn 1
Lunch
 Sponsored by: 
 Keynote Speaker: 
 Introduction:  
 NCBFAA 2026 Scholarship Presentations
 Winner:  
Introduced by: Steven Powell, NCBFAA Annual Conference Chair; Vice President, C.H. Powell Company
Presented by: 
Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
 Winner: 
Introduced by: Steven Powell, NCBFAA Annual Conference Chair; Vice President, C.H. Powell Company
Presented by: 
Sponsored by: Alba Wheels Up International, Inc.
 NCBFAA CCS Award Presentation
 Winner:
Introduced by: Cynthia Whittenburg, NEI Executive Vice President, NCBFAA
Presented by: 
Sponsored by: CargoWise
 NCBFAA CES Award Presentation
 Winner: 
Introduced by: Cynthia Whittenburg, Executive Vice President, NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI)
Presented by: 
Sponsored by: Avalon Logo Avalon Risk Management
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Dessert in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by:
2:00 - 4:30 PMExhibitor MarketPlace Closes (Reopens at 4:30 PM)
2:00 - 2:15 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Speaker:
2:15 - 2:45 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Speaker:
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
4:15 - 5:15 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Exhibitor MarketPlace Reopens
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
NCBFAA Hospitality Gathering in Exhibitor MarketPlace

Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
5:15 PMClosing Announcements
6:45 - 9:30 PMDinner on Your Own
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Tuesday, April 14th

Program Sponsored by: 
EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Desk
(Ballroom level Foyer)
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
7:00 - 8:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Breakfast Buffet in Exhibitor MarketPlace
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Coffee Bar

Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
8:00 - 8:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
 
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists: 
 Moderator: 
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Sessions
  
 Panelists: 
 Moderator: 
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Break in the Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Luncheon in Exhibitor Marketplace
 Sponsored by: 
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Grand Ballroom Q-S
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 - 5:00 PM 
Grand Ballroom N
ACE Portal Training Sessions
 Attention ACE Portal Users
 Do you use the ACE Portal and find its functionality challenging? If so, then you should participate in one of the eight ACE Portal Training Sessions we have scheduled during the NCBFAA Annual Conference. Running from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th, and Wednesday, April 15th, these 30-minute first-come, first-served sessions are only being offered to fully registered attendees. This is your chance to ask CBP Portal experts for help in addressing any of your challenges with the Portal. Registrations are limited to on-site only; no pre-arrival registrations will be taken, and participants must provide their own devices.
 Panelists: 
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
Final Break & Raffles in Exhibitor MarketPlace
 Sponsored by: 
3:30 - 5:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelist: 
 Moderator: 
5:00 - 6:00 PM
San Antonio Terrace
NCBFAA Happy Hour
 Sponsored by:
5:00 PMClosing Announcements
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Grand Ballroom J-M
The 53rd NCBFAA Annual Conference Tuesday Night Dinner: Denim & Diamonds
 Sponsored by: Avalon Logo Avalon Risk Management

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Wednesday, April 15th

Program Sponsored by: 
EPIC IB&C Logo &   Tokio Marine HCC Logo
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Desk
(Ballroom-level Foyer)
NCBFAA Registration Desk/Information Center
 Sponsored by: International Bond & Marine Brokerage, Ltd.
7:00 - 8:00 AM
Grand Ballroom K-M
NCBFAA Speakers' Breakfast 
 (Tables will be reserved for speakers)
7:00 - 8:00 AM
Grand Ballroom K-M
Breakfast Buffet in the Grand Ballroom
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Coffee Bar

Sponsored by: Roanoke Insurance Group
8:00 - 8:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Speaker: 
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
9:30 - 10:15 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Ballroom-level Foyer
Morning Session Break
 Sponsored by: 
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
 
 
 Panelists:
 Moderator:
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
 Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderator: 
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Grand Ballroom K-M
Luncheon with Keynote Speaker
  
 Keynote Speaker: Rodney S. Scott, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Invited)
 Introduced by: Jose D. Gonzalez, NCBFAA President; President, Jose D. Gonzalez CHB
 Sponsored by: 
1:30 - 5:00 PM
Grand Ballroom N
ACE Portal Training Sessions
 Attention ACE Portal Users
 Do you use the ACE Portal and find its functionality challenging? If so, then you should participate in one of the eight ACE Portal Training Sessions we have scheduled during the NCBFAA Annual Conference. Running from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th, and Wednesday, April 15th, these 30-minute first-come, first-served sessions are only being offered to fully registered attendees. This is your chance to ask CBP Portal experts for help in addressing any of your challenges with the Portal. Registrations are limited to on-site only; no pre-arrival registrations will be taken, and participants must provide their own devices.
 Panelists: 
1:30 - 2:00PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Speaker:
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists: 
 Moderators: 
3:00 - 3:15 PM
Ballroom-level Foyer
Afternoon Session Break
 Sponsored by: 
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
 Moderators: 
4:15 - 5:00 PM
Grand Ballroom G-I
Session
  
 Panelists:
5:00 PMClosing Announcements
5:00 - 6:00 PM
San Antonio Terrace
NCBFAA Happy Hour
 Co-Sponsored by:
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Grand Ballroom K-M
Closing Reception, Keynote Address & Special Recognition Awards
 This year we will be honoring Amy Magnus, a longtime NCBFAA Member, Past President, and Senior Counselor of the association, with the highest honor we can bestow: the NCBFAA Centurion Award in appreciation of her outstanding vision, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of the international freight transportation community.
 Sponsored by: 
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Speaker/Moderator Bios

Jose D. Gonzalez

Jose D. Gonzalez is a licensed U.S. customs broker who has operated a customs house under the same name since 1994.  He currently serves as the LLUSCBA Customs Committee & Education as well as senior advisor to the board of the LLUSCBA. Prior to his involvement with these Committees, JD was Executive Chairman of the LLUSCBA, president of the Laredo Customs Brokers Association in 2010-2011 whom represents one of the largest concentrations of customs brokers who work closely with CBP.

During his time as chair of these two committees he has been very instrumental in managing the Associations issues to submit to US Customs at our monthly meetings and creating and marketing the education program by developing an educational outreach program that ensures that the Association meets its educational and professional goals. The programs offered by the Association are not only for Customs Brokers and Forwarders but all Trade Stakeholders that are involved in the international supply chain.

Mr. Gonzalez has been and continues to be involved in many trade related as well as civic related organization. A few of the organizations he is involved with are the following:, Present board member of The Airport Advisory Board, past advisory board member of The Laredo Development Foundation past board member of the City of Laredo Blue Ribbon Committee, in addition to being recognized for several accomplishments for Trade related development

Mr. Gonzalez proudly served in the United States Navy from 1982 until he was honorably discharged in 1992 after being named Sailor of the Year for his command. During his enlistment, he was involved in Mediterranean operations off the coast of Beirut, operations in the North Atlantic, as well as several Western Pacific operations during the Iran Iraq crises. In addition during his enlistment he continued his education and graduated in 1992 from National University in San Diego Ca, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in Accounting.

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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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