Meeting/Event Information

HCBFFA June 17 2026 Luncheon Event

 

June 17, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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Sonesta Hotel Houston IAH (Formerly Hyatt Regency Houston IAH)
425 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston
Houston, TX 77060
Venue website
Directions

Speaker John Hark
Bertling Logistics – Chartering Director, North America
Texas A&M – Adjunct Professor

Building the Next Generation Workforce in Customs Brokerage & Freight Forwarding: Compliance, Risk, and Operational Continuity

As customs brokerage and freight forwarding continue to face growing regulatory complexity and an aging workforce, developing the next generation of talent has become more than a hiring challenge — it is a compliance and operational priority. In today’s trade environment, finding experienced professionals is increasingly difficult, making it essential for companies to think strategically, remain open-minded, and invest in developing new talent entering the industry.

During this exciting annual scholarship award event, join industry leaders for an engaging discussion on how workforce development directly impacts compliance, risk management, and business continuity. This session will examine the real-world consequences of knowledge gaps, along with practical strategies for onboarding, training, and retaining young professionals in today’s evolving trade environment.

Attendees will hear valuable insights from a respected Houston industry leader on current hiring trends, workforce challenges, and the future talent pipeline. Discussions will also focus on building strong training programs that address classification and entry filing risks, PGA compliance, freight forwarding integration, mentorship strategies, and creating a culture of compliance from day one — all while navigating the unique demands of the Houston market and cross-border trade.

Whether you are a licensed broker, operations leader, or hiring manager, this session will provide actionable strategies to strengthen your workforce, prepare the next generation of trade professionals, and help protect your organization from costly compliance exposure.

Registration opens at 11:30, lunch will begin at 11:45 and our Guest Speaker will begin shortly after 12. 

Do you require Customs Broker CE's? This event is approved from NCBFAA Education Institute for 1.5 LCB/CCS/MCS credits. 

Members enjoy lunch at a reduced rate from our non member attendees. 
Student discounts are available and Scholarship recipients enjoy a year of free luncheon events. Please email [email protected] for more information on student discounts.

If you are having problems completing the online form in the registration link or if you do not know your member login, please email [email protected] for assistance. 

LCB/ CCS/ MCS credits will only be awarded to those who attend the event in person and check in at registration. Event code for recordkeeping/transcript purposes will be sent to attendees only after the event and is not to be shared.  

If you are a member and have problems registering at the "member" rate, please email [email protected] to be sure your account is set up as a member account for the purposes of luncheon sign ups.

Tickets

$60.00 HCBFFA Member Ticket
$70.00 after 05:40 pm June 12

$70.00 Non Member (Guest) Ticket
$75.00 after 05:40 pm June 12