The Southern Border Conference is an annual event dedicated to addressing key issues in trade and customs operations along the U.S.-Mexico border. Hosted by the Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association (MVCBA), the conference brings together industry professionals, government officials, and experts to discuss developments and challenges in border trade.
The 2025 conference, held from September 24 to 27 at the Courtyard Marriott in South Padre Island, Texas, featured sessions on topics such as Foreign Trade Zones, USMCA qualification rules, and updates on trade remedies and tariffs. Notable speakers included Robert Stein from Braumiller Consulting Group and Cindy De Leon of DeLeon Trade LLC.
Attendees had opportunities for networking through events like the Welcome Cocktail Reception, Fish Fry, and The Grand Luau. The conference also offered ACE Portal Training Sessions for hands-on learning. The event was approved for 10.5 credits for CCS/MCS, CES/MES, and LCB certifications, providing valuable continuing education for professionals in the field.
The Southern Border Conference is ideal for customs brokers, importers, exporters, and trade compliance professionals seeking to stay informed on border trade issues, enhance their skills, and connect with peers and industry leaders.
Speakers(29)
Armando Goncalvez
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Armando Goncalvez is an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, stationed in Nogales, addressing issues related to the Southern Border.
Armando Taboada
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Armando Taboada serves as an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Laredo, focusing on Southern Border concerns.
Bradford Slutsky
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Bradford Slutsky is an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, based in Washington, DC, focusing on Southern Border matters.
Carlos Rodriguez
CBP Portal Expert at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Carlos Rodriguez is a CBP Portal expert, providing one-on-one ACE Portal training sessions to assist users with functionality challenges.
Cindy De Leon
Founder & Managing Director at DeLeon Trade LLC
Cindy De Leon, former CBP Assistant Field Director with over 30 years of experience, assists clients in strengthening internal control programs to ensure U.S. Customs compliance.
Coley Anderson
Director of Industry and Government Relations & Enterprise Solutions Specialist at Registrar Corp
Coley Anderson educates foreign governments and trade associations about U.S. FDA regulations, conducting seminars globally since 2007.
Dennis McKenzie
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Dennis McKenzie is an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, based in Washington, DC, involved in addressing Southern Border issues.
Federico Zuniga
Representative at NCBFAA NEI
Federico Zuniga represents the NCBFAA NEI, providing updates on continuing education and association developments.
Fernando Thome
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Fernando Thome is an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso, addressing matters related to the Southern Border.
George Tuttle
Attorney at Law Offices of George R. Tuttle, A.P.C.
George Tuttle has over 38 years of experience in customs and international trade law, assisting clients with compliance and regulatory matters.
James Amyx
Attorney at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
James Amyx advises clients on U.S. export control issues, including economic sanctions and restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Joseph “Jay” Acayan
Partner at Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP
Joseph “Jay” Acayan has over 25 years of experience in international trade law and customs compliance, advising clients on regulatory enforcement and supply chain security.
Juan J. Porras
Official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Juan J. Porras is an official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, based in Laredo, dealing with Southern Border issues.
Kathleen Dorman
Director at Roanoke
Kathleen Dorman is a director at Roanoke, specializing in customs bond sufficiency and trade remedy tariffs.
Kristi App
Vice President at NCBFAA
Kristi App serves as Vice President of the NCBFAA, offering insights into continuing education and association updates.
Lawrence W. Hanson
Attorney at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
Lawrence W. Hanson has over 38 years of experience in international trade law, assisting clients with customs compliance, audits, and regulatory matters.
Luis Bazan
Director at Pharr International Bridge
Luis Bazan serves as the Director of the Pharr International Bridge, overseeing operations and facilitating international trade between the U.S. and Mexico.
Mark Guerra
Consumer Safety Officer at U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Mark Guerra has over 25 years of experience at the FDA, specializing in import operations, food safety inspections, and regulatory compliance.
Matias Gallegos
Attorney at Givens & Johnston, PLLC
Matias Gallegos advises clients on complex customs and international trade matters, including tariff classification and export compliance.
Matías Gallegos
Attorney at Givens & Johnston, PLLC
Matías Gallegos advises clients on complex matters before U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other trade-related agencies, focusing on tariff classification, valuation, and compliance.
Meghan Roser
Scorekeeper at Roser & J. Cowen Logistical Services Ltd
Meghan Roser serves as a scorekeeper at Roser & J. Cowen Logistical Services Ltd, assisting in sessions on Southern Border topics.
Mirna Curtis
Professional at Registrar Corp
Mirna Curtis is a professional at Registrar Corp, specializing in FDA regulations and compliance strategies.
Mirna J. Custis
Director of Cosmetics and Medical Device Services at Registrar Corp
Mirna J. Custis leads Registrar Corp's divisions supporting global clients with U.S. FDA and Health Canada regulatory compliance.
Monste Hernandez
Director at Roanoke
Monste Hernandez serves as a director at Roanoke, focusing on customs bond sufficiency and trade remedy tariffs.
Neto Roser
Moderator at Roser & J. Cowen Logistical Services Ltd
Neto Roser is a moderator at Roser & J. Cowen Logistical Services Ltd, facilitating discussions on Southern Border issues.
Robert Stein
Vice President at Braumiller Consulting Group
Robert Stein has over 36 years of experience in Customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and consulting, specializing in import and export compliance, Foreign Trade Zones, and duty drawback.
Ruben Barberena
CBP Portal Expert at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ruben Barberena is a CBP Portal expert, offering personalized ACE Portal training sessions to help users navigate its functionalities.
Scott Johnston
Attorney at Givens & Johnston, PLLC
Scott Johnston has extensive experience in international trade law, assisting clients with customs compliance and regulatory matters.
Vicky Wu
Partner at Braumiller Law Group
Vicky Wu is a partner at Braumiller Law Group, specializing in trade compliance and risk assessments.
Event Details
- Date
- October 20-22, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 South Padre Island, United States
- Courtyard Marriott
- Pricing
- $275 - $475
- Audience
- Customs brokers, importers, exporters, trade compliance professionals
- CLE Credits
- 10.5 credits for CCS/MCS, CES/MES, LCB