News

Curve Image

Key Insights from Industry-Leading Conferences

April 24, 2025 Avalon

This conference season, Avalon was proud to attend and participate in several of the industry’s key events. These conferences offered insights into regulatory complexities and risk management strategies while fostering meaningful dialogue with clients and colleagues

Highlights from the NCBFAA Annual Conference
The conference kicked off on the greens with a golf outing co-sponsored by Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP. We were happy to have sponsored 15 new golfers out on the course this year. During the opening session, Avalon’s Kathy Schricker had the honor of presenting Craig Arndt (Flexport Customs LLC) with the NCBFAA CES Award.

Tariffs and bonds were top of everyone’s mind at the conference. Various panels discussed the importance of monitoring bond stacking, the intricacies of managing in-bonds and tools to stay compliant with broker regulations. Avalon’s Mike Brown and Kimberly Wakeman along with Ralph De La Rosa had a packed house during their “The Dark(er) Side of Tariffs,” panel. They examined the unintended consequences of rising tariffs that the industry is facing. These include cargo theft, fraud, and legal complexities. The panel discussed emerging risks and how specialized insurance solutions such as Errors & Omissions and Trade Credit Insurance can help protect against these threats.

Highlights from the TIA Capital Ideas Conference
In San Antonio, the focus turned to freight brokerage, cargo theft trends and the evolving broker-carrier dynamic. Avalon’s Christie Brush presented this year’s First-Time Scholarship Winners:

  • Chris Figueroa – Primary Freight Services Inc.
  • Sarah Geisel – TRAFFIX Group Inc.
  • Megan Sadowski, CTB – LST Group, LLC
  • Ranya Hussein, Prosponsive Logistics

In the “Property Broker Road-Blocks” learning lab, Lisa Vranich and Carli Gallagher guided brokers through common red flags and practical strategies to navigate operational and compliance challenges. This session provided strategies to enhance due diligence and mitigate disruptions.

Why These Events Matter
These conferences were informative and engaging – which reinforces what makes this industry so dynamic. They offered the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional networks. For Avalon, they reaffirmed our dedication to helping clients stay informed and protected as the landscape evolves. We’re grateful for the many connections made and insights shared—and we’re keeping the momentum going.

Don’t miss LaDonna Blackwell at the Breakbulk Conference this Thursday, April 24th, where she’ll speak on Foreign Trade Zones and key issues like project transport risk management, Incoterms, and Customs in a breakbulk context.

If you have any questions regarding insurance, bonds, or tariffs, please contact us at letsconnect@avalonrisk.com.

Share This:

GET UPDATES

Subscribe

Featured Articles

The Quest Newsletter is designed to provide critical information in the transportation industry. Avalon Risk Management is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information contained in articles. The reader/user assumes all risk in the use of such information.