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2026 AFI Annual Convention

April 15, 2026 - April 17, 2026

Description


AFI is returning to the luxurious Resort at Longboat Key April 15-17 for its 2026 Annual Convention! The convention committee has put together an impressive slate of speakers to cover topics of great importance in today’s challenging trade environment.

Scheduled Presentations:
Use of AI and Other Technology in Working with Other Sectors of the Industry

Panel on Tariff/Trade Issues

Update on Key FDA Issues

A Look at the Current FDA Enforcement Approach 

The event will begin with a registration Wednesday afternoon that includes a networking component, followed by an evening poolside welcoming reception. The presentations will take place Thursday and Friday mornings, with activities planned for Thursday afternoon, followed by a reception and dinner. Optional events will be available for those who want to stay after the Friday sessions end.

Hotel

The Longboat Key Club is a five-star beach resort with golf, tennis, pickleball and fine dining on site and is close to St. Armand’s Circle, a spot known for its great restaurants and shopping. Thursday night’s dinner will be a casino night, an entertaining way to have some fun with industry colleagues.

Those looking to make hotel reservations can do by clicking here. 

Schedule

Wednesday, April 15

NoonAFI Board of Directors Meeting
2 p.m.NAOOA Executive Committee Meeting
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.Registration & Importer Resource Gallery
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.Welcome Reception


Thursday, April 16

8 a.m.Breakfast
9 a.m.

“Commerce Reimagined: Building AI-Driven, Data-Led Growth in Modern Trade"
Mert Damlapinar, ecommert

10:30 a.m.Break
10:45 a.m."Trade/Tariff Panel"
Mark Segrist, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg
Tom Cook, Blue Tiger International
Michael Shoule, RW Hampton
Tracey Gonzalez, Husch Blackwell
1 p.m.Golf
6 p.m.Reception & Dinner/Casino Night


Friday, April 17
8 a.m.Breakfast
8:45 a.m.AFI General Membership Meeting
9:15 a.m.“Federal/State Regulatory Update”
Mason Weeda, OFW Law
9:45 a.m."FDA Enforcement: Today’s Landscape"
Domenick Veneziano, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg
10:15 a.m.Break
10:30 a.m.“Functional Foods & the Term ‘Healthy’ on Food Packaging”
Tracey Gonzalez, Husch Blackwell
11 a.m.Chef Demonstration
Chef from Resort at Longboat Key Club
6 p.m.Optional Dinner
Site to be Announced - Additional Fee


Events

Golf Outing (Thursday) - $225

Pickleball Clinic (Thursday) - $50

Optional Friday Dinner - $149


SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Welcome Bag - SOLD OUT!
Registration Refreshments - $1,000
Breakfast Sponsor - $1,500
Break Sponsor - SOLD OUT!
Welcome Reception - $2,000
Friday Reception - $2,000
Printed Program - SOLD OUT!
Keynote Speaker - $2,000
Friday Dinner - $1,000
Dinner Wine - $1,000
Dinner Entertainment (Casino Night) - SOLD OUT!
Name Badges - $1,000
Saturday’s Optional Dinner - $1,500
Pickleball - $1,500
Golf Lunch - $1,000
Golf Beverage Cart - $1,000
Golf Hole - $200
Corporate Sponsorship - You Choose the Amount

Time

All times are EST.

Location

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Those looking to make hotel reservations can do by clicking here. 

Pricing

Members: $875 | Non-Members: $1049

Participation in the Importer Resource Gallery is free to companies with at least one representative with full convention registration, though a table must be reserved during registration! Companies wishing to participate only in the gallery will pay a fee of $399, which includes the fee for the table and one person to man the table. Additional registrants - $99 each (unless registered for the full convention). The additional table registration of $99 includes attendance at the convention’s welcome reception that begins at 6 p.m.

No refunds for cancellations made after April 6, 2026

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