Trade Policy in an Era of Geoeconomics, Tariff Wars
& National Security Risks

Registration
8:30 – 9:00 am PT

Welcome and Introduction
9:00 – 9:05 am PT
Conference Co-Chairs: John McKenzie and Alison Stafford Powell

Fireside chat keynote discussion: Making sense of current US trade policy and the global geoeconomic environment 
9:05 – 10:05 am PT
SPEAKERS: Sara Schuman, Rod Hunter, John McKenzie (Moderator)

This fireside chat will unpack the evolving nature of US trade policy, focusing on the increasing influence of geoeconomic strategy and company-specific decision-making. We will delve into the state of US-China relations, including the business takeaways from the recent Trump/Xi summit and the US/China trade deal, future directions in trade and investment relations, and US trade policy more generally. The conversation will also touch on the implications of recent Supreme Court developments and the growing importance of risk monetization in trade strategy, offering insights into what may lie ahead for businesses operating in this complex environment.

Legal and business impacts of the tariff wars – How tariffs are shaping not only trade flows but broader business strategy and planning & how to use tariff disruption to build the future
10:10 – 11:10 am PT
SPEAKERS: John McKenzie (Moderator), Christine Streatfeild, Chandri Navarro, Jennifer Revis, Lance Martin, Adriana Ibarra-Fernandez

This session will explore the multifaceted legal and business implications of ongoing tariff wars, with a focus on how companies can transform disruption into long-term advantage. From M&A strategy and commercial structuring to tax planning and enforcement risk, we’ll examine how tariffs are reshaping decision-making across industries. The discussion will also highlight practical approaches to navigating uncertainty, leveraging trade friction to drive innovation, and building resilient global operations in a volatile policy environment.

Networking break
11:10 am – 11:25 am PT 

National Security as Today's Key Business and Regulatory Risk – Risk identification and management strategies
11:25 am – 12:25 pm PT 
SPEAKERS: Alison Stafford Powell (Moderator), Janet Kim, Rod Rosenstein, Ben Smith, Brian Hengesbaugh, Rod Hunter

This session will explore the evolving intersection of national security, trade and data rules and international business. Our panel will provide expert insights into the current US administration’s approach to CFIUS and outbound investment, the DOJ’s outbound data transfer rule and its practical implications for trade and privacy compliance, enforcement trends including the DOJ’s new trade fraud taskforce, broader national security-driven developments relevant to trade policy, including differing approaches from the EU and other regions. Our panelists will also share their practical advice for companies on anticipating and managing national security-related risks in cross-border operations.

Networking Lunch and Retrospective on 46 Years of the Year End Import/Export Conference with John McKenzie and Baker McKenzie Chair, Sunny Mann
12:30 – 1:30 pm PT
SPEAKERS: John McKenzie, Sunny Mann

This informal discussion will look back at the evolution of trade policy, regulatory developments, and industry collaboration over nearly five decades. Through shared stories, milestones, and memorable moments, we’ll honor the legacy of the conference and the community it has built while looking ahead to the future of global trade and compliance.