[EVENTS] ATCC 2027: Advanced Trade Education, Real-World Compliance & Powerful Networking

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De Leon Published: August 31, 2026 Length: Approximately 25 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC) is back for 2027—and if past years are any indication, waiting to register could mean missing out. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De Leon to preview the 2027 ATCC, taking place February 3–5 in Houston. They explain what makes ATCC different from a typical trade conference: advanced education designed specifically for experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals, paired with access to seasoned practitioners and true peer-to-peer networking. Cindy previews two optional masterclass-style workshops covering Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including why technology and AI can help identify compliance risks but shouldn't replace experienced human judgment. The conversation also explores ATCC's selective approach to speakers and sponsors, the value of keeping industry experts engaged throughout the conference, and several new additions for 2027. Plus, hear what's planned for the Thursday-night “Unmasking Innovation” celebration—and why attendees should register and reserve their hotel rooms early. Main Topic / Discussion The 2027 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference is designed for experienced trade professionals looking to move beyond introductory customs and compliance education. The general conference begins Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at 1:00 p.m. and concludes Friday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Houston. Optional intensive workshops begin Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., while a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening will give first-time attendees, sponsors, and speakers another opportunity to meet before the main conference begins. Two optional workshops take center stage this year. “Zone Mastery” will explore today's Foreign-Trade Zone environment, including tariff policy, compliance risks, and potential savings. A second audit-focused masterclass will examine how data analytics and ACE data can identify risk while emphasizing the importance of human-verified auditing. Cindy stresses that automated flags and algorithms can identify potential problems, but they don't automatically equal compliance findings. Experienced professionals still need to interpret the data, conduct meaningful audits, and understand the circumstances behind the numbers. ATCC also emphasizes “power networking.” Speakers and sponsors are expected to actively engage with attendees rather than simply appear for a presentation or exhibit. The 2027 conference will culminate in an elegant masquerade-inspired “Unmasking Innovation” celebration, followed by an after-party featuring Chicago's DJ Victor R. Registration is limited to 600 attendees, and the previous conference filled before early-bird registration ended. Key Takeaways • ATCC 2027 runs February 3–5, 2027 in Houston, with optional workshops beginning Wednesday morning and a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening. • The conference is intentionally advanced, targeting experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals rather than providing introductory-level trade education. • The 2027 workshops will dive deeply into Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including the use—and limitations—of AI and automated data analysis in compliance. • Registration is capped at 600 attendees, and previous ATCC events have reached capacity early, making early registration and hotel reservations especially important. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC) • Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn • Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]