FR 2025-06574

The document announces the 2025 Trade and Cargo Security Summit hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 6 to May 8, 2025. This event aims to bring together CBP personnel, members of the trade community, and representatives from other government agencies to discuss CBP's involvement in international trade initiatives. The summit is open to the public, with the option to attend in person or virtually, but requires registration.

General Summary

The summit is designed to facilitate discussions on international trade and CBP's role in these processes. It includes panel discussions and breakout sessions, with opportunities for attendees to engage with experts and stakeholders in the trade and transportation fields. The event will take place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and registration is currently open with fees applicable for both in-person and virtual attendance.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues regarding the event:

• Registration Fees: The cost of $328 for attending in person might be prohibitive for some individuals, especially those without financial support from an organization. This high fee could deter participation from smaller entities or self-employed professionals.

• Payment and Refund Policies: The registration process requires payment via credit card, which could be limiting for those without access to this payment method. Additionally, the strict no-refund policy for cancellations post-April 11, 2025, may discourage potential attendees due to its inflexibility.

• Discounts and Concessions: The document does not address whether discounts or concessions are available for students, academics, or nonprofit professionals. This omission might affect the accessibility of the event for individuals from these groups.

• Accessibility Services: Although the announcement mentions services for individuals with disabilities or those needing special assistance, it lacks specific details on the accommodations offered, potentially leading to uncertainty for attendees requiring such services.

• Breakout Sessions Clarity: The term "breakout sessions" is mentioned without clarification on the content or purpose of these sessions, which could result in confusion for those interested in attending specific discussions or topics.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the summit represents an opportunity for engaging with key players in the trade and transportation sectors. It serves the public by potentially influencing policy through dialogue and knowledge exchange on trade security. However, the associated costs and lack of transparency in some areas might limit involvement from a more diverse audience.

Impact on Stakeholders

For CBP and government agencies, the summit is a platform to communicate and align on important trade initiatives. Businesses and professionals in the trade community can gain insights and network, which could be beneficial for their operations and understanding of regulatory environments. Yet, the high registration fee and limited payment options may exclude certain stakeholders, particularly smaller businesses or independent consultants.

Overall, while the summit presents an important interaction opportunity between CBP and the trade community, attending might be challenging for some due to logistical and financial constraints. Addressing these concerns could enhance participation and broaden the event's impact.

The document announces the 2025 Trade and Cargo Security Summit organized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Financial aspects are an important component of the event, specifically regarding the registration fees for attendance.

Registration Fees Overview

The document specifies two levels of registration fees. To attend the summit in person, an individual must pay a fee of $328.00 per person. In contrast, attending virtually via the Chime webcast is significantly less expensive, requiring a fee of $28.00 per person. These fees cover the cost of participating in the summit, whether in-person or virtually, but there is no detailed breakdown of what these fees specifically include. This lack of transparency might result in potential attendees questioning whether the fees are justified.

Issues Relating to Registration Fees

One key issue with these fees is the absence of a detailed breakdown explaining what services or amenities the registration fee covers. Such a breakdown would help validate the costs and reassure potential registrants of the value they are receiving in exchange for their payment. The relatively high fee of $328.00 for in-person attendance could also be prohibitive for individuals who are not sponsored by an organization or for those with limited financial resources.

Moreover, the registration process requires payment by credit card only. This could exclude individuals who may prefer or are only able to pay through other methods, highlighting potential restrictions in the registration process.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The document also stipulates a cancellation policy wherein requests made after a certain deadline, specifically after Friday, April 11, 2025, will not receive a refund. This policy may be viewed as particularly stringent, offering little flexibility for attendees who may face unforeseen circumstances necessitating cancellation after the deadline.

Discounts and Accessibility Considerations

There is no mention of discounts or concessions for various groups such as students, academics, or those working in non-profit sectors. Given the diversity of attendees who may benefit from participation, offering such concessions could promote wider accessibility and inclusion within the event. Furthermore, while the document briefly addresses facilities or services for individuals with disabilities, it lacks specific details about what accommodations are available.

In summary, while the document specifies registration fees and attendance costs for the summit, it raises several issues concerning transparency, accessibility, and flexibility related to these financial references. Addressing these issues could enhance the inclusivity and clarity surrounding the financial aspects of the summit.