Calendar of International Training and
Events
The Massachusetts Export Center offers a wide variety of training events for both the beginner and advanced exporter. Please take a moment to read our training and registration process located at the bottom of this page. Click here to learn about our Compliance Alliance, which includes discounted training pricing for members!
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2026 Training Calendar Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online. |
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| September | |
| 25 | STEP Grant Application Webinar |
| October | |
| 8 | Navigating Commerce and State Department Disclosures: Violations, Enforcement, and the China Factor |
| 14 | Responding to Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Risks in Your Supply and Distribution Chains: Managing Third Parties and Beyond |
| 23 | AES, ACE & the FTR: Export Reporting and Compliance in Practice |
| 29 | Navigating the New ITAR Landscape: Rulemaking, Enforcement and Compliance |
| November | |
| 5 | Managing Tariff Exposure: Data-Driven Strategies for Mitigation and Compliance |
| 19 | Selling in China: Navigating CCC Mark, China RoHS and Product Certifications |
| January 2027 | |
| 28-29 | Export Expo |
| Additional programs to be announced | |
Program Descriptions
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STEP Grant Application Webinar Join us to learn about the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which is available to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services. The Massachusetts STEP program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Export Center, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP program and walk participants through the STEP application process. The webinar will provide guidance on program eligibility and completion of the application, and will also discuss specific elements that are critical for successful applicants. The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application. Those applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting with a well-planned export strategy will have the best likelihood of success! Grant awards are made on a competitive basis. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/export/step. Our speakers will be:
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
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Navigating Commerce and State Department Disclosures: Violations, Enforcement, and the China Factor As export controls continue to evolve and enforcement agencies place greater emphasis on corporate compliance, companies are facing increasingly complex decisions about how to identify, assess, and address potential violations. When an issue is discovered, determining whether and how to disclose it to the government can be just as important as identifying the underlying compliance failure. The stakes can be particularly significant when transactions involve sensitive technologies, defense articles, or China-related activities. Join us for a comprehensive overview of the disclosure frameworks administered by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). This webinar will walk through the mechanics of voluntary self-disclosures under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), examine recent enforcement actions and penalty trends, and explore how China-related export controls are reshaping compliance risk. Whether you’re managing an initial disclosure or building a proactive compliance program, this session will equip you with practical guidance for navigating today’s heightened enforcement environment. Our speaker will be Sylvia Costelloe, Counsel with ArentFox Schiff LLP. Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
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For companies doing business internationally, the actions of third parties can have significant compliance implications. These relationships can introduce additional layers of complexity—and potential exposure—into global supply and distribution chains. Understanding where those risks may arise and developing practical processes for managing them has become an increasingly important part of an effective trade compliance program. U.S. laws and regulations impacting both supply chain and distribution chains continue to shift rapidly as the Administration turns to trade enforcement to accomplish domestic and international policy goals. For companies across industries doing business internationally, managing these evolving risks and third parties relations present ever increasing and new challenges. During this webinar, our subject matter experts will provide an overview of relevant U.S. regulatory regimes and practical tips for identifying key risks, integrating compliance into existing processes, and managing “red flags” when working with your suppliers, resellers, distributors, and other third parties. Participants will gain a better understanding of the regulatory considerations affecting their supply and distribution networks, as well as practical approaches for incorporating third-party due diligence and compliance controls into existing business processes. The discussion will focus on real-world considerations for companies seeking to identify potential issues before they become compliance problems. We hope you will join us! Our speakers will be:
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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AES, ACE & the FTR: Export Reporting and Compliance in Practice With increased attention to export compliance and enforcement, accurate and complete reporting through the Automated Export System (AES) is more important than ever. The Electronic Export Information (EEI) reported in AES provides government agencies with critical information used to identify potential export compliance and national security concerns, making accurate reporting and an appropriate level of due diligence essential for exporters. This webinar will discuss important AES and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) developments. The program will identify when a transaction is subject to EEI reporting and provide practical guidance on key reporting elements, including valuation, export information codes, license and license exemption codes, and when an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) must be reported. Additionally, our speaker will provide a practical look at AES reporting with an emphasis on risk mitigation and reducing potential enforcement exposure. Topics will include unresolved AES response messages, errors and inconsistencies with shipment details, conducting due diligence by reviewing Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) reports and shipment details provided by freight forwarders, obtaining appropriate information and documentation from buyers, auditing, correcting and documenting export reporting issues. Whether your company files EEI directly or relies on a freight forwarder or other authorized agent, understanding the information being reported on your company’s behalf is essential. This program will provide practical guidance for evaluating your AES reporting process, identifying potential weaknesses, and strengthening compliance with the FTR. Our speaker will be David Robeson, Consultant with Mohawk Global Trade Advisors. Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
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Navigating the New ITAR Landscape: Rulemaking, Enforcement and Compliance Over the past two years, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has made significant changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. These changes include many revisions to the U.S. Munitions List, registration fee increases, new licensing exemptions, Part 126 country policy changes, and new and revised definitions. At the same time, new rules that could reshape controls on defense services, technical data, space-related technologies and other areas, are in the pipeline. In July 2026, DDTC’s updated regulatory agenda laid out nine ITAR rulemakings expected over the next 12 months, with several already moving through the rulemaking process. Recent enforcement actions show that that companies are facing significant consequences for issues involving technical data transfers, licensing and other export authorizations, provisos, reexports and reporting requirements. This webinar will look at what is changing, what is coming next, and what it means for your export compliance program. We will translate the regulatory developments into practical steps that companies can take to keep their classifications, authorizations and procedures up to date. We will also discuss how companies can engage more effectively in the rulemaking process, by identifying proposed changes that could impact their business, submitting meaningful comments, and using the rulemaking process as part of their compliance strategy. Our speaker will be Christopher Stagg, Principal with Varick PLLC. Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
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Managing Tariff Exposure: Data-Driven Strategies for Mitigation and Compliance The U.S. tariff landscape continues to shift, creating new cost pressures, compliance challenges and strategic considerations for importers. At the same time, increased customs enforcement is placing greater emphasis on accurate classification, valuation, country of origin and duty mitigation strategies. Businesses are increasingly leveraging trade data analytics to identify duty-saving opportunities, assess supply chain risks, and strengthen compliance programs. Join our webinar for a practical discussion on the latest tariff developments, proven tariff mitigation strategies, and the expanding role of data analytics in identifying opportunities and supporting compliance. The webinar will also feature an update on current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement priorities and what importers should do now to prepare. Whether your company is navigating new tariff exposure, evaluating sourcing alternatives, or strengthening its customs compliance program, this webinar will provide timely insights and practical strategies to help you reduce costs, mitigate risk, and stay ahead of an increasingly complex trade environment. Our speakers will be:
Date: November 5, 2026
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Selling in China: Navigating CCC Mark, China RoHS and Product Certifications U.S. businesses selling in China or planning to enter the Chinese market face mandatory certifications, product standards, labeling requirements, environmental restrictions, testing and conformity-assessment requirements before their products can be placed on the market. This practical webinar will provide an overview of China’s product-compliance landscape, with a focus on China Compulsory Certification (CCC), China RoHS and other key product certifications. The session will examine when CCC applies, how the certification process works, and how to determine whether a product falls within its scope. It also will explore China RoHS, including its expanding product scope, hazardous-substance restrictions, conformity-assessment options, marking and information-disclosure requirements, as well as important updates to the 2026 framework. The webinar will also address other product-specific requirements, including the China Energy Label, SRRC radio certification and the Network Access License for telecommunications equipment. It will focus on how exporters can identify the requirements that apply to their products, determine when self-declaration is possible, and understand when Chinese testing or third-party certification is mandated. Our speaker will be Tiffany Wong, Product Manager, Market Access Services, US with TÜV Rheinland of North America, Inc.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
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Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the global trade community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of trade resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. The Export Expo is a virtual event that will include an exhibit area showcasing government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the international trade community. The event will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of trade-related topics. This year's Export Expo will be highlighted by influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for this timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format. Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference's content, so you won't miss a thing! Sponsorship opportunities are available. View details on the 2027 Export Expo Sponsorship Package (pdf). Click here to watch a short video recap of last year's Expo. If you would like to access last year's Expo, please click here. Dates: Thursday and Friday, January 28-29, 2027
2027 Sponsors: |
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Training and Registration Details - Please Read Registration: Preregistration is required for all events. Each training event has a separate registration page. Please register for all events first and then make a single credit card payment for the total amount due. The registration and payment systems are not integrated, so you need to know the total amount due. Registration for in-person events typically closes at 12 noon on the business day prior to the event. Walk-ins are allowed unless an event is full. If full, the status will be noted on this web page (see walk-in section below). Our training events are supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, you certify that you are legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. Payment: We require payment at the time of registration via credit card. For free events and free for Compliance Alliance members, disregard any payment instructions. If you are on the credit card payment page, close your browser and do not enter a payment. You will be required to enter a security code to process your credit card payment. The code will be sent from noreply@nelnet.net with a subject of "Requested Security Code". Please add this email to your approved sender list. Cancellations/Refunds: If you cancel your registration at least 48 hours prior to the event, you will be entitled to a refund minus a $10 processing fee. No refund will be given on notifications received after that time or in any no-show situation. All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to training@massexport.org. The Export Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a seminar due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances. In the case of cancellation, registration fees will be refunded. Verification Codes are sent with the subject of "Massachusetts SBDC : Email Verification" from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email address frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list. If you don't receive the verification code in your inbox, check your spam folder. If you still don't find the code, send an email by clicking here and we will help you. Bypass the verification code process by creating a password! The confirmation from this address does not contain the login details (see next bullet). Login Details: Zoom logins are sent via Constant Contact from the Massachusetts Export Center at exportcenter@massexport.org with a subject of "Login Details". Please add this email address to your approved sender list. If you don't find the login email and it's not in your spam folder, your company may be blocking it. Walk-Ins (in-person events): If the program description on our website or registration form indicates that the seminar is full, walk-ins are not allowed. Otherwise, you may complete a walk-in registration and bring the completed form to seminar. If the seminar has a fee, you must make a credit card payment in advance as we do not accept credit cards at the door. Please bring a copy of your payment receipt, along with the completed walk-in registration form. No Shows: Due to the costs we incur as a result of people who register for seminars and do not attend or cancel, we will bill unpaid registrants for the full cost of the seminar unless cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the event. For free seminars, no shows who don't cancel will be charged a fee to cover food and materials costs. Already registered for export training, but forgot to pay? Click on button below or the credit card logos to use our secure credit card payment system. Before you make your payment, there will be a multifactor authentication with a security code. The email is from noreply@nelnet.net with a subject of "Requested Security Code". Please add this email address to your approved sender list. The charge on your credit card statement will show as "Mass Export Center". Seminars are offered a at nominal fee; therefore we do not offer any discount pricing. Seminar materials are for attendees only. If you have questions or need help, please email training@massexport.org.
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