The International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) Canada conference, which took place July 8-9 in Toronto, offered a unique and valuable experience for professionals in the customs and trade compliance field. As an attendee and presenter representing 3rdwave, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the power of this intimate gathering and its impact on the industry. This article shares some key takeaways and reflections from this year's event.

The Power of Intimacy in Professional Conferences

Unlike many larger industry events, the ICPA Canada conference stands out for its smaller scale. This intentional design creates a more intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall experience in several ways:

• Interactive sessions: The smaller group settings encourage more audience participation and meaningful discussions.
• Networking opportunities: Attendees have a better chance to connect on a personal level, fostering stronger professional relationships.
• In-depth learning: With fewer distractions, participants can focus more intently on the content and engage more deeply with the material.

This intimate setting proved to be a significant advantage, allowing for more candid conversations and a greater exchange of ideas among industry professionals.

Hot Topics and Key Discussions

Two of the most pressing issues discussed were the status of CARM and the benefits of automating customs processes.

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) Update

The Canada Border Services Agency was in the spotlight on Day 1, as attendees heard a status report on the CARM, the agency’s major modernization efforts. The general consensus among attendees was that CARM remains a complex and somewhat opaque initiative.

Key takeaways:

• Limited available information, even from industry experts
• Lack of transparency from CBSA regarding project progress
• Uncertainty about the project's current status and future timeline

However, a session led by CBSA representatives Vlad Omazic and Kerri-Anne Whittaker provided some clarity. Though I believe CARM is still a hot mess, there's a growing belief that the program will indeed launch in October, albeit with limited functionality. This launch might not meet all user expectations, but CARM will be a huge step forward in modernizing Canada's customs processes.

Automating Customs Processes

As a presenter at events like this, my hope is to always have a room packed with industry professionals eager to learn more about streamlining and optimizing their customs operations. The folks at ICPA Canada did not let me down. I was pleased to see that my presentation, "How to Automate Your Customs Process," drew high interest.

Key takeaways included:

• The importance of identifying areas for automation within the customs process
• Strategies for implementing automation solutions effectively
• The role of specialized software, such as 3rdwave, in addressing automation challenges

The lively Q&A session that followed demonstrated the audience's engagement and the relevance of automation in today's customs landscape.

Conference Highlights and Atmosphere

The ICPA Canada conference was marked by several standout features:

1. High energy and engagement: Attendees showed genuine enthusiasm for the topics and discussions.
2. Balanced representation: The ratio of practitioners to vendors created an ideal environment for productive conversations and networking.
3. Quality presentations: Sessions were informative and directly relevant to current industry challenges.
4. Strong sense of community: Many attendees have long-standing relationships within the association, contributing to a collegial and supportive atmosphere.

Notable mentions go to George Reid from Bennett Jones, who served as an excellent emcee, bringing both expertise and personality to the role.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Customs and Trade Compliance

As the conference wrapped up, several themes emerged regarding the future of the industry:

• Continued focus on technology: Automation and digital solutions will play an increasingly important role in customs processes.
• Adaptability: Professionals must stay agile as regulations and systems like CARM evolve.
• Networking: The value of forums like ICPA for knowledge sharing and problem-solving cannot be overstated.
• Ongoing education: Given the industry's rapid pace of change, continuous learning is essential for staying competitive.

Saddle Up: The ICPA Fall Conference Headed for Texas

The ICPA Canada 2024 conference proved to be a valuable experience for all involved. Its intimate setting, coupled with high-quality content and engaged participants, created an environment conducive to learning, networking, and professional growth. As the customs and trade compliance landscape continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in keeping professionals informed and connected.

Looking forward, the ICPA Fall Conference (Oct. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas) promises to be another excellent opportunity for compliance professionals to share insights that will help them solve the industry’s challenges of today and in the future.

In the meantime, contact us to learn more about the future of customs automation and the role 3rdwave’s Shipment Execution platform™ plays in helping international shippers and BCOs take control and manage the complexities and constant change of customs and trade compliance.

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