Annual Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Every successful mission begins at headquarters. Stop by Registration — your conference Q Branch — to pick up your name badge, conference materials, and essential event information.
The TLA team will be on hand throughout the conference to assist with questions, updates, and any logistical needs that arise. Whether you need directions, schedule guidance, or mission support, Registration is your go-to resource for a seamless conference experience.
Location
Magnolia Foyer
Join us for our annual Tennis Tournament on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 12:30–2:30 PM on the Omni Amelia Island Resort’s Har-Tru® tennis courts.
The registration fee is $30 per person. To secure your spot, please add this event to your conference registration under Functions.
Location
Tennis Courts
Join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 12:30 PM for our annual Golf Tournament at the Omni Amelia Island Resort’s Oak Marsh Course. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.”, Oak Marsh has also been named one of “Florida’s 50 Finest Courses” by Travel + Leisure Golf.
Registration Fee: $250 per person. To participate, please add this event to your conference registration under Functions.
Golf clubs will be available for rental through the course and may be paid for onsite.
Location
Oak Marsh Golf Course
New to TLA? Join us for the New Member Orientation to learn more about the association, meet fellow members, and discover ways to get involved. This informal session is a great opportunity to connect with leadership, ask questions, and start building relationships before the conference officially begins.
Location
TBD
Your mission begins here. Join us for the New Member & Corporate Counsel Reception, where new members, first-time attendees, and corporate counsel can connect in a relaxed and welcoming setting before the conference officially gets underway.
This reception offers the perfect opportunity to make introductions, build alliances, and expand your professional network alongside fellow TLA members and industry leaders. Whether you’re a first-time operative or a seasoned agent, this gathering will help set the stage for a successful and engaging conference experience.
Location
Oceanview Room & Terrace
Your mission officially begins at the Welcome Reception, proudly sponsored by S-E-A. Join fellow attendees for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and connection as we kick off the 2026 TLA Annual Conference & CTLA Midyear Meeting.
Reconnect with colleagues, meet new operatives, and begin building alliances in a relaxed coastal setting. Whether you’re arriving fresh from travel or preparing for the days ahead, this reception offers the perfect opportunity to settle in, network, and ease into the conference experience — martinis optional, but encouraged (shaken, not stirred).
Location
Magnolia Garden (weather backup: Magnolia Foyer)
More information to come on our Dine Arounds at some of Amelia Island’s best restaurants!
The mission doesn’t end when the day’s sessions conclude. Join fellow attendees in the Hospitality Suite for after-hours networking in a relaxed and informal setting.
Reconnect with colleagues, continue conversations from the day’s briefings, and build new alliances while enjoying refreshments and camaraderie. Whether you’re strategizing your next move or simply unwinding after a full day of programming, the Hospitality Suite serves as the perfect late-night headquarters for connection and conversation.
Location
TBD
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Every successful mission begins at headquarters. Stop by Registration — your conference Q Branch — to pick up your name badge, conference materials, and essential event information.
The TLA team will be on hand throughout the conference to assist with questions, updates, and any logistical needs that arise. Whether you need directions, schedule guidance, or mission support, Registration is your go-to resource for a seamless conference experience.
Location
Magnolia Foyer
Start your day like a true operative—focused, balanced, and ready for whatever lies ahead. Join TLA’s resident yogi, Joelle G. Nelson, for a morning yoga session designed to help you reset, recharge, and prepare for a full day of high-level strategy and connection. All experience levels are welcome.
Location
Magnolia Garden
Start your day with breakfast alongside fellow attendees before heading into the day’s sessions. A great opportunity to connect, recharge, and prepare for the mission ahead.
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Garden
The mission officially begins with opening remarks from TLA and CTLA leadership. Join Louis Amato-Gauci, President of the Transportation Lawyers Association; Pui Hong, President of the Canadian Transportation Lawyers Association; and Education Program Committee Co-Chairs Alex Karcher and Emileigh Hubbard as they welcome attendees to the 2026 Annual Conference & CTLA Midyear Meeting.
Conference leadership will outline the objectives for the days ahead, highlight key programming, and set the stage for an engaging week of education, collaboration, and connection with colleagues from across the transportation law community.
Location
Magnolia A, B and C
A simple search of the Global Brands Database demonstrates that the trademarks and branding used by transportation and logistics companies are critical to obtaining and maintaining competitive advantages around the world. Misusing a logistics company’s or other market participant’s trademark—whether through direct infringement or the use of a confusingly similar mark—may violate not only trademark laws but also federal and state competition laws.
Using transportation and logistics industry examples, this program will cover the fundamentals of trademark law; how trademark rights are obtained and lost; what constitutes infringement and the related risks and liabilities; and strategies to protect brands through registration and contractual licensing provisions with service providers, employees, agents, subcontractors, and even the occasional competitor.
In a marketplace where perception is power, safeguarding your brand is not just smart—it’s strategic. As Le Chiffre reminds us, “You must admit, I provide a certain… return on investment.”
Speakers
Andrew M. Danas, Partner, Grove, Jaskiewicz and Cobert LLP, Washington, DC, USA
Victoria Harmeyer, Associate, Baker Hostetler, Houston, TX, USA
Jol A. Silversmith, Partner, KMA Zuckert LLP, Washington, DC, USA
Location
Magnolia A, B and C
This panel will explore driver vetting and hiring practices from an employment and regulatory perspective across Canada and the United States, with a focus on evolving compliance standards and cross-border considerations, including which questions are acceptable to ask candidates in today’s landscape.
Panelists will examine recent changes to United States language proficiency requirements and their implications for carrier obligations, employment practices, and human rights compliance within the trucking industry.
As James Bond once said, “You can never know too much about your enemies.” In today’s regulatory environment, the same could be said for hiring practices—know the rules, know the risks, and know your responsibilities.
Moderator
Carole McAfee Wallace, Partner, Gardiner Roberts, Toronto, ON, Canada
Speakers
Tim Lawson, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault, Toronto, ON, Canada
Sue Lawless, Partner, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, USA
William Pentecost, Partner, Cipriani & Werner, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Steven Stanaszak, Partner, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, USA
Location
Magnolia A, B and C
Thank you to our sponsor, CSI Corporate Security and Investigations, LLC, for sponsoring our Thursday morning break.
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Foyer
Join us for a fireside chat with Anne Reinke, President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America. Anne’s decades-long experience across multiple sectors of the transportation industry—including her prior tenure as President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association—provides a unique intermodal (pun intended) perspective on the real-world legal and business challenges facing our clients each day.
As James Bond reminds us, “The world is not enough,” and in today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape, that sentiment feels especially relevant. We look forward to welcoming Anne to the Transportation Lawyers Association for an engaging and insightful discussion on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities ahead.
Moderator
Marc Blubaugh, Partner, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Columbus, OH, USA
Speaker
Anne Reinke, President and CEO, Intermodal Association of North America
Location
Magnolia A, B and C
When cargo goes missing or damage strikes, the legal battlefield becomes a high-stakes mission. This panel will explore the complex world of liability and cargo claims—where the governing rules are often hidden in the fine print and the consequences can be significant.
As Goldfinger once warned, “They say once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, the third time it’s enemy action.” Our panelists will decode the complexities of freight claims and the critical legal doctrines shaping cargo disputes today, offering insights valuable to both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. From catastrophic losses to multimodal disputes, the discussion will examine real-world scenarios and practical strategies for handling claims with precision.
Moderator
Beata Shapiro, Partner, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP, Boston, MA, USA
Speakers
Jacob Fisher, VP and General Counsel, Rockit Cargo
Justin Olsen, VP Legal, Risk & Stakeholder Relations, Logistiq Corporation
Lory Poslums, Lawyer, A2Z Lawgistics, Inc.
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
In the high-stakes world of global trade, policy shifts can feel like covert operations—swift, strategic, and often destabilizing. This session examines how evolving U.S. trade policy has reshaped contractual performance, compliance exposure, and cargo movement across borders. Panelists will explore the impact of sanctions enforcement, retaliatory tariffs, and broader trade disruptions affecting maritime and multimodal freight.
Like any good spy, lawyers must anticipate threats before they strike. Through real-world case studies, this session will highlight how legal professionals help clients renegotiate commercial terms, navigate customs investigations, and stay one step ahead of compliance risks in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
Speakers
Heather Devine, Chief Legal Officer, Traffix
Dr. Marco Remiorz, Partner, DWF
Peter A. Quinter, Shareholder, U.S. Customs and International Trade
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
In the shadowy world of freight intermediaries—brokers, forwarders, and operatives in between—the stakes are high and the risks are real. This panel explores seven of the most significant legal threats facing the industry today, including broker transparency, fraud, double brokering schemes, freight loss and damage, preemption challenges, and catastrophic liability exposures. Each issue presents complex risks requiring careful navigation and strategic response.
Armed with up-to-the-minute case law and practical insights, this panel will examine the evolving operational and regulatory landscape and provide actionable strategies to help practitioners stay ahead of emerging challenges. As Bond might say, “You know the rules. You just have to learn how to play by them.” In this session, attendees will learn how to play smart, stay sharp, and navigate the legal labyrinth of modern freight operations.
Moderator
Ashley Winsky, Partner, Moran Reeves Conn
Speakers
Ryan Eckert, Corporate Litigation Attorney, Arrive Logistics
Gordon Hearn, Partner & Transportation and Logistics Group Co-Chair, Gardiner Roberts LLP
Joelle Nelson, Partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
Eric Zalud, Lawyer, Benesh, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Foyer
As autonomous vehicles move from fiction to public roads, the legal framework may struggle to keep pace. This panel will survey the current federal and state regulatory landscape and examine how existing tort and product liability doctrines apply in various states when an autonomous vehicle is involved in a casualty event. Attendees will gain practical insight into the unique litigation challenges these emerging technologies present.
Moderator
Top Secret: Classified
Speakers
Edwin Anglin, Deputy General Counsel, Kodiak AI, Inc.
Megan Baker, Of Counsel, Hackett Feinberg
Brian Lipson, Partner, McCarthy Tetrault
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Step away from headquarters and join fellow attendees for an evening at Walker’s Landing, a hidden waterfront retreat overlooking the salt marsh, Amelia River, and Intracoastal Waterway. Surrounded by ancient oaks and Spanish moss, this unique venue provides a relaxed coastal setting perfect for unwinding after a full day of sessions and continuing conversations with colleagues and new allies.
Dinner at Walker’s Landing is included with conference registration, and transportation will be provided between the Omni Amelia Island Resort and the venue for your convenience.
Guests are welcome to attend, and guest tickets may be added during the registration process.
Menu
TBA
Location
Walker’s Landing – 11 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (off-site)
The mission doesn’t end when the day’s sessions conclude. Join fellow attendees in the Hospitality Suite for after-hours networking in a relaxed and informal setting.
Reconnect with colleagues, continue conversations from the day’s briefings, and build new alliances while enjoying refreshments and camaraderie. Whether you’re strategizing your next move or simply unwinding after a full day of programming, the Hospitality Suite serves as the perfect late-night headquarters for connection and conversation.
Location
TBD
Friday, May 1, 2026
Start your day like a true agent in motion. Join fellow attendees for a casual Fun Run around the beautiful grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Open to runners and walkers of all levels, this energizing morning activity offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the coastal scenery, clear your head before the day’s briefings, and connect with fellow operatives along the way.
Location
TBA
Start your day like a true operative—focused, balanced, and ready for whatever lies ahead. Join TLA’s resident yogi, Joelle G. Nelson, for a morning yoga session designed to help you reset, recharge, and prepare for a full day of high-level strategy and connection. All experience levels are welcome.
Location
Magnolia Garden
Every successful mission begins at headquarters. Stop by Registration — your conference Q Branch — to pick up your name badge, conference materials, and essential event information.
The TLA team will be on hand throughout the conference to assist with questions, updates, and any logistical needs that arise. Whether you need directions, schedule guidance, or mission support, Registration is your go-to resource for a seamless conference experience.
Location
Magnolia Foyer
Start your day with breakfast alongside fellow attendees before heading into the day’s sessions. A great opportunity to connect, recharge, and prepare for the mission ahead.
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Garden
As AI and automation transform logistics and supply chains, transportation lawyers face new questions surrounding liability for predictive decision-making, data protection, and technology contracting. This panel explores the evolving landscape of AI-powered maritime and intermodal operations, where algorithms influence operational decisions and compliance remains critical to continued operations.
Panelists will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping contracting, liability exposure, and regulatory obligations across global supply chains. The discussion will address legal risks associated with AI-driven scheduling, routing, and freight allocation systems used in maritime, aviation, and trucking sectors.
Like any Bond mission, success depends on precision, foresight, and knowing when to act. Join this session for a focused briefing that blends emerging technology with practical legal insight—because in today’s environment, data is a powerful asset.
Moderator
AI-Generated Moderator
Speakers
Raymond Ashurov, Counsel, Dentons Canada LLP, Toronto, ON, Canada
Nigah Awj, Founder & Partner, Asha Legal Solutions, Montreal, QC, Canada
Kristopher Chandler, Senior Managing Associate, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Columbus, OH, USA
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Every generation brings its own playbook, but in the high-stakes arena of law firm leadership, missteps can carry significant consequences. This panel explores the balance of authority, ethics, and expectations across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—because when workplace cultures collide, the challenges can be complex and far-reaching.
Panelists will examine ethical dilemmas that arise when managing multigenerational teams, including issues related to technology adoption, client confidentiality, communication styles, and leadership strategies. Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, attendees will gain tools to lead effectively while maintaining professional responsibility and organizational cohesion.
As Ernst Stavro Blofeld warned, “The successful criminal brain is always superior.” In law firm management, success requires thoughtful leadership, ethical judgment, and a strategy worthy of MI6.
Moderators
Emileigh Hubbard, Shareholder, Henry Hill Attorneys & Counselors, Dallas, TX, and Denver, CO, USA; Co-Chair, TLA Education Program Committee; Co-Chair, Freight Claims Committee
Alex Karcher, Partner, Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Columbus, OH, USA; Co-Chair, TLA Education Program Committee; Chair, New and Young Lawyers Committee
Speakers
Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker, Managing Partner and Speaker of Better Together Group
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Thank you to our sponsor, Gallivan, White & Boyd P.A., for sponsoring our Thursday morning break.
Location
Magnolia Foyer
As the lines blur between transportation modes and service providers, so do the legal and operational responsibilities that govern them. This cross-disciplinary panel examines how counsel and logistics professionals can work together to manage risk, address regulatory overlap, and prepare effectively for disputes.
Panelists will share insights on operational challenges, risk allocation strategies, multimodal contracting, and the growing influence of digital logistics platforms. The discussion will also explore practical approaches to future-proofing operations in an evolving transportation landscape.
Moderator
Eric Palombo, Partner, Flaster Greenberg, PC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Speakers
Jeffrey R. Brashares, Director, Domestic Intermodal Sales, CMA-CGM
Allen Jones, Deputy General Counsel, STG Logistics
Caroline Synakowski, Assistant Corporate Counsel, Senior Operations, Flexport
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
In the world of technology, every innovation can be a double-edged weapon—and deploying it without a plan can carry significant legal risk. Join Agent Billy Davis (00Legal) for a high-stakes TED Talk–style session exploring the legal challenges involved in developing, deploying, and using advanced technology tools.
This briefing will examine the rules of engagement for tech-driven operations, highlighting key considerations for managing risk while leveraging innovation in an evolving legal and technological landscape.
Speaker
Billy Davis, Partner, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard, Atlanta, GA, USA
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
Step into the world of classified intelligence for this exclusive briefing featuring a mystery operative who will provide updates from within federal government leadership. This session offers a rare glimpse into decision-making, rulemaking priorities, and the day-to-day considerations from the perspective of Chief Counsel to a federal agency.
Your mission: attend and gain insight into developments shaping the regulatory landscape—information others can only speculate about.
Due to changes in resource allocation and approval requirements within federal agencies, the speaker will be announced once confirmation is permitted.
Speaker
Jesse Elison, Deputy Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Washington, D.C.
Location
Magnolia A, B & C
The Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa offers a variety of restaurants and cafés ranging from casual fare to full-service dining, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal or a relaxed lunch with colleagues.
Committee meetings will be held during the conference. A complete schedule will be published closer to the event.
Prepare for an evening worthy of MI6. Join fellow attendees for the Annual Banquet & Awards Celebration, an elegant night of recognition, connection, and celebration honoring the outstanding achievements and contributions of members within the Transportation Lawyers Association.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception, offering an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and raise a glass before dinner and the presentation of TLA’s annual awards. Together, we will recognize excellence, celebrate leadership, and reflect on the accomplishments that continue to advance the transportation law community.
Black tie optional. Formal attire is encouraged as we gather for one of the conference’s signature events—an evening of sophistication, camaraderie, and celebration.
Guests are welcome to attend, and guest tickets may be added during the registration process.
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Terrace & Magnolia A, B and C
The mission doesn’t end when the day’s sessions conclude. Join fellow attendees in the Hospitality Suite for after-hours networking in a relaxed and informal setting.
Reconnect with colleagues, continue conversations from the day’s briefings, and build new alliances while enjoying refreshments and camaraderie. Whether you’re strategizing your next move or simply unwinding after a full day of programming, the Hospitality Suite serves as the perfect late-night headquarters for connection and conversation.
Location
TBD
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Start your day with breakfast alongside fellow attendees before heading into the day’s sessions. A great opportunity to connect, recharge, and prepare for the mission ahead.
Menu
TBA
Location
Magnolia Garden
Step away from the mission and experience one of Amelia Island’s most celebrated traditions—the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
This complimentary, open-air festival offers an immersive coastal experience, featuring an impressive selection of fresh seafood and signature shrimp dishes prepared by local nonprofit and civic organizations. Stroll through a curated Fine Arts and Crafts market showcasing more than 300 award-winning artists and makers, alongside a collection of antique and specialty vendors.
Throughout the day, enjoy live music across multiple stages, waterfront views of decorated shrimp boats along the Amelia River, and a lively atmosphere filled with local charm. Guests may also explore the island’s distinctive shops, restaurants, and pubs, or simply take in the vibrant energy of this longstanding community celebration.
Whether you choose to explore for an hour or spend the afternoon, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and experience Amelia Island beyond the conference.
To view more about the Shrimp Festival, please visit their website.
After the mission concludes, join your fellow TLA members and guests for a well-earned day of relaxation at the TLA Pool Party. Enjoy reserved seating by the hotel pool from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., complete with complimentary water, sports drinks, and Coca-Cola products.
As the pool area can fill up throughout the day, this reserved section ensures you’ll have a dedicated spot to relax and recharge. Attendees and their guests will receive a wristband and are welcome to come and go throughout the day—whether you’re stopping by for a quick break or settling in for a full day of sunshine and connection. Food and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and are the responsibility of each individual.
Registration Fee: $40 per person. To participate, please add this event to your conference registration under Functions.
Take a break from the mission and step into Amelia Island’s past on this guided historical trolley tour. Led by a local historian, you’ll travel through downtown Fernandina Beach’s Historic District, Old Town, the silk-stocking district, and the island’s scenic north end.
Your excursion includes time in the downtown marina and historic district to experience the famed Shrimp Festival. As the mission comes to a close, you may return to the hotel via trolley—or remain downtown to continue the adventure at your own pace. Drinks and light snacks will be provided during the trolley ride.
Registration Fee: $65 per person. To participate, please add this event to your conference registration under Functions.
More details to be shared soon!
The mission doesn’t end when the day’s sessions conclude. Join fellow attendees in the Hospitality Suite for after-hours networking in a relaxed and informal setting.
Reconnect with colleagues, continue conversations from the day’s briefings, and build new alliances while enjoying refreshments and camaraderie. Whether you’re strategizing your next move or simply unwinding after a full day of programming, the Hospitality Suite serves as the perfect late-night headquarters for connection and conversation.
Location
TBD