Washington Forum 2026
September 21-23 at the Willard Intercontinental
The Forum includes presentations and briefings from national and global experts on pertinent policy, technical, regulatory, and management issues impacting the surface finishing industry, including environmental regulatory issues, labor and workplace trends, tax policy, economic outlooks, supply chain challenges, global regulatory developments, and political and election outlooks.
Recent speakers at the Forum have included Jake Sherman- Founder, Punchbowl News, Jeff Weiss- Partner, Steptoe & Johnson, LLP, Marc Freedman- Vice President of Employment Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Michael Chipley- Cyber Security & Information Systems Information Analysis Center.
Registration & Hotel Arrangements
Registration is now open for our 2026 Washington Forum Meeting!
And remember, if your company is a parter of NASF, you receive at least one free registration.
To make your hotel arrangements, please use this link. Please note that you must enter the dates you plan on staying at the hotel, as the website does not default to the event dates.
If you have any issues booking your room, please reach out to our Event Manager, Amber Crutchfield.
Announcing Our 2026 Washington Forum Keynote Speaker: David Wasserman
NASF is pleased to announce that David Wasserman, one of the nation’s most respected political analysts and election experts, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Washington Forum.
As the U.S. political and policy landscape continues to evolve, David will provide an engaging, nonpartisan analysis of the current political environment, the forces shaping Washington, and what they mean for business, manufacturing, and the surface finishing industry. Known for his sharp insights, data-driven approach, and frequent appearances on national news programs, David offers audiences a unique perspective on the trends influencing Congress, federal policy, and the road ahead.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the country’s leading political forecasters as NASF brings together industry leaders to discuss the issues impacting our businesses and our industry’s future.
Join us at the 2026 Washington Forum for an insightful keynote that will help you better understand today’s political landscape—and prepare for what’s next.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Put your company’s name at the forefront of attendees’ minds and build name recognition. Sponsor the Washington Forum receptions, speakers, and more! Reach out to [email protected] to inquire!
Schedule of Events
Monday September 21, 2026 | Pierce Room
10:00 – 4:00 NASF Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 – 5:00 GAC Meeting
2:00 – 7:00 Registration
Monday Evening, September 21, 2026 | The Nest**
5:00 – 7:00 NASF Forum Welcome Reception – Willard, The Nest
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Tuesday Morning, September 22, 2026 | Pierce Room
7:15 – 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 – 8:10 Opening Remarks
Steffen Wolkerstorfer, NASF President
Mitch Marsh, Chairman, NASF Government Advisory Committee
Craig Addington, NASF Executive Director
8:10 – 8:30 NASF Update: The Industry Agenda
Christian Richter, NASF Government & Industry Affairs | The Policy Group
8:30 – 9:30 Economic Update: U.S. Trends and Outlook for Business in 2026
Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
9:30 – 10:15 U.S. Manufacturing and Competitiveness
Speaker Pending
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:00 Nickel Regulatory Developments: US and Global Update
Dr. Chris Schlekat, Executive Director, NiPERA, Nickel Institute
11:00 – 11:30 Environmental Policy: EPA & Local POTW Water Regulatory Priorities
Dr. Andrew Sawyers, Director, Office of Wastewater Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (invited)
Dr. Cynthia Finley, Director of Regulatory Priorities
National Association for Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)
11:30 – 12:00 Morning Keynote: The Federal Workplace Safety Agenda
David Keeling, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA (invited)
12:00 – 12:15 Break
12:15 – 1:45 LUNCH KEYNOTE Pierce Room
David Wasserman, Cook Political Report
1:45 – 2:00 Break
2:00 – 2:30 Litigation and the Metal Finishing Industry: PFAS Trends & Outlook
David Fischer, Partner, Keller & Heckman
Eric Gotting, Partner, Keller & Heckman
2:30 – 3:15 US-European Regulation and Collaboration: A German Finishing Perspective
Lukas Hanstein, Head of Policy, German Surface Finishing Association
3:15 – 3:30 Break
3:30 – 4:15 Defense and National Security: Metals, Chemicals and the Defense Industrial Base
Kelsey Hendrixson, Department of War
4:15 – 5:00 Trade Policy: Industry Priorities at International Trade Administration
Kurt Bersani, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials,
Critical Minerals and Metals within the International Trade Administration’s Industry &
Analysis (invited)
5:00 Adjourn
5:15 – 5:30 Congressional Meetings: Preparing for Meetings for Capitol Hill (Optional)
5:30 – 7:30 NASF Forum Reception – Willard | Crystal Room
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Wednesday, September 23, 2022| Willard Room
7:00 – 8:30 NASF Breakfast & Briefing
8:30 – 5:00 Congressional Visits (Optional – Restricted Access) Capitol Hill
Cancellation Policy
If a cancellation is requested prior to August 25, 2026, a full refund will be issued with a $75 handling fee. Those requesting cancellations between August 26 – 31, 2026, will be issued a 50% refund. No requested refund will be issued on September 1, 2026 or after.
Please note that partner promo codes are only valid for General (Full) Conference registrations. Spouse and guest registrations must be paid for separately.
Any questions regarding this event can be directed to NASF at [email protected]g.