Washington Forum

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, globally 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.

In addition, Washington Forum Participants also have the option during the event to meet with their own congressional representatives and staff to educate them about the importance and impact of the surface finishing industry, the challenges facing companies, and specific policy priorities of concern.

Registration & Hotel Arrangements

Registration is now open!

Regular Member-Rate: $750
Regular Non-Member-Rate: $950

Spouse/Guest Rate: $250

We are excited to announce that Washington Forum will take place at The Willard Hotel this year.

Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004 ·

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!

Monday Afternoon, September 16, 2024 | Pierce Room 

12:00 – 5:00         NASF Board of Directors Meeting – Willard

2:00 – 7:00         Registration | Ballroom Lobby

Monday Evening, September 16, 2024 | The Courtyard

5:00 – 7:00         NASF Forum Welcome Reception – Willard

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Tuesday Morning, September 17, 2024 | Pierce Room

7:15 – 8:00         Breakfast | Buchanan Room

8:00 – 8:10         Opening Remarks | Pierce Room         

                                           Waasy Boddison, NASF President

                                           Rick Delawder, SWD Inc., Chairman, NASF Government Advisory Committee

                                           Rosario Palmieri, 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        U.S. Economic Update: The Big Picture for Business

                                           Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

9:30 – 10:15        Looking to 2025 and Beyond: Scenarios for the US Trade and Automotive Agenda 

                                           Ann Wilson, Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (TBC)

10:15 – 10:30       Break

10:30 – 11:00       Nickel Regulatory Outlook: Latest US and Global Developments 

                                           Dr. Mike Taylor, NiPERA

11:00  11:30        Department of Defense and Environment: Chemicals and Metals Regulation

                                          Dr. Patricia Underwood, Director of Risk Management

                                          Office of the Secretary of Defense

11:30 – 12:00        EPA’s PFAS Wastewater Rulemaking for Finishing: What’s Next?    

                                         Deborah Nagle, Director, Office of Science and Technology

     Office of Water, US Environmental Protection Agency

12:00 – 12:15        Break

12:15 – 1:45          Lunch Keynote: U.S. Election Outlook | Pierce Room 

                                           Charlie Cook, Cook Political Report

 

1:45 – 2:00         Break                  

2:00 – 2:40        Chromium, PFAS and Drinking Water: EPA Decision Making and Challenges for the Future

                                           Tracy Mehan, American Water Works Association

2:40 – 3:20        Labor and Workplace Agenda: Review and Outlook

                                          Marc Freedman, US Chamber of Commerce

3:20 – 3:30         Break   

3:30 – 4:15          US Manufacturing and Congress: Policy Outlook

                                            Jennifer Reid, Laurin Baker Group | Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Group

4:15 – 5:00          U.S. Defense Industrial Base: Outlook for the Defense Production Act

                                         Anthony DiStasio, Director, Director, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (invited)

5:00                     Adjourn

5:15 – 5:30          Congressional Meetings:  Preparing for Meetings for Capitol Hill (Optional)

                                      Christian Richter, The Policy Group

                                      Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group

5:30 – 7:30          NASF Forum Reception – Willard | The Nest

                                    U.S. Representative Max Miller (R-OH) (invited)

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Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | Buchanan Room

7:00 – 8:30         NASF Breakfast & Briefing                        

                                           Christian Richter, The Policy Group

                                           Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group

8:30 – 5:00         Congressional Visits (Optional – Restricted Access) Capitol Hill

For Washington Forum Questions, contact Jeff Hannapel at (202) 257-3756 or [email protected]          

Cancellation Policy

 If a cancellation is requested prior to August 15, 2024, a full refund will be issued with a $75 handling fee. Those requesting cancellations between August 16 – 31, 2024, will be issued a 50% refund. No requested refund will be issued on September 1, 2024 or after. 

Any questions regarding this event can be directed to NASF at [email protected]g.