Host: Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Elisabeth Sherrell and Lynda Thomas
Published: August 6, 2026
Length: Approximately 26 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary

What does the future of professional development look like for trade compliance professionals?

In this episode, Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano introduce a new monthly Simply Trade check-in with the International Compliance Professionals Association and explore the reimagined ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference.

Victoria, Elisabeth Sherrell, and ICPA co-founder Lynda Thomas explain why the event is no longer simply a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference. Instead, it is being designed as a distinct experience for professionals at every stage of their careers—from students and newcomers to experienced compliance leaders.

The conversation covers the conference’s new professional development track, which complements technical trade education with practical skills such as leadership, communication, networking, organization, presentation development, and self-assessment.

The group also discusses professional certifications, certification preparation through Global Training Center, ICPA’s work with University of North Texas students, the importance of building a stronger talent pipeline, and ICPA’s expanding educational presence in Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.

Above all, this episode highlights the supportive community behind ICPA—a place where trade professionals can find education, career opportunities, meaningful connections, and people who understand the challenges of the profession.

Main Topic / Discussion

The ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference is being redesigned as a standalone educational and professional-development experience rather than a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference.

Its programming brings together technical trade education, career development, certification opportunities, networking, and community building. Attendees can follow pathways suited to their experience level while developing the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to advance their careers.

Professional Development Beyond Technical Knowledge

Technical expertise may help someone become an effective compliance professional, but advancing into leadership often requires additional abilities.

The professional development track will address topics such as:

• Understanding personal communication and working styles
• Developing leadership skills
• Networking as an introvert
• Delivering more impactful presentations
• Staying organized in challenging environments
• Connecting personal strengths with long-term career goals

Certifications and Exam Preparation

ICPA has selected five specialized international trade certifications that address meaningful areas of the profession, including export controls, imports, freight forwarding, logistics, and ITAR.

The conference will provide live proctoring for certification exams, but attendees should prepare before arriving. The conference sessions alone are not intended to serve as complete exam preparation.

Global Training Center has developed study roadmaps and preparation options, including an ITAR cohort led by Lila Landis, to help professionals prepare for these rigorous exams.

Building the Next Generation of Trade Professionals

ICPA is also working with students from the University of North Texas supply chain and logistics program.

Students will have opportunities to attend sessions, meet service providers, explore employment possibilities, and learn how trade compliance can become a visible and rewarding career path.

A Community Built Around Connection

Education remains central to ICPA events, but the organization also emphasizes the personal connections created at its conferences.

Attendees can meet peers facing similar challenges, exchange advice, build professional networks, discover job opportunities, and feel recognized within a profession that is often misunderstood or undervalued.

Key Takeaways

• The Global Trade Pathways Conference is a distinct event—not a smaller version of the ICPA Annual Conference.

• Professional advancement requires communication, leadership, presentation, networking, and organizational skills in addition to technical expertise.

• ICPA’s certification program gives trade professionals additional ways to demonstrate specialized knowledge and commitment to the industry.

• Certification exams are intentionally rigorous and require advance preparation beyond attending conference sessions.

• Partnerships with universities can introduce students to trade compliance and help strengthen the industry’s future talent pipeline.

• The most valuable part of an ICPA conference may be the community of professionals who share experiences, advice, opportunities, and support.

• ICPA plans to continue expanding its international education through conferences in Mexico and a future return to the Asia-Pacific region.

Resources & Mentions

• Global Training Center

• 2026 ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference

• International Compliance Professionals Association

• University of North Texas

• Global Training Center ITAR certification preparation with Lila Landis

• International Trade Certification Program

• ITAR and EAR education

• Import, export, freight-forwarding, and logistics certifications

Credits

Host:
Victoria Schneider

Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Elisabeth Sherrell - LinkedIn

Lynda Thomas - LinkedIn

Producer:
Mara Marquez

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