July 22, 2026
SCAN will participate in Guatemala’s VIII Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Conference on August 18, 2026, at the Hotel Real Intercontinental in Guatemala City.
The event’s theme, “Smart and Interoperable Customs for Secure and Sustainable Trade,” will bring together government officials, customs authorities, AEO-certified companies, and logistics stakeholders. Attendees will discuss supply chain security, trade facilitation, and emerging industry challenges.
Promoting Secure and Sustainable Trade
The congress aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. It also seeks to promote secure supply chains and improve the efficiency of international trade.
Conference topics include:
- Organized crime trends and digital resilience
- Interoperability and coordinated controls
- Voluntary compliance programs
- Supply chain security and trade facilitation
These discussions support the continued development of resilient and competitive global supply chains.
MOU Signing with Guatemala Customs
A key highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SCAN and Guatemala Customs.
The ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on August 18 and will last approximately 15 minutes. The agreement represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two organizations.
Jennifer Kissner (SCAN Board Chair) will sign on behalf of SCAN and deliver brief remarks following the ceremony. Her comments will focus on collaboration, trusted trader programs, and the shared commitment to supply chain security.
SCAN to Present on Cybersecurity
SCAN will also deliver a 30-minute presentation on cybersecurity during the conference.
As supply chains become increasingly interconnected, cyber threats continue to grow. The presentation will highlight current cybersecurity risks and practical strategies for mitigating them. It will also emphasize the importance of digital resilience in protecting critical trade infrastructure.
Cybersecurity has become a key component of modern supply chain security. Organizations must remain vigilant as threat actors continue to target logistics and transportation networks.
Insights from CBP and Industry Leaders
The conference agenda includes presentations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Embassy representatives.
Juan Pimentel of CBP will discuss the interoperability of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs). His presentation will explore how trusted trader programs can work together across borders to facilitate legitimate trade while enhancing security.
Bryan Picado, former CTPAT Manager and current Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, will speak on risk management. He will share insights on emerging threats and strategies for strengthening supply chain resilience.
Building Stronger Regional Partnerships
In preparation for the conference, SCAN representatives met with Victor Perez, Gustavo Jimenez, and Lissette Barcarcel of Guatemala Customs to review the event agenda and discuss logistics.
Although interpretation services will not be available due to resource limitations, the conference will still provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from across the region.
SCAN’s participation in the VIII AEO Congress reflects its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing supply chain security. Through collaboration with customs administrations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, SCAN continues to support secure, resilient, and efficient trade throughout the Americas.

During the conference, SCAN representatives also connected with WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders. This engagement underscored the importance of public–private collaboration in addressing the challenges of modern trade and advancing shared priorities such as security, efficiency, and standardization.
























