August 14, 2026
MONTERREY, MEXICO – Supply Chain Security Day 2026 brought together government officials, industry leaders, security professionals, academics, and students to advance one shared goal: strengthening secure, resilient, and trusted supply chains across North America and beyond.
Hosted by Cluster de Seguridad, the annual event has become a leading forum for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation in supply chain security. This year’s gathering was especially significant as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), a program that has fundamentally transformed the relationship between trade facilitation and supply chain security.
Representing SCAN, Executive Director Carlos E. Ochoa participated in discussions focused on trusted trade programs, public-private partnerships, and the evolving security challenges facing global supply chains.
Strong CBP Participation Reinforces Commitment to Trusted Trade
A major highlight of the event was the strong presence of representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demonstrating the agency’s ongoing commitment to working closely with industry partners to enhance supply chain security.
CBP participants included:
- Dina Amato, Director of CTPAT
- Michael Garza, Director of the CTPAT Laredo Field Office
- Supply Chain Security Specialists from the Laredo Field Office, including Jose Garza
- Jorge A. Noya, CBP Trade Representative in Mexico at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
Their participation underscored the critical role trusted trade programs continue to play in facilitating legitimate commerce while safeguarding international supply chains.
During the event, Carlos Ochoa joined Michael Garza and Jose Garza for a discussion on CTPAT, trusted trade, and supply chain security. The conversation explored how organizations can build a culture of security throughout their operations and strengthen partnerships between government agencies and the private sector.
This year’s event also celebrated an important milestone: 25 years of CTPAT.
Since its creation, CTPAT has become one of the world’s most influential supply chain security programs, establishing a model for trusted trade partnerships and helping organizations integrate security into every stage of their operations.
Cluster de Seguridad recognized the longstanding support and engagement of CBP, particularly the leadership of Dina Amato and Michael Garza, whose contributions continue to strengthen cooperation across borders and industries.
Security Begins with Trust and Collaboration
A recurring theme throughout Supply Chain Security Day 2026 was that effective supply chain security extends beyond technology, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Speakers emphasized that truly secure supply chains are built on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Programs such as CTPAT and organizations like SCAN help create frameworks where businesses and government agencies can work together to identify risks, share best practices, and strengthen resilience.
As global trade continues to evolve, these partnerships remain essential to protecting legitimate commerce while enabling efficiency and growth throughout the supply chain ecosystem.
Honoring Industry Leaders and Building for the Future
The event also recognized several individuals who have made lasting contributions to supply chain security, including Cluster de Seguridad Honorary Advisors Victor Hugo Vazquez Pola, Leonel Navarro, and Jorge Medina.
A special acknowledgment was given to Carlos Ochoa, who recently began a new chapter leading the SCAN Association after an accomplished career with CBP. For many years, Ochoa has been a valued supporter of both Cluster de Seguridad and Supply Chain Security Day, helping advance industry collaboration and trusted trade initiatives.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of Supply Chain Security Day 2026 was the participation of students from the University of Monterrey (UDEM).
Their involvement reflected a central message of the event: the future of supply chain security depends on developing the next generation of leaders and professionals.
As organizers noted, the industry is not only celebrating 25 years of CTPAT but also ensuring that decades of knowledge, experience, and best practices are passed to future generations. The emergence of what participants called the “CTPAT Generation” symbolizes a renewed commitment to education, innovation, and continuous improvement within the supply chain security profession.
Supply Chain Security Day 2026 demonstrated the enduring value of collaboration among government, business, and academia. By bringing together experienced professionals and emerging leaders, the event reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing today’s complex security challenges.
SCAN Association extends its sincere appreciation to Cluster de Seguridad for organizing another successful event and for creating an environment where meaningful conversations, partnerships, and solutions can continue to grow.
As supply chains become increasingly interconnected, initiatives that promote trusted trade, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder collaboration will remain essential to building a more secure and resilient future.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Board members to reflect on SCAN’s accomplishments while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that will define the years to come. As global supply chains face increasing complexity driven by security risks, technological advancements, geopolitical developments, and resilience concerns, the Board engaged in important discussions about SCAN’s strategic direction for 2027 and beyond.
As SCAN looks toward the future, the organization remains committed to advancing secure and resilient supply chains through partnership, information sharing, and continuous improvement. The strategic conversations held in Estes Park are helping lay the foundation for the next chapter of SCAN’s growth and impact.
This recognition highlights SCAN’s commitment to strengthening supply chain security and improving risk management. It also reflects our ongoing efforts to increase audit efficiency through collaboration and shared solutions.
An important outcome of the partnership is the opportunity it creates for Guatemala’s trade community. AEO-certified manufacturers and AEO-certified importers in Guatemala are now eligible to become SCAN members and join SCAN’s global network of trusted trading partners.
