FCBF SIGNATURE EVENT
FCBF Annual Gala
An unforgettable night of global elegance, culture, and connection for Florida's international trade community.
JOIN US
Be part of the next FCBF Gala
Become an FCBF member or reach the team for gala updates, sponsorship, and ticket information.
King Ocean Services
Connecting the Americas
FCBF proudly recognizes King Ocean Services, presenting sponsor of the Circle of Countries Gala. From its South Florida home, King Ocean Services carries cargo across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Visit King Ocean ServicesABOUT THE GALA
Celebrating Global Connections
The FCBF Annual Gala is the association's signature evening, bringing Florida's international trade community together for recognition, networking, and celebration. The 2026 edition, the Circle of Countries Gala, brought the international trade community to the beautiful Curtiss Mansion for a night of global elegance, culture, and connection.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The 2026 Circle of Countries Gala
FCBF's signature Circle of Countries Gala brought the international trade community to the beautiful Curtiss Mansion for an unforgettable night of global elegance, culture, and connection.
DATE
Saturday, March 7, 2026
TIME
7:30 PM to 11:30 PM EST
VENUE
Curtiss Mansion, 500 Deer Run, Miami Springs, FL 33166
PRESENTED BY
King Ocean Services
GALLERY
Moments From the Gala
Photos from the Circle of Countries Gala will be published here through the FCBF gallery.
Gala Photo
Gala Photo
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GALA PROGRAM
Circle of Countries Gala 2026
Where global connections inspire shared success.
The complete printed program for FCBF's Circle of Countries Gala, presented by King Ocean Services. Everything from the evening's program book is gathered here.
PRESENTED BY
King Ocean Services
The Circle of Countries Gala is presented by King Ocean Services, connecting the Americas from South Florida across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
WITH GRATITUDE
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; Seaboard Marine; World Trade Center Miami; Miami Dade College; and Global Customs Brokers LLC.
Cafecito Corner
PayCargo
Bar Sponsor
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
TABLE SPONSORS
Our Table Sponsors
Magaya, CFL, Crowley, Diaz Trade Law, Seaboard Marine, PortMiami, Sandler Travis & Rosenberg, A Customs Brokerage, Port Everglades, King Ocean Services, Roanoke, World Trade Center Miami, Cargo International Consolidators, ECU Worldwide, JLL, Global Customs Brokers, Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, Quality Container, Miami International Airport, Prologix
OUR PURPOSE
Shaping Florida's Global Trade Future
Connecting professionals. Championing growth. Advancing trade.
OUR STORY
Representing Florida Trade Since 1960
Founded in 1960 by a small group of brokers and forwarders, FCBF has grown into a powerful voice for logistics, trade compliance, and freight expertise across the state.
Who We Are
The Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) is the leading trade association for professionals in the import and export community and supply chain ecosystem in Florida.
Mission
To educate, advocate, and elevate the industry through timely training, regulatory updates, and strategic collaboration with government agencies and key stakeholders.
MEMBERSHIP
Why Join FCBF
Membership offers a professional community of trusted peers and access to educational resources, advocacy platforms, and networking events. When you join FCBF, you invest in the credibility and growth of our industry.
Key Benefits
Exclusive access to seminars, workshops, and member only content. Representation in front of Customs (CBP), TSA, and regulatory agencies. Continuing education credits and certifications. Invitations to core committee meetings and policy discussions.
Membership Categories
Regular: brokers, forwarders, and licensed agents. Associate: supporting trade service providers. Affiliate: organizations outside Florida with an interest in trade.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Sharon Garcia, FCBF President
As my term as President of the FCBF ends, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of serving alongside such a dedicated and committed group. It has truly been an honor to work together, and I am deeply appreciative of the support and collaboration from each member.
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of my predecessors, Jenette Prince and Gabriel Rodriguez, who guided the association through the pandemic's challenging times. Thanks to their efforts and everyone's resilience, I believe we have emerged stronger than ever before.
During our time together, we successfully revived our annual gala, which received high praise last year and has already sold out for this year. We also reinstated the Customs Brokerage License Exam Class, and our webinars, organized in collaboration with the local U.S. Customs, have gained national recognition.
I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together and feel confident as I pass the baton to Michelle Fajardo. I remain committed to the ongoing success of FCBF.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors 2025 to 2026
Executive Board
Jenette Prince
Chairperson
Sharon Garcia
President
Michelle Fajardo
1st VP, Freight Forwarding
Nicole Wilson
2nd VP, Customs
Nick Roe
Membership Co-Chair
Audrey Nielsen
Treasurer
Gabriel Rodriguez
Former Chair
Deb Stern
Legal Counsel
Adam Srebnik
Legal Counsel
Directors
Robert Barcelo
Membership Co-Chair
Jennifer Diaz
Education Chair
Torrey Chambliss
Board Member
Ralph De la Rosa
Board Member
Al Germi
Board Member
Stanley Ragaud
Board Member
Aldiris Nicasio
Board Member
Peter Quinter
Board Member
Cathy Korb
Board Member
Matthew Fotouhi
Board Member
Bevan Gordon
Board Member
George Nunez
Board Member
Mauricio Larenas
Board Member
Santiago De la Torre
Board Member
A MESSAGE FROM OUR INCOMING PRESIDENT
Michelle Fajardo, Incoming President
Dear FCBF Members, Sponsors, and Friends, as we come together this evening, I am filled with gratitude and pride for an association that means so much to me and to our industry. FCBF is more than a professional organization. It is a strong, united voice and a community built on collaboration, integrity, and service to the logistics community throughout Florida.
As I prepare to step into the role of President this coming May, I do so with humility and deep respect for the presidents who came before me. Their dedication and leadership have shaped FCBF into the respected organization it is today, and I am grateful for the foundation they have built.
Tonight, we celebrate not just another successful year, but the relationships, shared purpose, and sense of community that define FCBF. I am excited for what lies ahead and honored to serve this organization alongside all of you.
SPONSOR FEATURES
From Our Sponsors and Partners
King Ocean Services
Presenting Sponsor
Connecting the Americas from South Florida to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Eastern Caribbean, the ABC Islands, Central America, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, and Peru. Services include bonded warehousing, trucking, and terminal facilities.
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
Legal Counsel to FCBF
FCBF Is Here For You. Tariff swings, trade tensions, and cost whiplash have pushed trade and logistics professionals through a hard year, mapping surprisingly well to the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through every twist and turn, FCBF and Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg are here to help you navigate, advocate, and succeed. We have got this, and we have got you. Find STR at the gala's Greenland table.
www.strtrade.com
FORWARD, Young Professionals in Logistics
FCBF Initiative
FORWARD is the young professionals initiative of FCBF, created to support the next generation of leaders in logistics, trade, and supply chain across South Florida. Three pillars: networking, mentoring, and learning. Next event: March 9, 7 to 9 PM, FIU Ryder 120, a Developing Your Logistics Career panel. Follow FORWARD on LinkedIn.
CFL Global Logistics Solutions
Table Sponsor
The people you know, the people you trust. CFL connects the Caribbean with North America, Europe, Asia, China, South America, Central America, and South Africa through a global network of 60 offices and agents, handling any size dry or refrigerated container load, project, or roll on roll off cargo.
SHIPCFL.com
Palmetto Transport Inc.
Sponsor
Your Florida and Southeast drayage partner: bonded, compliant, dependable. Container drayage at PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT, bonded carrier services, full truckload, import and export freight, dedicated lanes, and emergency drayage support with TWIC certified drivers.
www.PalmettoTransport.com
FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business
Sponsor
Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. 17 percent projected job growth for logisticians by 2034, scholarships available, and a future ready field being reshaped by AI, automation, and sustainability. Ten months, hybrid or online.
MSLSCM.FIU.EDU
European Gift & Houseware
Sponsor
The official United States importer of La Pavoni. Over 25 years of excellence in European coffee equipment, featuring the La Pavoni EPC-8, a masterpiece of Italian espresso craftsmanship made in Italy.
www.EuropeanGift.com
Indigo Events Team
Event Production
From visionary ideas to eventful and educational content to exceptional events. Thank you FCBF for the opportunity to execute our vision, strengthen our impact, and continue celebrating the power of the trade industry around the globe.
GALA RAFFLE
Buy Your Tickets for a Chance to Win
Three prizes: an Italian espresso machine, an Apple iPad, Apple AirPods, and 100 dollar gift cards.
1 ticket for 10 dollars. 3 tickets for 20 dollars. 10 tickets for 50 dollars. Cash, Zelle, and credit cards accepted.
CONTACT US
Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
www.fcbf.com. [email protected]. (305) 499-9490. PO Box 52-2022, Miami, FL 33152.
