17 Dec 2025

The American Conference Institute (ACI) is proud to announce the 20th Annual Flagship Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement & Compliance, taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

Marking two decades of continuous leadership, this milestone event reflects ACI’s long-standing role as the premier forum for sanctions, export controls, and compliance professionals navigating an increasingly complex global risk environment 

Effective compliance programs

Since its inception, the conference has evolved alongside the sanctions landscape, serving as a trusted convening ground for government officials, in-house compliance pioneers, financial institutions, multinational companies, and legal experts. 

The 20th anniversary program builds on this legacy with a forward-looking agenda focused on enforcement trends, sanctions evasion, geopolitical fragmentation, emerging technologies, crypto and digital assets, export controls, and the practical realities of running effective compliance programs in real time.

Future of sanctions enforcement and compliance

The 2026 conference will be co-chaired by three highly respected sanctions pioneers with deep government and industry experience: Rachel Alpert, Partner at Jenner & Block LLP and former Chief Counsel at OFAC; Claire McCleskey, Co-Founder of Clarity Compliance Consulting and former Head of OFAC Compliance at the Office of Terrorism & Financial Intelligence; and Clay Stevenson, Head of Sanctions at Santander US.

Together, they will guide a program designed to deliver strategic insight, practical guidance, and candid discussion on the future of sanctions enforcement and compliance.

Extensive networking opportunities

In addition to the main conference, the event will feature pre-conference workshops, interactive discussions, and extensive networking opportunities, continuing ACI’s tradition of fostering meaningful dialogue and professional connections across sectors and jurisdictions.

Past attendees consistently point to the conference’s depth, relevance, and community as key drivers of its success: “ACI’s conference delivers top content on today’s trade challenges, featuring government officials shaping policy and enforcement. With expert panels, small-group discussions, and networking, it’s the perfect opportunity to benchmark and connect,” Jen Maki, Senior Director, Global Trade, Xylem.

ACI’s Flagship Sanctions Conference

With global instability, it’s never been more important to connect with industry experts and regulators. ACI’s conference provides invaluable insights, candid discussions, and a strong community of professionals facing the same challenges,” Crystal Noe, Head of Global Sanctions & Onchain Product Compliance, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange.

As it enters its third decade, ACI’s Flagship Sanctions Conference remains the definitive annual gathering for those responsible for understanding, implementing, and shaping sanctions compliance worldwide. The 20th anniversary edition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how far the field has come and to prepare for what lies ahead. Use promo code D10-999-SS26 at registration to save an additional 10%!