2026 Regulatory Workshop
Registration Open

2026 Regulatory Workshop

The Regulatory Workshop features presentations by subject matter experts, topical panels, facilitated group discussions, and unique networking opportunities to connect with colleagues.

Register Now
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Held annually in Washington, D.C., ASTA’s Regulatory Workshop is designed to bring together the spice industry with regulatory experts, U.S. government officials, and policymakers to discuss vital topics related to food safety compliance. This event’s robust programming features presentations by subject matter experts, topical panels, facilitated group discussions, and unique networking opportunities to connect with colleagues.

ASTA’s informative sessions will provide timely updates on emerging issues in food policy and spice regulations, including state and federal legislative developments, ingredient safety, contaminants, allergens, and more.

Discover how to navigate changing regulations as they impact the spice supply chain.

Hear first-hand from government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on policies impacting spices. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of evolving regulatory policies and ensure compliance with changing standards in the spice industry!

Venue

Hogan Lovells
555 13th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

Date

October 6-7, 2026

Registration

Early Bird

Register by

Friday, September 4, 2026

Regular

Register by

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Virtual

Register by

Friday, October 2, 2026

$825 - Member

$925 - Member

$625 - Member

$1,495 - Non-member

$1,495 - Non-member

$995 - Non-member

All credit card payments must be made online through ASTA's website. If you do not have a login or wish to pay via check or wire, please contact [email protected].

Meeting Venue

Hogan Lovells
555 13th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

Proof of identity with a government-issued ID is required to enter the building.

Registration Deadline

Early Bird registration to attend the workshop in-person ends September 4, 2026. Advance registration to attend the workshop in-person ends October 1, 2026. Registration for the virtual workshop ends October 2, 2026. After that date, you must register via phone/email, pending availability. 

Registration must be completed in advance of the meeting. There will be no on-site registration.

Cancellations

All refund/cancellation requests must be received in writing. Cancellations received on or before Friday, September 11, 2026, will receive a full refund minus a $45 processing fee. Cancellations received after September 11 and before September 25 will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for cancellations received after September 25. Refunds for payments made via check or wire will be processed after the event.

Substitutions

Attendee substitutions may be made at any time before the event, provided the substitute is from the same organization.

Suitcasing Policy

ASTA shall have a zero-tolerance policy for suitcasing at the ASTA Regulatory Workshop or any other ASTA event. Suitcasing is the practice in which companies gain access to an ASTA event, typically by either registering no company employee for the event or registering only one or some company employees for the event, and then such company representatives hold competing events or conduct business with legitimately registered event attendees at the event venue, whether in reserved venue space such as a hotel room or in other public spaces at the event venue. Violators may be subject to the potential penalties outlined in the ASTA Suitcasing Policy.

Photo/Film Policy

ASTA may take photographs or film during the event. By participating in the event, you authorize ASTA, without limitation, the right to reproduce, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute any such film or photograph and waive all rights or claims you may have against ASTA and/or any of its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, or Assignees.

Data Collection

By completing this event registration, ASTA is collecting your name, email, address, company affiliation, personal preferences, and payment information so that ASTA can facilitate, process, and confirm your registration for this event. Additionally, unless you opt out, your name, address, and company affiliation will be included in the ASTA event attendee list, provided electronically and in hardcopy to other ASTA event attendees and speakers.

Code of Conduct

By completing this event registration, ASTA members acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Conduct policy, which is available on the ASTA website.

Registration Questions?

Contact ASTA at [email protected] or 202-331-2460.

Hotel & Travel

The penthouse level suites hotel homepage banner

The Dupont Circle Hotel 
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW 
Washington, DC 20036

Ideally located in the heart of historic Dupont Circle, The Dupont Circle Hotel is just a short stroll from many of DC’s key attractions.

The Dupont Circle Hotel is a luxury hotel that weaves contemporary comfort and style with a 1950s aesthetic that pays homage to the building’s mid-century beginnings.

The hotel offers spacious guest rooms, comfortable communal spaces, a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a lounge-like bar with panoramic views of Dupont Circle. 

ASTA has negotiated a group room rate of $299 per night, plus tax, single/double occupancy. The rate is available until September 14, 2026, based on availability. ASTA recommends you make your room reservations as early as possible to ensure rooms are available. 

Transportation

The hotel is 4.6 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by car. The nearest Metro Station (Dupont Circle) is just minutes from the entrance of the hotel. For more information, click here.

Traveling to Hogan Lovells

The hotel is 1.5 miles from Hogan Lovells where the meeting will be held. The Dupont Metro Station is next to the hotel and is on the Red Line, two stops from Metro Center which is the station next to Hogan Lovells. For more details, click here.

DC has a plethora of taxis and ride-share options, the journey is approximately 10 mins. 

Parking for Hogan Lovells

Parking is available at the Columbia Square Parking Garage (accessible via 12th St). Use the garage elevator to reach the lobby level and follow the signs to the security check-in.

Program

Please note: The agenda is still being developed. Session times, topics, and other program details are subject to change. Please check back regularly for agenda updates and speaker announcements!

Monday, October 5

9:00am - 4:00pm

ASTA Board of Directors Meeting with Committee Chairs

Invite Only
5:00 - 6:00pm

Education Leadership Council

Invite Only
7:00 - 9:00pm

Board & Committee Chair Dinner

Invite Only

Tuesday, October 6

8:30 - 9:30am

Analytical Methods Subcommittee

Invite Only
10:00am - 12:00pm

Science & Regulatory Committee

Invite Only
12:00 - 1:00pm

Welcome Lunch

1:00 - 1:30pm

Opening Keynote: FDA Policy Priorities - Don Prater (invited)

1:30 - 2:15pm

Panel Discussion: Federal Preemption vs State Requirements in Food Policy

2:15 - 2:45pm

Coffee Networking Break

2:45 - 3:15pm

Update on New York State Heavy Metal Limits for Spices

3:15 - 4:15pm

Interactive Group Discussion: Navigating Lack of MRLs for Chemical Hazards

4:15 - 5:00pm

What Comes Next for Cesium-137 Import Certification

5:00 - 7:00pm

Rooftop Reception

Wednesday, October 7

8:00 - 9:00am

Microbiology Subcommittee

Invite Only
9:00 - 10:00am

Role of AI in Food Safety and Compliance

10:00 - 10:30am

Coffee Networking Break

10:30 - 11:00am

Low Moisture Foods Guidance Practical Applications

11:00am - 12:00pm

Interactive Group Discussion: Communicating Expectations on Validation Studies Throughout Spice Supply Chains

12:00 - 1:00pm

Lunch

1:00 - 1:30pm

Pesticide Policy: MAHA vs. Agriculture Perspectives

1:30 - 2:15pm

ASTA Advocacy Update

2:15 - 2:45pm

Coffee Networking Break

2:45 - 3:30pm

Group Discussion: Pitfalls and Potential of Genetic Testing for Spice Purity

3:30 - 4:30pm

Panel on Trade, Tariffs, and Forced Labor Compliance

4:30 - 5:00pm

Import Enforcement, Inspections, and Other Hot Topics

6:00 - 9:00pm

Embassy Evening: Closing Reception

Off-Site

Sponsorship Opportunities

Promote your company's services and enhance your brand’s visibility among companies and professionals in the spice trade. Sponsorships for the 2026 Regulatory Workshop are available exclusively to ASTA members and are first-come, first-served.

Signature Sponsorships

Diplomat Sponsor

Your company will receive recognition with your company logo on the event banner, website pages for the event, intermission slides during the event, marketing, and communications. Additionally, you will receive advertising space in the FYI ASTA newsletter for a three-month period.

$1,500

Ambassador Sponsor

Your company will receive all Diplomat Sponsor benefits. Additionally, you receive the opportunity to provide a 2-minute video or presentation to highlight your company’s products and services or the opportunity to introduce a session. The opportunity is limited to one sponsor per session, first-come, first-served.

$3,000

Additional Sponsorships

Embassy Reception Sponsor

Support this exciting networking event and closing reception held at the embassy. As an exclusive sponsor, sponsorship includes recognition with your company logo on the event banner, signage at the reception and website pages for the event, intermission slides during the workshop, marketing, and communications, branded cocktail napkins at the reception, and the opportunity for a representative from your company to provide remarks at the reception.

$5,000

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Support the reception as an exclusive sponsor. Your sponsorship includes recognition with your company logo on the event banner, signage at the reception, website pages for the event, intermission slides during the event, marketing, and communications, branded cocktail napkins at the reception, and the opportunity for a representative from your company to provide opening remarks at the reception.

$4,000

Lanyard Sponsor

Support the overall program as an exclusive sponsor of the lanyards. Recognition includes your company logo featured on the lanyards.

$3,500

Lunch Sponsor

ASTA will provide lunch for all registered attendees on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lend your support to help us refuel attendees with a lunch buffet. As a sponsor, recognition includes your company logo featured in all event promotions (website page, signage on-site, and intermission slides during the meeting). Sponsors also get the unique opportunity to showcase their brand with a two-minute video or live presentation featuring their products and services before the break.

$3,500

Please get in touch with ASTA at [email protected] or 202-331-2460 if you have any questions.