AHFA 2025 Regulatory Summit to Address Emerging Industry Challenges
Furniture World News Desk on
5/21/2025
The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) will host its annual Regulatory Summit, titled “Eyes on the Horizon”, on August 20–21, 2025, at the Conference Center at Guilford Technical Community College in Colfax, North Carolina. The two-day event will bring together legal, regulatory, and environmental experts to discuss current and forthcoming compliance issues affecting the residential furniture industry.
Intended for executives at companies involved in manufacturing, importing, or retailing home furnishings for the U.S. market, the summit will explore a wide range of regulatory developments, from chemical safety assessments to global sourcing requirements.
“Home furnishings are among the most regulated consumer products in the home,” said Bill Perdue, AHFA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. “This year’s Summit not only covers compliance strategies for requirements in place today but what companies can anticipate in the not-so-distant future.”
Keynote Speaker and Formaldehyde Risk Assessment Session
The Summit will feature Nancy Beck, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, as the keynote speaker. Beck oversees EPA’s final risk assessment for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The December 2024 report identified foam seating and bedding as significant contributors to consumer and worker health risks. A second edition of the assessment is anticipated in June.
“Beck’s presence at the Summit provides our industry with a unique opportunity to hear her perspective on the ‘new EPA’ and its regulatory plan for the coming years,” Perdue added. “This is the time to come armed with questions and comments to ensure this top EPA official leaves our Summit with a greater understanding of the home furnishings industry.”
A dedicated 90-minute session will examine the EPA’s risk assessment and discuss potential legal responses from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) if concerns about the methodology are not addressed.
Additional Speakers and Topics
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Chris Andresen, Senior Vice President, Dutko Government Relations, with insights into current policy initiatives of the second Trump Administration
- Ashley Amidon, Executive Director, International Wood Products Association, on the complexities of global wood sourcing regulations
- Martha Marrapese, Partner, Wiley Rein LLP, on EPA’s PFAS reporting requirements
- Alex Williams, AHFA Manager of Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance, on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations developing at the state level
The agenda also includes updates on:
- ASTM voluntary safety standards, including a proposed recliner safety standard
- Country of origin labeling requirements
- CPSC’s E-filing requirement for importers
- Export regulations, including implications of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
“The most relevant regulatory developments are on this agenda, along with unmatched insights into organizing and prioritizing the compliance function at your company,” Perdue said. “The regulatory environment that is on our horizon demands a higher level of understanding, expertise and dedication from our industry. The Summit is where that learning begins.”
Registration and Sponsorship
Registration is $225 for AHFA member companies and $1,225 for non-members. The fee includes breakfast and lunch on both days, as well as a networking reception on Wednesday evening. Information on sponsorship opportunities and exhibiting in the Summit Expo Hall is available within the online registration form. For additional questions about sponsorships or the Expo Hall, contact Gene Clark.
To register or learn more, visit www.ahfa.us.
About the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA)
The American Home Furnishings Alliance, based in High Point, N.C., represents more than 200 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, along with about 150 suppliers to the industry. AHFA is the industry’s voice in Washington and throughout the United States, working directly with federal and state legislators, regulators and other stakeholders to build support for our industry and to advocate for effective product and safety standards. While these efforts benefit the entire industry, they are funded solely by the AHFA membership.