Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
AHFA Announces Keynote Speaker for 2026 Regulatory Summit
September 16,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC), a combat-decorated Green Beret, entrepreneur and manufacturing business owner, will keynote the 2026 Regulatory Summit hosted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), Oct 28-29 at The Conference Center at Guilford Technical Community College in Colfax, North Carolina.
Harrigan represents North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Hickory and communities with deep ties to furniture manufacturing. His keynote session will draw on his experience in the military, manufacturing and public service while exploring leadership, the challenges facing American manufacturers and the public policy issues shaping the future of American business.
“Congressman Harrigan brings a unique combination of military leadership, manufacturing experience and public service to this year’s Regulatory Summit,” said Bill Perdue, AHFA’s vice president of regulatory affairs. “He understands firsthand the challenges facing American manufacturers, and he represents a region where furniture manufacturing remains an important part of the economy. We look forward to hearing his perspective on leadership, public policy and the future of American manufacturing.”
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Harrigan earned a degree in nuclear engineering before serving as an infantry officer and later becoming a Green Beret. During multiple deployments to Afghanistan, he led combat operations and earned two Bronze Stars for his service.
While serving in the military, Harrigan and his wife, Rocky, launched a small business that grew into an American manufacturing operation in western North Carolina. He later entered public service and was elected to Congress in 2024, bringing his experience as a veteran, entrepreneur and manufacturer to Capitol Hill. Harrigan also met with AHFA board members earlier this year during the association’s annual Board of Directors Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Harrigan’s keynote will headline two days of programming focused on regulatory and compliance issues affecting the home furnishings industry. Under the theme “Grave Matters in Compliance,” the Summit will examine developments in federal, state and international regulation that could affect manufacturers’ products, operations and supply chains.
Sessions will address EPA risk assessment and risk management, formaldehyde, PFAS reporting, California Proposition 65, product safety standards, wood sourcing and traceability, supply chain due diligence, packaging requirements and emerging European regulations. Attendees will hear from regulatory specialists, legal experts and industry leaders offering insight into current requirements as well as developments that could shape future compliance responsibilities.
Registration is open for the 2026 Regulatory Summit and includes lunch on both days, as well as a reception on Wednesday, October 28, where attendees will have an opportunity to meet Harrigan. AHFA has secured a discounted room rate of $144 per night at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Greensboro Airport for attendees staying October 27-29. Reservations must be made by Monday, October 12, or until the room block reaches capacity. Registration and additional event information are available on the 2026 Regulatory Summit event page.