VP of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), Tommy Goodwin, emphasises the importance of effective advocacy in supporting industry recognition, regulation, capacity building, and fiscal support from government.
But Goodwin believes that success is best delivered in partnership and collaboration between industry organisations and individuals across the industry and illustrated by ECA’s success securing the U.S administration’s $10billion contribution to talent development within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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The ECA is collaborating with organisations such as the Event & Exhibitions Industry Alliance, ICCA, and UFI to ensure that mutual messaging and tactics for advocacy are shared and consistent, leaving local advocates to deliver tailored messaging.
“We need people around the world who are talking to their Mayors, to their Provincial Government, to their Regional Administrators, at the UN, at the EU – to make sure that all policymakers at all levels understand the industry, can advocate for the industry, and can be part of the conversations when they take place,” he said.
Calling for ‘an army’ of advocates, Goodwin acknowledged the importance of The Iceberg as a supporting advocacy resource. The Iceberg has called for Ambassadors to join its Many Voices One Message Campaign.
Further Reading:
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