ECA is introducing the Connections Series, to facilitate year-round insight and opinion-sharing, using Natter’s conversational intelligence engine, business events industry leaders are matched one-on-one with each other for a series of short, candid, (confidential!) virtual conversations on issues impacting the industry. The program is available to ECA member associations, partners, and other invited industry leaders.
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance has put out a call for industry action to oppose proposed US legislation that would have a significant negative impact on the business events sector. OMB wants to make wholesale changes to the rules that govern more than $1 trillion in grants made by the federal government annually…
The Exhibitions Industry Collective has partnered with CNTV to produce a new workforce development video series highlighting the diverse career opportunities in the exhibitions and events industry. The goal is to showcase the human side of the industry to inspire students and professionals to consider careers in exhibitions and events. From Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance…
ECA has registered its opposition to potential new tariffs under consideration by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), which could lead to new tariffs on imports from 60+ countries across a wide range of product categories. The scope is unusually broad, which increases the likelihood of increased costs and potential supply chain disruptions.
Tommy Goodwin, Vice President of Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, provides a helpful and robust decision-making framework for industry leaders attempting to understand and navigate the fast evolving geopolitical landscape we all are facing. From Exhibition World Magazine…
Following the ruling by the US Supreme Court that tariffs introduced under the auspices of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance described the decision as “welcome news for the business and professional events industry” which has faced mounting costs and prolonged uncertainty as a result of the tariffs.
ECA highlights the impact of the latest (third!) DHS shutdown that started on 14 February, especially on critical Transportation Security Administration, who will be working without pay again. As many take up second jobs to pay their bills, security checkpoint lines are forced to close, leading to longer wait times and more missed flights.
This event will bring together industry leaders and advocates from across the US and around the world to meet with members of Congress and congressional staff in support of ECA’s 2026 public policy priorities. Last year, 170 industry stakeholders from 30 states joined ECA to engage with federal policymakers, and for cross-industry networking opportunities.
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance has announced that its annual Legislative Action Day will take place on 28 May, in Washington, D.C., bringing together industry leaders and advocates from across the U.S. and around the world on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff in support of ECA’s 2026 public policy priorities.
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…
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the unified public policy voice of the U.S. business and professional events industry, today announced its 2026 Elected Officers and Board of Directors. The following Elected Officers were selected by the ECA Board of Directors to serve a one-year term ending on December 31, 2026: Fernando Fischer (Chair), President,…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, a unified public policy voice of the US business and professional events industry, has announced its 2026 Public Policy Agenda, outlining the organisation’s federal and state policy priorities for the year ahead. “2026 presents a critical moment for our industry in Washington, DC, and beyond,” said Fernando Fischer…
This inaugural, invite-only business and professional events Global Policy Forum is a collaborative initiative between ECA, UFI – the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, and MAD Event Management. The focus will be on key public policy issues shaping events around the world, including: sustainability; talent; and international travel and commerce. From ECA…
For the latest news and factual information, and intelligent analysis of both current impacts and anticipated future implications of the continuing shutdown, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance is the go-to resource for the business events sector. We recommend signing up to their newsletter and following their updates.
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is seeking input on its public policy priorities in 2026. From tariffs and international travel restrictions to workforce development and sustainability, policy issues will continue to have a significant impact on the industry next year. Take this brief survey to help ECA shape the agenda for the year ahead.
ECA continues to advocate for lower visa wait times at US embassies and consulates around the world. As of May 25, 51 US embassies and consulates had average interview wait times of 3 months or longer. Long wait times persist in Mexico, India, Columbia, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries. While wait times…
From Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance: ECA, EDPA, IAEE, SISO, UFI, and 160+ trade associations have called on the U.S. Trade Representative to rescind the port fee on Chinese-built ships, scheduled to take effect in October. ECA continues to strongly oppose tariffs that raise costs on event organizers, suppliers, exhibitors, and attendees alike…
A record-setting group of 170 business and professional events industry leaders and advocates from 30 states met with more than 130 elected officials on Capitol Hill today as part of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s (ECA) annual Legislative Action Day. “What happens in Washington, DC is critical to the competitiveness of our industry going forward,”…
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