WASHINGTON, DC — The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) 2021 Legislative Action Day “was a resounding success,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s vice president of government affairs, who organized this year’s event. “Our message of getting people back to work by accelerating our industry’s recovery was very well received. … our Missouri delegation even added a new on-site co-sponsor!”
Approximately 170 industry advocates gathered on June 2 to meet with congressional offices in 25 states to support passage of the Hospitality and Retail Jobs Recovery Act (S.477/HR 1346), which was the focus of the 2021 Legislative Action Day. Advocates took the opportunity to share with lawmakers how the legislation would encourage exhibitors and attendees to return to trade events, conferences, and trade shows across the country. Formerly known as Exhibitions Mean Business (EMB) Day of Exhibitions, the Legislative Action Day (which coincides annually with World Expos Day) equipped attendees with the tools they need to be effective advocates and connected them with their elected officials. On June 1, ECA offered a free online program to provide industry advocates with the tools they need to effectively lobby on behalf of the industry in their meetings with legislators.
Related. ECA Legislative Action Day Focuses on Passage of Hospitality and Retail Jobs Recovery Act
Lawmakers virtually hear story from industry advocates
Although this year’s event was digital due to COVID-19 constraints, trade show leaders and other industry stakeholders took the opportunity to meet online with elected officials to tell their stories and advocate directly with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and their staffs — including the offices of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, among others.
Industry advocates took the opportunity to explain the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked on the business events sector – and how Section 2 of the Hospitality and Retail Jobs Recovery Act will encourage exhibitors and attendees to return to in-person events.
Related. Tommy Goodwin, ECA Vice President of Government Affairs, advocates for industry
And then?
Goodwin said the ECA will continue the momentum started at the Legislative Action Day by being active on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months ahead, speaking to members of Congress about the importance of helping the industry bring back jobs, energizing industry recovery and supporting small businesses that are the backbone of the exhibition and event ecosystem.
“We are meeting with policymakers every day and will build on the great work our state delegations did on June 1 and 2 by continuing to build support for the Hospitality and Retail Jobs Recovery Act and other legislation that would help our industry,” he said.
ECA appreciates all those advocating to advance the industry’s recovery, Goodwin added. “Each of your voices truly matters! For those who were unable to join us, please take a moment to email your legislators about the important role the Hospitality and Retail Jobs Recovery Act can play in getting us all back to business and getting our employees back to work.”
An easy way to participate is to go to the site and fill out the form to send a personalized, pre-written letter to your federal legislators. You can also add a personalized message and post a pre-written tweet that can be personalized and then tweeted to legislators.
Contact Tommy Goodwin at (703) 672-0780 or tommy.goodwin@ecalliance.net