A record number of business events industry leaders met with policymakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday, May 30, as part of the Alliance of Exhibitions and Conferences (CEA) annual Legislative Action DayMore than 130 advocates from 25 states raised awareness about the U.S. business events industry, which employs 2.6 million Americans and generates $399 billion in direct spending annually.
Armed with data on the economic impact of business events by state, attendees discussed key issues impacting the trade show, meetings and events industry during 112 meetings with senators, House representatives and their staff. Legislative Action Day participants represented every sector of the business events industry – from from independent and association trade fair organizers and venues, to general service contractors and destinations.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Legislative Action Day.
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Big picture: This year’s Legislative Action Day focused on two of ECA’s top public policy priorities: helping the industry attract and train its next generation of workforce and further reducing visa wait times for international exhibitors and attendees wishing to travel to U.S. exhibitions, conferences and trade shows.
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Why it was important: “Today was the largest industry gathering on Capitol Hill Never” said Vinnie Polito, ECA co-president and CEO. Society of Independent Trade Fair Organizers CEO of (SISO). “As we have seen in recent month“When our industry comes together and speaks out with one voice, we can drive policy change that will positively impact all of us in the future.”
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How it worked: “From expanding access to programs that will help develop the industry’s future workforce to restoring visa interview wait times to pre-pandemic levels, ECA’s policy priorities have broad bipartisan support,” said Marsha Flanagan, ECA Co-Chair and CEO. International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) President and CEO. “That’s why we’re calling on Congress to take action This year on these issues that will strengthen our industry’s collective ability to drive economic growth, support job creation and empower small businesses.”
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What they say : “Whether you’re on Capitol Hill, on the show floor, or even on your phone, ECA invites you to advocate for the business events industry,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA Vice President. “Together, we can be the strong, unified voice of the industry and shape our future with policymakers across the country.”
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Looking back: Last year’s Legislative Action Day attracted nTop 100 industry leaders from 24 states, including representatives from independent and association trade show organizers, exhibiting organizations, venues and destinations, took part in this day of legislative action. During more than 100 meetings, participants advocated for three key issues: reducing wait times for visitor visa interviews; helping build the future skilled workforce; and supporting efforts to end commercial identity fraud.
Related: ECA Legislative Action Day Participants Advocate for Exhibits and Events on Capitol Hill
Pass: Created in 2021 during the pandemic, The ECA is a coalition of trade, industry and labour associations that provide the unified voice of advocacy for the business events sector. In May, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has joined the ECA as a new alliance partner, bringing the total number of industry organizations supporting the ECA to nine.
Deeper Dive: In addition to IAEE, SISO and ICCA, ECA Partners include Association of Experiential Designers and Producers (EDPA), Association of Service and Exhibition Providers (BAIT), International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Professional Association of Congress Management (PCMA), Trade Show Work Alliance and UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry.
Looking forward: The ECA has opportunities to keep industry leaders and advocates engaged on policy issues that matter throughout the year. Next year’s Legislative Action Day will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in conjunction with the Exhibition and Congress Managers Forumwhich will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
Main image: Industry leaders participate in the ECA Legislative Action Day on May 30. Photo: ECA
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