Skift Take
A new Congress and presidential administration brings opportunities for policies that drive business events growth, according to the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA).
“When there is change in any administration, whether it’s a shift in party control or the presidency itself, the first year is the best time to get things done,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s vice president of government affairs.
Since its founding in February 2021, ECA has championed the exhibitions and conferences sector. With the current political transition, ECA is actively engaging policymakers. It’s emphasizing the role of business events play in driving economic growth.
Business Events: A $426 Billion Industry
In 2025, the business events industry will employ 2.63 million Americans. In addition, it will generate $426 billion in spending nationwide, said Goodwin.
“2025 will be a critical year for the industry on Capitol Hill and beyond,” said Vinnie Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and ECA’s Co-President. “As the unified advocacy voice of the industry, ECA will be leading the charge to make sure that our elected officials understand how they can best support the industry going forward.”
Key Initiatives
ECA’s 2025 Public Policy Agenda targets:
Tax Reform
Advocating for a tax code that spurs small business growth.
Workforce Development
Supporting policies to attract and train future industry’s professionals.
International Travel
Pushing for reduced visa wait times and modernized visa processing systems.
Ways to Get Involved
ECA Legislative Action Day returns in late May, bringing business events leaders to Capitol Hill to promote these agenda items.
Additonally, ECA recently launched a digital advocacy network. It helps business event professionals contact elected officials, engage them on social media, and host them at events.
“Advocacy is critical to ensuring that our policymakers support the industry on the issues that matter,” said Marsha Flanagan, President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and ECA Co-President.
ECA’s full 2025 public policy agenda is here.