Industry Associations Largely Silent on Immigration Crackdown

Four weeks into what federal officials have described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, most major meetings and travel industry associations have declined to comment publicly, despite rising concerns among planners and local stakeholders.

The enforcement effort, known as Metro Surge, has deployed more than 3,000 federal agents across the Minneapolis–St. Paul region. The operation has resulted in two fatal shootings involving federal officers and contributed to a statewide general strike on January 23, heightening anxiety around safety, public spaces, and travel to the destination.

Meet Minneapolis Responds

Meet Minneapolis has taken a proactive approach, adding a dedicated section to its website outlining federal immigration enforcement protocols in the city. Meet Minneapolis has also launched MPLS for MPLS, a community-focused marketing initiative designed to encourage residents to support neighborhood businesses during the disruption. It encourages residents to support local businesses by grabbing takeout, shopping locally, ordering online, and purchasing gift cards.. In addition, it has created a MPLS for MPLS toolkit to share stories about Minneapolis. 

 “We’re a resilient and tested community, and we’ll continue to answer questions honestly,” said President and CEO Melvin Tennant. 

Tennant pointed to lessons learned following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. “We became a trusted resource then,” he said. “Our customers appreciate transparency, and we earned trust within the meeting planning community.”

Explore Minnesota plans to proceed with its 2026 tourism conference, set for Feb.11-12 in Duluth. 

“These last few weeks have been heartbreaking, and the level of despair, anger, and fear that so many Minnesotans are feeling cannot be understated,” Explore Minnesota’s communications manager said. “At this time, we plan to proceed with our February Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Duluth. What we can do in this difficult time is provide our partners a space to gather and move forward together in support of our industry and the people of Minnesota.”

The Destination Marketing Community Reaches Out

Destinations International said it has been in contact with its Minneapolis members to express concern and offer support.

“As an association representing destination organizations, Destinations International is committed to equipping our members to respond effectively and communicate with clarity in challenging times as they support their communities, safeguard their destination’s reputation, and sustain the vital economic and social benefits of travel and tourism,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International.

Welsh added that resources such as the organization’s Destination Reputation Study and Crisis Communications Handbook may be useful for members navigating the current environment. 

Destinations International will also host peer discussions on crisis preparedness at its upcoming Marketing & Communications Summit in Cleveland, February 24–26, and its CEO Summit in Newport Beach, California, March 30–April 1.

Venue Specialists Take Generic Approach

Trevor Mitchell, president & CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), which represents venue professionals globally, also responded.

“We are aware of the federal immigration enforcement activity currently taking place in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area and the concerns it has created for the hospitality and meetings community,” said Mitchell. “At this time, IAVM has not issued destination-specific guidance or public talking points related to federal enforcement operations.”

Mitchell said that enforcement activity is outside venues' authority and varies widely by jurisdiction. Venue operators, he said, should consult local legal counsel and public safety partners to understand their rights and responsibilities.

IAVM is working with its venue safety and security committee to develop general guidance that helps venue professionals navigate complex and evolving security environments. 

“This work is not limited to immigration enforcement and reflects a broader need to help venues plan for protests, heightened law enforcement activity, and other external factors that can affect events and public spaces,” said Mitchell. 

Incentive Professionals Emphasize Inclusion

SITE Minnesota released a statement emphasizing empathy, safety, and inclusion.

“We recognize that many in our community are navigating a moment that feels heavy, uncertain, and deeply personal,” the statement read. “Our chapter is, first and foremost, a safe and welcoming space for our professional community… We are committed to fostering connection, support, and belonging, while remaining mindful of how and when we gather.”

On February 24, this SITE chapter is hosting an event in Minneapolis that will provide a clearer perspective on the situation. 

During SITE’s virtual annual meeting on January 30, Skift Meetings asked Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, about the organization’s broader stance.

“As a global association, we keep an eye on these things, but keep a global lens,” Gregg said. “These incidents are terrible and sadden us on a human level, but we are not a political organization. We believe we should work with local providers — DMOs and local chapters — who have the most accurate information on safety and security and boots on the ground.”

SITE President Hasan Dinc, managing director of ODS Turkey, added, “No matter what the government is doing, people don’t change on the ground. We are the same.”

LGBT Group Focuses on Duty of Care

The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association also responded to Skift Meetings, highlighting the operational and emotional impact on attendees.

“Ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis have led to significant disruptions and heightened safety concerns that are affecting how people experience hotels, public spaces, and the downtown core,” said Cameron Curtis, CEO of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association.

Curtis emphasized that duty of care remains the top priority, particularly for attendees who may feel vulnerable traveling to the destination.

“Our foremost responsibility is ensuring that meetings and events are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all participants,” Curtis said, noting that responsibilities include monitoring host cities, coordinating with local public safety authorities, working directly with partners such as Meet Minneapolis, and providing clear and timely communication.

LGBT MPA also encourages virtual participation options for those who do not feel safe traveling. “We support event professionals in offering alternatives for anyone who does not feel comfortable attending in person for any reason,” Curtis said.

No Response

The following associations did not respond to requests for comment:

• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
• Events Industry Council (EIC)
• Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)
• Incentive Research Foundation (IRF)
• International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE)
• International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
• National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
• Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA)