The EDPA is committed to driving sustained advocacy efforts to support the exhibitions and events industry. As part of these efforts, we proudly partner with the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) and the Exhibitor Advocate
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading professional, industry, and labor organizations that comprise the unified advocacy voice of the business events industry. The exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows delivered by ECA's alliance partners and their members attract exhibitors, attendees, and buyers from around the world to conduct business in the United States. This dynamic industry employs 2.6 million Americans and drives $399 billion in spending annually.
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The Exhibitor Advocate amplifies the voice of exhibitors to ensure the enduring success of exhibitions and events by collaborating with all stakeholders to promote and cultivate open communication, consistent standards, and industry best practices.
Legislative Action Day
ECA Advocacy Update
By Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance ● Sep 26, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 2.5 mins...698 words
🍂 Welcome to the first ECA Public Policy Update newsletter of autumn!
Tariff issues remain front and center, and the ECA Tariff Resource Center has all the latest trade and tariff news that you need to know. Recent updates include details on the forthcoming USMCA trade agreement review, November’s IEEPA tariff Supreme Court case, and potential furniture tariffs that could be introduced later this year.
ECA is already planning for 2026, and we want to hear from you about the policy issues on your radar screen. Check out item #2 below and take a quick 3-question survey to make sure your voice is heard.
1 big thing: Government shutdown possible next week
With only 4 days left for a stopgap solution, Washington, D.C., is speeding towards a government shutdown on October 1.
The big picture: The U.S. federal government’s 2025 fiscal year (FY) ends at midnight on September 30, but Congress still has not passed any of its 12 spending bills to fund the government for FY 2026.
Congressional leaders have reached an impasse on keeping the government open while appropriations work continues.
In fact, the House of Representatives may not return to Washington, D.C., from its recess until after government funding is set to expire.
Why it matters: How would a government shutdown impact the business and professional events industry?
Travel delays: TSA agents and air traffic controllers go unpaid. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, “sick outs” led to long security lines and cancelled flights.
Event support: Government programs that bring international buyers to U.S. events would be immediately paused.
Visa processing: Visitor visas would still be processed, but a long shutdown could suspend all non-emergency services at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Follow ECA on LinkedIn and X for the latest government shutdown updates in the days ahead.
2. Help shape ECA’s 2026 agenda
2026 is almost here, and ECA wants to hear from you about its 2026 public policy priorities.
The bottom line: 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.
That’s why your perspective is so important. If it’s impacting you on the show floor, ECA wants to make sure that policymakers know about it in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
What’s Next: Please take this brief 3-question survey today to help us shape our agenda for the year ahead. Thank you! 🙏
3. ECA on the road (and online)
In the coming weeks, ECA will be joining its association members and industry partners in person and online for several great events. Join us!
Trade Show Executive Gold 100: On October 15, the Gold 100 Educational Summit includes “From the Hill to the Hall: How Politics Is Shaping Your Shows,” which will highlight recent progress and policy issues likely to impact events taking place in 2026.
ESCA webinar: On October 21, ECA will join ESCA members for “A Tale of Two Politics: An Advocacy Update from ECA.” This session will include the latest news from Washington, D.C., and spotlight various opportunities for ESCA members to get involved.
PCMA Capital Chapter: Later on October 21, ECA will join “Global Arena: Planning for Success Both Domestically and Internationally,” an interactive session featuring the latest developments impacting international attendee and exhibitor involvement in U.S. events.
IAEE webinar: On November 5, ECA will present “ECA Advocacy Update: Exhibitions and Events in a Politics-First World,” a webinar for IAEE members with the latest news on the issues that matter to the industry – including taxes, talent, tariffs, travel.
4. In case you missed it
U.S. Senate leadership advanced former Freeman CEO Joe Popolo’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands. He will likely be confirmed in early October.
Skift Meetings wrote about the forthcoming $250 U.S. visa integrity fee with insights and predictions from ECA, SISO, IMEX, and the Consumer Technology Association.
ECA board member Doug Emslie joined the board of Life Science Direct, where he will help the company further develop its live event capabilities and offerings. Congratulations, Doug!
ECA is a coalition of leading industry associations comprising the unified advocacy voice of the business and professional events industry.