The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the unified public policy voice of the US business and professional events industry, has released its 2026 Public Policy Agenda, outlining key federal and state policy priorities aimed at strengthening the industry amid evolving economic and regulatory challenges.
According to ECA leadership, 2026 represents a pivotal year for policy decisions that will directly influence job creation, affordability, workforce development, and the global competitiveness of US exhibitions and conferences.
“2026 presents a critical moment for our industry in Washington, D.C., and beyond,” said Fernando Fischer, chair of the ECA Board of Directors and president, Americas for RX. “The policy decisions made this year will directly affect our collective ability to create new jobs, reduce economic uncertainty, safeguard affordability for our small businesses, and strengthen US competitiveness.”
Six Policy Priorities for the Events Industry
ECA’s 2026 agenda focuses on six core policy areas designed to support growth, innovation, and long-term stability across the exhibitions and conferences sector
- Trade and tariffs: Supporting trade policies that preserve affordability and reduce uncertainty for event organisers, exhibitors, and customers.
- International travel: Advocating for reduced visa wait times, modernised visa processing, and the removal of unnecessary fees and restrictive travel policies that discourage international participation in US events.
- Taxes: Promoting federal, state, and local tax policies that enhance industry competitiveness while opposing measures that disproportionately impact the business and professional events ecosystem.
- Workforce development: Supporting initiatives that help recruit, train, and retain the next generation of skilled industry professionals.
- Sustainability: Backing practical, industry-led policies that allow the sector to maintain control of its pathway toward Net Zero goals.
- Operating environment: Encouraging a predictable and competitive regulatory landscape that supports innovation and business growth.
Maintaining US Leadership in Global Events
Mark Bogdansky, ECA vice-chair and vice-president of trade shows and community engagement at the Auto Care Association, highlighted the importance of international mobility and trade.
“As a global industry, exhibitions and conferences depend on the free flow of people, goods, and ideas,” Bogdansky said. “Reducing barriers to international travel and trade is essential to maintaining the United States’ position as the premier global destination for business and professional events.”
Focus on Workforce and Tax Stability
Chris Griffin, ECA treasurer and president & CEO of Crew XP, emphasised the role of workforce development and tax policy in ensuring long-term industry success.
“Our industry’s success depends on having the right people and the right policies in place,” Griffin said. “In 2026, ECA will prioritise workforce development initiatives while advocating for tax policies that support investment, innovation, and stability for the many small businesses that power our industry.”
Call to Action for Industry Advocacy
Throughout 2026, ECA plans to engage industry leaders through its ECA Advocacy Network and Legislative Action Day, providing opportunities for direct engagement with policymakers.
“Advocacy is most effective when industry leaders show up and share their stories directly with policymakers,” said Hervé Sedky, ECA secretary and president and CEO of Emerald. “This agenda is a call to action for leaders across the US business and professional events ecosystem to help shape policies that impact our industry and the communities we serve nationwide.”
