The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the leading public policy voice for the U.S. business and professional events industry, has unveiled its elected officers and Board of Directors for 2026. The new appointments highlight ECA’s ongoing commitment to representing the diverse ecosystem of exhibitions, conferences, venues, suppliers, and service providers across the country.
Fernando Fischer of RX Named ECA Chair for 2026
ECA’s Board has elected Fernando Fischer, President of Americas at RX, as Chair for a one-year term ending December 31, 2026. Fischer will be supported by:
- Mark Bogdansky, Vice President, Trade Shows and Community Engagement, Auto Care Association, as Vice-Chair
- Chris Griffin, President & CEO of Crew XP, as Treasurer
- Hervé Sedky, President & CEO of Emerald, as Secretary
Board of Directors Represents Leading Industry Organizations
The newly elected Board features executives from top industry organizations including Clarion Events North America, Freeman, UFI, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), PCMA, and the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). Together, the sector represented by ECA supports over 2.6 million American jobs and generates more than $400 billion in direct annual spending.
ECA Focuses on Policy, Growth, and Job Creation
Commenting on his appointment, Fischer noted that 2026 will bring both challenges and opportunities for the industry. He emphasized that ECA will continue advancing a policy agenda focused on job creation, affordability, economic certainty, and U.S. global competitiveness in events.
Recognition of Hervé Sedky’s Leadership
ECA also honored Hervé Sedky for his service as the organization’s inaugural Chair. Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice-President of ECA, praised Sedky’s leadership over the past five years for establishing a strong foundation that has propelled the alliance’s advocacy and growth initiatives.
With this new leadership team, ECA aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, support industry innovation, and advance the future of U.S. exhibitions and conferences.
