IAEE Advocates For ECA 2025 Vision of Decarbonization And Travel Lead To Drive Industry Growth

Published on January 8, 2025

IAEE backs ECA’s 2025 public policy agenda, focusing on tax reforms, workforce development, international travel, decarbonization, and industry growth.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has announced its endorsement of the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA)’s 2025 public policy agenda. This forward-looking plan emphasizes critical priorities designed to bolster the U.S. business and professional events industry.

ECA’s strategic framework for 2025 targets five pivotal areas essential for sustaining and enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness:

1. Advancing Growth Through Tax Reforms: Advocating for tax policies that stimulate investment, workforce development, and overall industry impact, while countering detrimental state and local tax measures.
2. Building Workforce Pathways: Encouraging policies to attract, train, and retain a skilled workforce capable of supporting the industry’s dynamic growth.
3. Boosting International Travel: Reducing visa wait times, modernizing the visa process, and opposing restrictive inbound travel policies to ensure the U.S. remains an attractive destination for global events.
4. Driving Decarbonization Efforts: Promoting sustainable practices to secure long-term environmental and competitive advantages.
5. Fostering a Competitive Operating Environment: Championing policies that encourage innovation and growth across the sector.
   
   ECA Co-President Vinnie Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, underscored the importance of the initiative: 2025 is a pivotal year for our industry, both on Capitol Hill and across the country. From tax reforms that fuel small business growth to policies that attract international participants, ECA’s agenda sets a robust path forward.

ECA is actively engaging industry leaders through its Advocacy Network, offering tools to connect with policymakers. This initiative enables stakeholders to advocate directly, whether by contacting elected officials, engaging on social media, or hosting them at events.

As the unified voice of the industry, ECA’s 2025 public policy agenda reflects a vision of resilience, innovation, and sustained growth. By addressing these key issues, the alliance aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in the exhibitions and events space for years to come.