ICCA’s Barreiro Engages at ECA Day to Simplify U.S. Entry for International Visitors

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On May 30, Jose Barreiro, ICCA’s North American Regional Director, attended the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s yearly Legislative Action Day in Washington, D.C. This gathering was centered around two principal objectives: facilitating the entry of international attendees into the United States for various meetings, trade shows, and conferences, and identifying innovative approaches for workforce development in the meetings and events sector.

“ICCA attendance was important because we are the global advocate for the meetings industry,” said Barreiro. “ICCA works with governments around the world, including UN Tourism. ICCA’s commitment to training, education, and workforce development is a key mission. Our focus on association meetings brings intellectual capital, the exchange of ideas and societal good to destinations globally.” 

Barreiro was among over 130 leaders and advocates from the business-events industry, representing 25 states and nations, who convened with lawmakers to emphasize the sector’s contributions, such as job creation and economic stimulation.

Highlights of Capitol Hill Discussions Include Job Creation and Economic Advancements

The discussions also touched on the economic contributions of the meetings industry to the U.S. GDP and the need to expand the industry’s workforce through allocated funds for education, training, and apprenticeship programs.

Currently, U.S. legislators are evaluating three bills designed to enhance the visa-application process by adding flexibility, boosting transparency, and minimizing delays. These bills, named the Visa Processing Improvement Act, the Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act, and the VISITOR Act, are being considered in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

ICCA proudly collaborates with the ECA, a staunch supporter of the business-events industry, aligning with ICCA’s goals to foster a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable future for the sector.