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.
Click here to learn more about the ECA
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
Jan 2, 2026
Smart Brevity® count: 2.5 mins ... 718 words
🎆 Welcome to the first ECA Public Policy Update newsletter of 2026!
1 big thing: ECA’s 2026 policy agenda
ECA has released its 2026 Public Policy Agenda, which outlines our federal and state policy priorities for the year ahead.
Why it matters: “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 those we serve, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.”
ECA’s 2026 Public Policy Agenda supports policies that will strengthen the U.S. business and professional events industry in six areas:
Trade and tariffs: ECA supports trade policies that preserve affordability and reduce uncertainty for the industry and its customers, especially small businesses.
International travel: ECA supports policies that lower barriers to attracting international exhibitors and attendees, including reducing visa wait times, modernizing visa processing, and eliminating unnecessary fees and policies that deter travel to the U.S. for events.
Taxes: ECA supports tax policies that enhance industry competitiveness while opposing measures that disproportionately harm the U.S. business and professional events ecosystem.
Workforce development: ECA supports policies that strengthen the industry’s ability to recruit, train, and retain its future workforce.
Sustainability: ECA supports common-sense policies and industry-led efforts that help ensure the industry maintains control of our shared path to Net Zero.
Operating environment: ECA supports a competitive, predictable public policy environment that supports innovation and growth going forward.
Go deeper: Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Releases 2026 Public Policy Agenda to Strengthen the U.S. Business and Professional Events Industry (press release and full agenda).
2. Join ECA’s policy agenda webinar
Are you ready to learn more about ECA’s 2026 Public Policy Agenda and what to expect from Washington, D.C., in the year ahead?
Please join ECA’s 2026 Public Policy Agenda webinar later this month to go deep on our 2026 priorities for the year ahead and see how you can get involved throughout the year ahead.
Date: Thursday, January 22 📆
Time: 12:00 PM ET 🕛
Location: Virtual 📍
Registration: Click here to register for free 🔗
What’s next: ECA looks forward to seeing everyone on January 22. Make sure to sign up today!
3. Government funding expires soon
The continuing resolution that ended the recent 43-day government shutdown is set to expire on January 30, 2026.
Why it matters: Without likely Congressional action by the end of the month, another partial government shutdown is possible.
Last year’s shutdown had a big impact on U.S. air travel, with more than 5 million travelers impacted by flight cancellations and delays, as well as reduced flight schedules.
The big picture: Congressional leaders from both parties are actively working to avoid a second government shutdown.
In early to mid-January, the Senate and House of Representatives will likely pass a package of 5 government funding bills. Importantly, this package would include funding for FAA air traffic controllers.
Work will continue on the remaining 4 bills, but Congress will almost certainly need to pass a continuing resolution to continue work beyond the current January 30 deadline.
While a second shutdown is unlikely, ECA will continue to monitor the situation and keep the industry updated on the latest developments.
4. In case you missed it
Exhibition World interviewed ECA board member Martha Donato about the forthcoming Global Policy Forum. This invite-only event will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
IAEE-TV chatted with ECA’s Tommy Goodwin about ECA’s 2025 accomplishments and what the industry can expect from the White House and Capitol Hill in 2026.
PCMA Convening Leaders will take place from January 11 to 14 in Philadelphia, PA. Best wishes to ECA board member Sheriff Karamat and the entire PCMA team for a great event!
ECA is a coalition of leading industry associations comprising the unified advocacy voice of the business and professional events industry.