The exhibitions and events industry operates in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, where policy decisions made in Washington, D.C. can have far-reaching impacts on everything from international participation to workforce development. As legislative priorities shift and new regulations emerge, industry professionals need to stay ahead of the curve to protect their businesses and maximize opportunities.

This past May, 170 business and professional events industry leaders and advocates from 30 states met with their elected officials on Capitol Hill as part of the Exhibitions and Conference’s (ECA) annual Legislative Action Day – a record showing!

In the upcoming IAEE webinar, IAEE & ECA Advocacy Update: The 4 “T’s” of Washington, DC Impacting the Industry, ECA Executive Vice President Tommy Goodwin will discuss the critical policy issues currently shaping our industry. Tommy will break down what he calls the “4 T’s” of Washington advocacy – tariffs, travel, taxes and talent – and explain how each area directly affects exhibition organizers, venues and service providers across the country.

Whether you are navigating international exhibitor relationships, planning budgets amid changing tax policies or struggling with workforce challenges, understanding these policy dynamics is essential for strategic planning. Read on for insights from our conversation with Tommy, then join us for the full webinar to dive deeper into these critical advocacy issues.

Tommy, you’ve identified tariffs, travel, taxes, and talent as the “4 T’s” impacting our industry. Can you explain why these four areas have become the primary focus of ECA’s advocacy efforts in Washington?

Tommy: ECA’s advocacy focus is determined by IAEE and our other association alliance partners. IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM does an incredible job keeping her finger on the pulse of what IAEE members are experiencing on the show floor and passing that information along to ECA in Washington, D.C.

Through that process, the industry has made clear that the “4 T’s” – tariffs, travel, taxes, and talent – have an outsized impact, both in the near term and in the longer term. This is why ECA has prioritized these important issues in our work on Capitol Hill and with the White House.

Let’s start with tariffs. How are current trade policies affecting exhibition organizers and their international exhibitors? What specific challenges are you hearing about from industry members?

Tommy: The new tariffs introduced since 20 January have led to significant concern within the industry. Why? Because they have increased costs for event organizers, exhibitors, attendees, and service providers alike. They are also particularly harmful to small businesses, which account for 99% of our industry’s companies and 80% of all exhibitors.

That’s why ECA is working with our member associations, coalition partners, and other key stakeholders in Washington, D.C. to oppose these new tariffs and advocate for trade policies that will strengthen the competitiveness of the industry going forward and allow us to continue to serve as a growth engine for the U.S. economy.

Travel policies have been an ongoing concern, especially post-pandemic. What are the current visa and immigration issues that are making it difficult for international attendees and exhibitors to participate in U.S. trade shows?

Tommy: Since post-pandemic international travel, our industry has been challenged bringing back all its international exhibitors and attendees from around the world. Last year, ECA helped the U.S. State Department secure $50 million for visa backlogs, which helped bring visa wait times down at many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. That said, there is still more to be done. Currently, 51 U.S. posts have visa interview wait times of more than 3 months.

In addition, last month the Trump administration introduced full or partial travel restrictions of citizens of 19 countries. Last year, these countries contributed 336,355 of the 72,390,321 international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, or 0.46%.

On the tax front, what recent or proposed changes should exhibition professionals be most concerned about? Are there specific tax policies that could significantly impact event budgets or venue operations?

Tommy: ECA has been working overtime to ensure that the industry is positively impacted by tax reform in Washington, D.C. ECA has been lobbying tirelessly to encourage Congress to take up and pass federal tax legislation that is pro-growth, pro-investment, pro-impact, and pro-workforce development, which they are on the cusp of doing with the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

What does that mean? Congress will maintain a competitive business tax rate, the current treatment of private investment capital, and the nonprofit status of associations and their events. This is good news for the industry and will help us continue to drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses.

The talent shortage seems to be affecting every industry right now. What unique workforce challenges is the exhibitions industry facing, and how is ECA working to address these issues at the federal level?

Tommy: In 2020, 2.8 million industry workers were furloughed or laid off during the pandemic. Only 2.5 million of them came back. Since then, the industry has been working tirelessly to recruit and train our next generation skilled workforce, but we need help from Washington, D.C. to expand the pool of Americans with the skills and training necessary to have great careers in our industry.

ECA has been advocating for two proposals on Capitol Hill that would expand Pell Grants to cover skilled workforce training and expand 529 programs to cover industry certifications like IAEE’s CEM Learning Program. Both provisions are currently included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and ECA anticipates that they will be signed into law soon.

Looking ahead, which of these “4 T’s” do you think will have the most significant impact on the industry in the coming year? What should IAEE members be preparing for, and how can they get involved in advocacy efforts?

Tommy: In the near term, tariffs. Over time, Congress has delegated most trade and tariff policy decisions to the executive branch, so President Trump has near unilateral decision-making authority when it comes to tariffs.

That’s why ECA encourages industry leaders and advocates to share their concerns with policymakers through the ECA Advocacy Network’s email action center. In addition, ECA has also established the ECA Tariff Resource Center on the ECA website with the latest trade and tariff policy news impacting the industry.

Click here to register for IAEE & ECA Advocacy Update: The 4 “T’s” of Washington, DC Impacting the Industry and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s Webinar Wednesdays here.

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As we step into 2025, the exhibitions and events industry awaits major policy changes looming on the horizon. With a freshly inaugurated President and new leadership in Congress, Capitol Hill is buzzing with activity that could fundamentally reshape our industry. From evolving tax policies and international travel regulations to pressing issues like sustainability initiatives and workforce development, the decisions being made in our nation’s capital will reverberate throughout the events sector.

To help us navigate these shifting dynamics, we sat down with Tommy Goodwin, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), for an insightful discussion on what lies ahead and a sneak peek at his upcoming webinar, Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) Update: How Washington, DC Will Impact IAEE Members in 2025 on 26 February.

Here, Tommy shares his expertise on the latest developments from both federal and state levels. He will explore concrete ways for industry stakeholders to make their voices heard in these important policy discussions as well as share what industry professionals need to know about the changing political landscape and its impact on events in the coming year.

The new Congress is taking on tax reform this year. What specific changes could we see that would impact event organizers, and how is the ECA working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard in these discussions?

Tommy: Tax reform will be the issue on Capitol Hill in 2025. As part of the tax reform debate, ECA will be laser focused on four key priorities for the business and professional events industry:

• Supporting a competitive business tax rate that enables the growth of the industry and ensures that we continue to provide value to our customers, stakeholders, and host communities.
• Opposing changes to the tax treatment of private equity that would negatively impact an important source of investment in our industry’s small businesses and future growth.
• Opposing any alteration to the tax-exempt status of nonprofit associations and their events that could disrupt the critical work of these organizations to the industries, professions, and communities they serve.
• Supporting transforming Section 529 college savings plans into career savings plans that help workers secure in-demand, good-paying jobs like those that our industry offers.

We are seeing various state and local governments exploring new revenue streams. Can you share some examples of concerning tax proposals you are monitoring that could create challenges for our industry’s events and venues?

Tommy: Two years ago, one state began taxing exhibitor space rental and sponsorships, but ECA quickly helped close that loophole. Since then, we have not seen any similar efforts, which is great.

That said, several state legislatures have already introduced bills that would tax digital advertising including New York, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Montana, and South Dakota. ECA opposes these efforts because those taxes would just be passed down to show organizers, venues, and exhibitors who take out ads on Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other similar platforms to get the word out.

With workforce shortages still affecting many sectors, how is ECA collaborating with policymakers to develop solutions for attracting and retaining talent in the industry?

Tommy: ECA is ‘all in’ on getting the federal government involved in helping us attract and retain our next-generation workforce. Specifically, we are working on two bills in Washington, DC that would help:

• Expanding Pell grants to cover high-quality shorter-term job training programs for the first time. This would allow Pell grants to be used for skills like rigging, carpentry, electrical work, and other skills that are urgently needed on the show floor.
• Transforming Section 529 college savings plans into career savings plans by letting them cover certifications, like IAEE’s CEM Learning Program. This will help early career professionals get the post-secondary knowledge they need to advance in their careers.

Visa processing delays have been a significant hurdle for international attendance. What progress have you seen in reducing wait times, and what innovations in the visa system could make a real difference for our events?

Tommy: Last year, ECA helped secure $50 million for the State Department to help with visa processing backlogs. Since then, average wait times in Mexico have gone down more than 70%. That’s great news, but we need to finish the job. ECA supports efforts to ensure that every U.S. embassy and consulate interviews business visa applicants within 90 days of submitting their application. Until then, there are key markets like India, Columbia, and more that cannot fully return to business and professional events here in the U.S.

There is ongoing debate about travel restrictions and border policies. How do you assess the current climate around international travel, and what potential changes should event organizers be watching for?

Tommy: ECA wants to ensure that the U.S. is ‘open for business’ when it comes to attracting international exhibitors and attendees to events nationwide. While we understand the need for strong border security, we oppose inbound international travel restrictions that would keep folks from certain countries away from U.S. business and professional events. This is especially important to ensure that the U.S. remains a competitive destination for international events, too.

For industry professionals who want to support the ECA’s advocacy efforts, what specific actions can they take to help advance these priorities in 2025?

Tommy: ECA encourages IAEE members and everyone in the industry to get involved with ECA and make sure your voice is heard! Anyone can sign up to be part of the ECA Advocacy Network where they can email their elected officials, join ECA’s social influencer program, and find out how to host local policymakers at events in their community. And, of course, we would love to have as many IAEE members as possible join us for ECA Legislative Action Day, which takes place on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

Click here to register for Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) Update: How Washington, DC Will Impact IAEE Members in 2025 and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s Webinar Wednesdays here.

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Originally published by Oxford Economics

When business leaders think of the “thresholds” that hold meaningful consequences for their organizations, ones affecting corporate tax or regulatory requirements might be the examples that first come to mind. However, another kind of threshold deserves businesses’ more immediate attention – the environmental thresholds at which abrupt and potentially irreversible changes to the Earth and its systems occurs.

Understanding these environmental thresholds provides essential context for corporate sustainability efforts, and more broadly, reinforces the importance of global action on sustainability issues.

Non-linear Environmental Risks, and the Point of No Return

Every year the publication of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual Global Risks Report makes for an interesting, if alarming, read. The report assesses the global risks landscape based on insights from leaders in academia, business, government, and civil society.

The 2024 report introduced a new entrant to its global risks list – critical change to Earth systems – defined as “long-term, potentially irreversible, and self-perpetuating changes to critical planetary systems, as a result of breaching a critical threshold or ‘tipping point’, at a regional or global level, that have abrupt and severe impacts on planet health or human welfare.” “Critical change to Earth systems” was ranked as the second most severe risk over the next decade, after the risk of extreme weather events.

The WEF report states that the threshold for triggering critical change to Earth systems is likely to be passed at or before 1.5°C of global warming, which is currently anticipated to be reached by the early 2030s. The projected impacts of approaching or crossing Earth system thresholds hold significant implications for businesses’ bottom line.

Consider a critical threshold addressed in the WEF report – the risk of the Amazon Rainforest tipping into a savannah-like state. This could reduce the level of atmospheric moisture recycling, which in turn increases the risks of forest fires – jeopardizing global value chains with connections to the region. For example, forest fires can affect infrastructure for sourcing minerals like copper from or adjacent to the Amazon basin, which consequently can impact the production of electronic products such as semiconductors, affecting technology companies and their investors globally.

The collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic Ice Sheets is another threshold highlighted by the WEF. Crossing this threshold could trigger rapid sea level rise and potentially expose half a billion people to annual coastal flooding events by 2100. In turn, coastal flooding can damage built infrastructure, threaten marine ecosystem services, and – among other impacts – increase the salinity of freshwater, reducing water supply for agriculture and threatening associated value chains.

The WEF explains that the impacts of crossing Earth system thresholds will be felt on a systemic level, as environmental impacts like biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse will in turn result in further socioeconomic implications, such as involuntary migration and chronic health conditions. These compounding risks will reverberate across the real economy and financial systems.

Contextualizing Earth System Thresholds to Enhance Business Resilience

While government, academia, and civil society groups all ranked the risk of “critical change to Earth systems” as one of the top 10 most severe risks faced over the next two years, the risk did not feature as a short-term priority for the private sector. This raises the question of whether businesses are underestimating the severity of these risks in their decision-making.

One reason for this disconnect is the lack of quantification of sustainability-related impacts and risks along a business’s value chain. Most models used by businesses assume that environmental resources can be substituted in the face of business disruptions. However, a significant environmental disruption may mean no alternative substitutes are available in the short to medium term. Moreover, if Earth system thresholds are triggered, such as the Amazon shifting to a savannah-like state, environmental impacts may be irreversible and permanent – requiring a complete rethink of current operating models across the broader economy.

While significant academic research efforts have been made to scientifically quantify these thresholds of the Earth systems, economic models are needed to provide a more accurate picture of the impact and risk landscape for businesses, and how they can better act within this changing context.

Doing so will require mapping and forecasting sustainability-related impacts and risks not just as a box-ticking exercise, but rather as a means to enhance business resilience and the sustainability of the economy as a whole.

Our world faces a myriad of global risks in the next few years. Businesses that will fare best are those that understand how their activities interact with Earth systems and use this opportunity to champion innovative and sustainable business operating models.

The views and opinions expressed by blog authors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events®. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. IAEE makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. IAEE will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information.

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IAEE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee Member Carrie Ferenac and her business partner, Marcelo Zolessi, co-founded Convention News Television (CNTV) in 2007 after seeing a need for digital content and live production in the exhibitions and events industry. Now, the company produces content for trade show organizers around the world. The videos they produce bring events to life and offer associations and for-profit show organizers a new stream of revenue through sponsorships. CNTV partners with IAEE, SISO, ECEF, TSNN and Tradeshow Executive to produce video content and live coverage of industry events throughout the year.

Carrie has an extensive background in broadcast journalism and management. She spent 11 years at the NBC affiliate in Orlando (WESH-TV). Now, she is entrenched in the events industry where she volunteers her time and energy to projects that move the industry forward. She is currently Immediate Past Chairperson of the IAEE Board of Directors.

Here, Carrie discusses why addressing DE&I in the industry is important, where she sees progress has been made and ways in which further advances can be achieved.

What inspired you to serve on the IAEE DE&I Committee?

I believe in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I would never have thought that would become a political statement, but it has. I live in Florida, where the Governor recently eliminated funding for DEI initiatives in public universities. He is trying to discourage diversity, equity and inclusion, which is unimaginable to me. While I can’t directly solve the political challenges in Florida, I can make a difference by being involved in DE&I committees like this one. This issue is important to me, and I believe it’s vital to the success of the industry.

Oh, and in my opinion, it’s also part of just being a good human.

What has been your experience/observations with how the industry addresses DE&I?

I’m proud of our industry for making the DE&I conversation a priority. It’s part of the IAEE Strategic Plan, and most show organizers are embracing the need for change. The topic is top of mind, which is the first step. We are seeing more diversity in the lineup of speakers (fewer “manels!”) and new technology being released to include people with disabilities.

I was proud of our client, RIMS, who added closed captioning to their general session speakers, and CNTV is now adding text to the videos we created. These changes make the experience more inclusive for those with vision or hearing disabilities.

What overall advances would you like to see in the industry regarding DE&I?

I’d like to continue seeing more diversity at the top level of management. Associations boards should be representative of all members, and include people of different race, age, color, and sexual orientation. All too often, we talk about diversity and inclusion, but we aren’t making sure all groups are represented at the highest levels.

How do you think that companies can help advance DE&I?

I believe it starts with small changes. At CNTV, when we bought a new building for our studio, we created gender neutral bathrooms. It’s a small step, but something that makes all employees feel comfortable. We also eliminated the college degree requirements for many positions because it excluded many people who were otherwise qualified. We are now more vocal about issues in our state that impact marginalized groups of people, and we encourage all employees to vote by allowing them to do so on company time.

What suggestions do you have for individuals who would like to learn more about and/or help increase awareness and advances in DE&I within the industry?

Listen First. I’m working on listening to people who have different experiences that I do, so I can learn from them. Put in the work. Read the blogs, listen to the podcasts, ask the questions. It can be a tough subject, especially for cis-gender white people like myself, but we have to speak up. We have to be allies, and we need to continue to learn. When we know better, we can do better.

Learn more about IAEE’s DE&I initiatives and how you can play a role in advancing the industry!

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Editorial Note: Originally published in the July 2023 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.

Today’s executive leaders are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of implementing an organizational culture that values and promotes inclusivity. This is especially true in the exhibitions industry, where one of the benefits to the recovery process from an unprecedented pandemic has been an equally unprecedented openness to new ideas and ways of thinking about our business practices.

While the ethical and moral advantages to inclusive leadership are at the forefront of conversations surrounding it, the bottom line for any organization’s executive team is that all leadership considerations include a bottom line.

Practicing inclusive leadership, where everyone’s voice is heard and respected, presents a significant value proposition to an organization, one that drives the benefits well beyond moral and/or ethical advantages. Studies show that inclusive leadership factors into an organization’s financial success much more than one might think, and I believe that executive leaders who apply this understanding most effectively will be the ones we see succeeding the most.

Growing and adapting our workforce is a key point for executive leaders since industry veterans made earlier than expected exits to retirement or moved into completely different industries due to COVID. We have been transitioning our mid-level team members to upper-level positions at a breakneck pace while doing everything we can to attract newcomers to the industry. Those newcomers are typically young professionals, and current data reflects that they highly value companies that embrace inclusivity.

I remember as a younger professional, being given the advice to mimic the behaviors for the role that I want. If you want to be an executive, look like an executive; speak like an executive; and, eventually, think like an executive. I see inclusive leadership much as the same process – if you want to attract viable young professionals, you must offer (vs. model) the organizational culture (vs. role) that THEY want. And they want inclusive workplaces.

Looking at the research, they are on to something. Studies reveal that companies whose team members give it a high rating for inclusivity reflect higher employee engagement ratings. Higher employee engagement translates into increased productivity, which leads to better performance on both the individual and team levels.

Not only does productivity increase in an inclusive work environment, but so does innovation. The research is uncovering feedback that speaks to the advantages of having team members feel their voice is being heard by their team leaders. This environment of collaboration leads to better decision-making. Coupled with increased innovation, new markets are discovered and business moves in a direction that makes everyone happy.

This is the value proposition executive leaders are interested in – and should be interested in – when looking at how to improve their organization. These are the deliverables that convert into bottom line results that help cement a company’s stability and growth potential.

It is a process that requires taking an honest look at yourself and your organization. The good news is that as the benefits of inclusive leadership are more widely reported, more opportunities present themselves to develop it. For example, this month at IAEE’s Leadership Institute, we will take a deep dive into what it takes to be a successful inclusive leader.

This month, I encourage industry executives to explore how your organization is expanding and applying inclusivity in its strategic plan.

David DuBois, CMP Fellow, CAE, FASAE, CTA
IAEE President & CEO
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Co-President

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IAEE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee Member Kareem Salvant is General Manager for Metro Multimedia. He is responsible for the organization’s overall strategic planning and implementation while managing various day-to-day operations including marketing/sales, support services, and content development.

With more than a decade of dynamic experience, Kareem has emerged as one of the events industry’s most exciting young professionals in the tri-state area. As the Chairman of the IAEE New York Area Chapter (2020-2021), he established a new era for the organization by recruiting new industry ambassadors, developing new marketing campaigns, and creating new programs that educate and inspire his more than 1,000 professional members. Kareem was awarded the IAEE Chapter Merit Award in 2020.

Before joining Metro Multimedia, Kareem was the Event Logistics and Facilities Manager at the Javits Center. He played a pivotal role in maintaining and operating America’s busiest convention center, implementing state-of-the-art software that has increased the efficiency and accountability of all related work and procedures. Kareem has expertise in the private and public sectors and helped facilitate the convention center’s billion expansion project.

Here, Kareem discusses the need for supporting DE&I in the exhibitions and events industry, and how individuals as well as organizations can go about doing so.

What inspired you to serve on the IAEE DE&I Committee?

I’m inspired by Alan Steel (Javits Center), Samuel Thomas (Events DC), Bruno Giaccio (Metro Multimedia), Joyce Leveston (OVG360) and Greg O’Dell (OVG360). Executives that have taken the time to advise and mentor me. They all provide different perspectives on the industry and come from different backgrounds and experiences. Yet, what they all have in common, they speak up for their beliefs and encourage others to do the same. They inspire me to be the change I want to see. The IAEE DE&I Committee is making significant progress in being an agent of change but there’s still much work to be done, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

What has been your experience/observations with how the industry addresses DE&I?

To be candid, the industry has been slow and quiet in addressing DE&I. With that said, there has been progress. Change isn’t easy, and it does take time. I’m encouraged by more organizations wanting to learn more about how they can address DE&I and DE&I programs that are being tailored to the events industry.

What overall advances would you like to see in the industry regarding DE&I?

I’d like to see improvements in hiring practices related to DE&I in our industry, specifically at the executive/senior management level that lacks diversity.

How do you think that companies can help advance DE&I?

Work with your local chapters to learn about the available DE&I resources. Sponsor DE&I programs, fund scholarships, encourage employees to join DE&I committees and volunteer opportunities, and build internal programs focusing on DE&I initiatives. 

What suggestions do you have for individuals who would like to learn more about and/or help increase awareness and advances in DE&I within the industry?

Start with your organization to learn if there are any internal DE&I programs; depending on what is learned, you can work within your organization to increase awareness or take what your organization is doing and help local event industry organizations. IAEE, MPI, and PCMA have great programs and are always looking to improve them.

Learn more about IAEE’s DE&I initiatives and how you can play a role in advancing the industry!

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Editorial Note: Originally published in the June 2023 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.

You never know how those of us in the exhibitions and events industry found our way into it, and the stories are often surprising. In my case, I was the first person in my family to attend a four-year university in lieu of taking over my father’s dry-cleaning business based on his advice to pursue a career I am passionate about. I attended the Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business because my friend’s parents owned a catering business and that appealed to me. Now, 47 years later, I’ve had a wonderful career working with hotels, convention bureaus and associations.

This would not be possible without great mentors along the way. I warmly recall Kathy Ray, who was the resident manager of one of the hotels I worked for out of Chicago. Kathy taught me the value of developing a personal brand. She stressed the importance of only making promises that can be delivered because while promises may close deals, unfulfilled commitments are detrimental to continued business. Whether you are in sales, marketing, membership, finance, etc., your brand is your personal reputation. The better that reputation is, the more career opportunities you’re going to have. I am grateful for those words of wisdom that have guided me since.

We manage ourselves at the front end of our careers, and in building my personal brand I concentrated on operating with honesty and integrity in order to build trust and credibility. I embraced the golden rule, treating others as I would like to be treated, which is not difficult when you are genuinely interested in the people behind the business. This has allowed me to build relationships that have not only benefited me professionally, but personally. At this point in my life, the lines between fruitful business partnerships and close personal friendships are fairly blurred – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I moved into managing teams, it was important to me to continue building on that foundation. My goal with team members is to empower them with room to grow into the next generation of leaders, while also providing the support and guidance they require from me. As an executive leader, it is my duty to vet team members that demonstrate a high sense of ‘can do’ attitude, creativity and thought leadership that I can amplify for the greatest benefit of the organization. I can honestly say that my managerial style is one of cultivating the best teams I can through mutual respect and collaboration.

Fast forward a few decades and a question I believe seasoned executives should ask themselves is, “Am I leaving the team better than it was when I started?” I was fortunate in inheriting a strong team, but when I conclude my 11-year tenure at IAEE at the end of this year, I feel I am leaving the best team IAEE has ever had and one of the best Board of Directors that I helped nurture, recruit and recommend. Much like a superb relay race runner, I am handing the baton to my successor at the team’s peak stride.

I am blessed to have a fulfilling career that has come through hard earned accolades sprinkled with the inevitable failures that translate into valuable learning experiences and I look forward to seeing you in the future as I pursue my next career stop in our industry. In the meantime, I humbly share my story in hopes it serves those in the process of composing their own career narrative and encourage all executive leaders to duly consider how they will pass the baton.

David DuBois, CMP Fellow, CAE, FASAE, CTA
IAEE President & CEO
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Co-President

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2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis Smith is the Vice President of Business Development for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). Previously Dennis held the title of Sr. Director for Exposition Sales and Business Development at AVIXA, the global trade association for the pro AV and integrated experiences industry. Dennis began his trade show career in Europe and spent close to 18 years living in Europe working for some of the top global trade show organizations.

Apart from launching his own trade show company in 1997, Dennis has held several executive level positions and has been directly responsible for organizing more than 250 different international events in more than 30 countries covering a multitude of industries to include textiles, automotive, manufacturing, technology, food and construction.

Born in Colorado and having served in the U.S. Army, Dennis has an MBA in International Business and is highly experienced in global strategy for events around the globe. He is married with two children and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Here, Dennis talks with IAEE about the importance of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the exhibitions and events industry.

What inspired you to serve on the IAEE DE&I Committee?

As the 2023 Chairperson of the IAEE Board of Directors, I’m excited to be on the DE&I Committee to amplify the DE&I mission within our industry as well as embracing our diverse community and showing those that may not think they belong in our community, that IAEE is an inclusive professional organization and they are welcome to get involved, be heard and be proud of their identity and enjoy a very sustainable career in the exhibitions and events industry.

As someone who has served in the U.S. military and traveled and lived outside the U.S. for many years, I had the opportunity to experience life from a different lens – not always a pleasant lens – and I truly believe I connect well with diverse communities, and I will always be on the side of the underdog and want those that are less fortunate to be successful and have a future in this industry.

What has been your experience and/or observations with how the industry addresses DE&I?

From a macro perspective, I believe many organizations have adopted DE&I policies and strategies, and I’m proud of the progress that has been made thus far. However, there is still more work to be done. We have a great opportunity at hand and with an aging workforce; we have the chance to attract and embrace to our industry the current and newest generation that includes people of color or those that identify as LGBTQIA or LGBTQQIP2SAA.

I constantly talk to young adults of all backgrounds and ask them if they know about our industry, and as expected the general awareness is little to none regardless of what group they represent. The key in my opinion is increased awareness, increased sensitivity to serve those in our community that are not treated equally or are victims of discrimination or bias and increase our efforts as volunteer leaders to keep the DE&I topic top of mind.

What overall advances would you like to see in the industry regarding DE&I?

I would like to see more commitments from our industry related to recruiting a more diverse workforce that better represents the U.S. population base. I would like to see more initiatives and campaigns showing how companies have closed the gender pay gap for women and for minorities. I would like to see more exhibition and event organizers visiting local high schools, vocational schools, junior colleges, black colleges and the other four-year degree colleges and universities to sell our industry and communicate our commitment to DE&I, and communicate that our industry has immense opportunities for those right out of high school to those that have completed a four-year degree and/or other levels of higher education. This is important; it’s a must and we need everyone’s commitment to prepare and employ for the future of our industry.

How do you think that companies can help advance DE&I?

Companies in our industry are special because so many of those employed did not originally choose this industry. Things happen organically for most of us, myself included. More companies in our industry should be telling their DE&I story through various marketing campaigns. Companies can also organize focus groups that talk about culture, code switching and intentional/unconscious bias and discuss why these are so important for all of us to understand. In order to get better, we need to identify what’s holding us back.

More companies can incorporate DE&I into their content and education programs for their events. They can also introduce sponsorships tailored to the promotion of DE&I in their own community. In terms of recruitment or talent acquisition, companies in our industry can promote in their hiring communication that they are DE&I compliant, and they can organize free workshops open to high school and university students and tell them their story and make it clear to those that attend that they can work in our industry.

What suggestions do you have for individuals who would like to learn more about and/or help increase awareness and advances in DE&I within the industry?

Whenever I start or embark on a new mission or initiative, I always look at myself first and make sure that I’m in alignment with this initiative. If I don’t know a lot about the topic, I try to educate myself and then I look for support from my family. I would suggest for individuals that would like to learn more begin with asking themselves a few qualifying questions.

The second step would be to identify programs within their organization and depending on the level of awareness and initiatives ask leadership to do more and volunteer to lead a special task force or committee to create a DE&I policy. Then the final step is to get involved in your IAEE community, whether it’s an IAEE chapter or on the national level. IAEE has relevant educational content and its own DE&I Committee – If it’s right for you please inquire.

Learn more about IAEE’s DE&I initiatives and how you can play a role in advancing the industry!

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IAEE DE&I Committee Member Sonia Fong, MBA is the Senior Vice President of Convention Development for Louisville Tourism. Her responsibilities include managing the convention sales team to achieve annual room night goals, developing and implementing the convention sales and marketing plan, outlining specific sales objectives and priorities for the convention sales staff, and establishing sales policies and procedures to maximize Louisville as a convention destination.

Prior to going to the Louisville Bureau, she was Vice President of Convention Sales & Services for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, serving in a variety of sales positions and overseeing its Washington, D.C. regional sales office during her 21-year tenure. Sonia started her career working for Marriott Hotels. She has her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and her MBA from Florida International University, and is active in various industry organizations including MPI, PCMA, IAEE, ASAE, and SISO. She is currently completing her CDME.

Here, Sonia shares her perspective on how the exhibitions and events industry has made headway with DE&I and where industry members can contribute to achieving greater results.

What inspired you to serve on the IAEE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee?

IAEE is a well-respected global organization. I wanted to be a part of a group made up of individuals that are true believers of DE&I and are dedicated to carry on the mission. It’s a privilege to be part of this committee and be able to voice my beliefs as well as collectively take actions to improve areas needed. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I look forward to making valuable contributions. 

What has been your experience/observations with how the industry addresses DE&I?

I applaud our industry, as many have stepped up and intentionally made DE&I a priority. I have noticed many industry foundations and chairmen’s platforms have DE&I focused programming. For example, Mr. Al Hutchinson, current chairman of Destinations International (DI) is championing a fundraiser to support African American students pursuing a career in hospitality management. Also, under the leadership of Louisville Tourism, a group of professionals formed the Black Tourism Advisory Council (BTAC) to help advance black businesses and encourage black visitors. We are also active in the LGBTQ community and welcome all visitors.

What overall advances would you like to see in the industry regarding DE&I?

I would like to continue seeing advancements in the DE&I for leadership roles, career advancements, equality in salaries and board seat opportunities.

How do you think that companies can help advance DE&I?

DE&I should be part of companies’ strategic goal. Make it part of the company’s DNA and culture by offering advancement opportunities and leadership roles to employees, and helping their community by providing resources. Set goals and a timeline. 

What suggestions do you have for individuals who would like to learn more about and/or help increase awareness and advances in DE&I within the industry?

A great start would be getting involved in your own community. Also, be engaged and volunteer with industry organizations like IAEE, DI, MPI, PCMA, ASAE, and other organizations that have a strong focus on DE&I initiatives.

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Editorial Note: Originally published in the May 2023 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.

This year’s Legislative Action Day, facilitated by the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), will be held on June 1^st. This annual event unites industry leaders in a vital opportunity to meet with members of the U.S. Congress to advocate on the role that face-to-face business events play in the U.S. economy and on behalf of its ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

The ECA is dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the face-to-face business events industry, and represents a coalition that includes major industry organizations such as the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), Destinations International, Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA), International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), PCMA, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), Trade Show Labor Alliance, and UFI.

This year, the ECA identified these four areas of focus for its advocacy plan: ensuring a favorable operating environment for the industry going forward; fully welcoming international exhibitors and attendees back to the U.S.; supporting industry efforts to address sustainability and climate change; and promoting government involvement in developing the industry’s future workforce.

In addition, it set these top five public policy priorities in 2023: prevent anti-growth state-level taxation of the industry; bring back communicable disease coverage to event cancelation insurance; restore visa operations to pre-pandemic levels while making visa processing more modern and efficient; encourage smart decarbonization efforts by governments while ensuring the right balance between environmental aims and industry feasibility; and support government policy and programs to attract, train, and retain the industry’s next generation workforce.

This year will mark the return of Legislative Action Day in person. I cannot stress enough the importance that we show up in Washington, D.C. in strong numbers as it is a bit of a dogfight these days for government resources and support. More than ever, we must unite and make our voices heard through this highly productive program that has proven successful since its inception in 2014, originally as IAEE Exhibitions Day.

It is incumbent upon us to educate our leaders unfamiliar with who we are about the contribution our industry makes to the overall U.S. economy, from direct economic impact to job creation and the proliferation of business, and the need for assistance in getting us back to our pre-pandemic performance levels as quickly as possible. It is our duty to remind those who are familiar with our industry about the power of exhibitions and events, and that exhibitions really do mean business.

Prior to the pandemic, our industry was achieving unprecedented levels of success and was tracking continued upward growth for years to come. The potential for us to regain that status is within reach as we have adapted and improved many of our processes as a result of the pandemic. In fact, when it comes to our industry’ digital transformation, the consensus among those I speak with is that the pandemic accelerated our development at a rate that simply would not have happened any other way. While it has been challenging and downright painful at times, we have proven that our resiliency and fortitude merits the attention of our governing leaders. There are certain things that have to happen on their end to allow us to continue moving forward on ours.

This is where each and every one of us can play an active role in making that happen. Sign up for Legislative Action Day at www.exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org, and I look forward to seeing you on Capitol Hill next month!

David DuBois, CMP Fellow, CAE, FASAE, CTA
IAEE President & CEO
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Co-President

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Legislative Action Day on 1 June 2023 will provide professionals in the exhibitions and events industry the opportunity to meet face-to-face with U.S. lawmakers to persuade them to help maximize our recovery by supporting the industry’s policy priorities.

Established in 2014 as IAEE Exhibitions Day, this advocacy initiative evolved from a once-a-year event to a full-time operation with the formation of the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) in 2021. The ECA is dedicated to the advancement of the face-to-face business events industry, and represents a coalition comprising major industry organizations.

IAEE recently spoke with ECA Vice President of Government Affairs Tommy Goodwin, who leads the industry’s efforts in Washington, D.C., about the issues that will be presented at this year’s Legislative Action Day and what attendees can look forward to. As one would expect from one of the nation’s top lobbyists, Goodwin provides a thorough breakdown of the issues participants will be addressing.

Fix Visa Wait Times

It’s no secret that one of the most brutal obstacles the industry currently faces is the wait times for business travel visas issued abroad. In some countries, it surpasses a year. The norm for many countries is not far behind and in the trade show world, that simply doesn’t work.

“What we are trying to do is get back to a standard that was established under the Obama administration, where 80 percent of all U.S. visas are issued within 21 days,” explains Goodwin. “That’s the gold standard.”

Some markets are already there, but they tend to represent smaller segments or reside in places that don’t have a lot of visitors. Business-to-business (B2B) event professionals in countries like India, Mexico, Brazil, China and Columbia experience difficulty because those areas are still operating much like in the times of COVID when the U.S. was under a travel ban. The U.S. travel ban was lifted in November of 2021, but for many of these countries the visa delays mean that the ban basically remains in effect.

In the simplest of terms, attendees and exhibitors are not able to come back to U.S. events – and this is a real problem. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reports that each exhibitor that comes to the U.S. generates the equivalent of $36K toward the U.S. economy. Take that away and there is significant economic impact being left on the table.

CEIR is also projecting a full recovery for the industry in 2024; roughly 20 percent of what we’re lacking to meet that goal comes from the international audience that currently cannot attend events due to visa wait times. As such, the ECA is making this issue a top priority through these two action items:

Asking Congress to amplify its oversight over the State Department.

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad fall under the umbrella of the U.S. State Department. Consulates manage the interviews, country by country, under the auspices of U.S. laws using processes led out of those embassies. However, since each consulate is fairly autonomous, there is a tremendous loss of consistency that could be remedied with a standard procedure that resolves the disparate wait times we currently experience among certain regions. Goodwin says it comes down to staffing and operations:

“One of the challenges we are hearing is that the staffing levels and processes are so different depending on which embassy or consulate you are applying at, that they can even differ within the same country.

“Some areas do very well because they are throwing everything they can at it including more people, more funding, moving people around, staying open weekends – anything that will work. How do we take that level of excellence, surface it and make it the standard across the board?”

For example, there was a period of time in Mexico in which consulates stayed open on weekends to process visas resulting in capacity increases of 40 percent. Once the expanded schedule stopped, the numbers went back down. These staffing and operations success stories offer opportunities for standardization.

Part of the overall challenge encompasses processes and U.S. law, and part of it requires capitalizing on proven positive results. Why are some cities within a country doing better than others? We need to understand and use this information to create a set of best practices.

Asking Congress to support a bill from the Senate proposing updated visa processes that get us back to the gold standard.

This legislation is under development but proposes efficiencies like video visa interviews and batch processing for B2B events. The ECA will be asking that wait times be reduced and, equally important, that other safeguards be implemented to make sure this never happens again – pandemic or otherwise. Solutions such as new laws, authorizations, applications of biometric and security technologies need to be implemented by the State Department expeditiously.

“We would love to see a situation in which an event organizer collects all of its international attendee information four to six months in advance of the event and shoots it over to the State Department so that attendees don’t have to complete one-off interviews throughout all the individual embassies,” notes Goodwin. “How can the State Department process these in bulk? Our leaders recognize that these are business visitors coming to the U.S. to contribute to our economy. How do we roll out the red carpet for them instead of building a wall?”

Improve Aid for Workforce Development

There are essentially two openings for every job seeker right now due to the fact that when exhibitions and events nearly shut down completely, it lost some of its most experienced members to other industries. While the industry has been striving to replace these roles and/or transition workers from junior roles, it leaves a formidable gap in the workforce funnel regarding entry-level employees. How do we attract new talent to the industry and move them through the learning process so they can build their career like their predecessors?

The federal government can support education and training programs that can help industries like ours advance. The government offers significant funding for colleges and universities in the form of student loans, grants and other support programs. It also supports K-12 student education via block grants and curriculum establishments. In addition, it provides many training programs. However, most of these aids were designed with four-year colleges in mind.

In our industry, workers may enter through degreed programs such as accounting, business, IT, etc. but there are also plenty of entry opportunities through skilled trades such as booth builders, electricians, contractors and organized labor. This is where the disconnect occurs. For example, you can use a Pell grant for either a community college or four-year degree program but you can’t use it for a trade school, apprenticeship program or certification program.

“If we have these skilled labor gaps and are looking for people to fill these positions, we need Congress to re-write these limiting rules so that we can make this happen,” says Goodwin. “And that’s just one example, there are many more ways to help. How do we help create additional pathways into the industry for those not coming from four-year colleges, such as our skilled laborers that are essential to our industry?”

Even technology-based positions may experience this disadvantage. Our industry has become so tech-forward that many workers aren’t willing to wait four years to enter the workforce. Another compelling argument is that this industry offers newcomers solid middle-class starting wages. It’s not uncommon for young professionals to stay through retirement because that’s how lucrative this industry can be, and we need to be able to communicate and facilitate that for our younger workforce.

“This is all very attractive to government, but it needs our help in getting out of its own way and smoothing the path for progress,” notes Goodwin. “The challenge lies in that our government is behind in reauthorizing these laws by several years, so we need to create an environment politically that pushes it along.”

The Good News

Goodwin is quick to point out that Congress understands the industry much better than it did in 2014 and we have made significant headway in the transition from the once-a-year effort to a year-round campaign.

“It is our responsibility as an industry to continue the process year-long. To join our voices on one day is an effective expression and reminder to our leaders,” he states. “But in our government, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and the ECA serves as that squeaky wheel.

“Effectively, our leaders understand the loss we’ve suffered and that we are still on a journey to recovery. I believe participants at this year’s event will appreciate the reception and familiarity they will get – particularly toward the issues we’re presenting – because nobody has to be told in their Congressional offices that we need support. These issues are front and center because of our ongoing efforts and we are making a much deeper impact.”

Be the Voice

Goodwin adamantly stresses the importance of having the “real voices of this industry” on Capitol Hill telling their story because a lobbyist can educate U.S. leaders on the great work you do, but it means much more coming from their constituents.

“We want the voices of those who have done this many times as well as newcomers,” he states. “Do not be intimidated by the process, we will walk you through every bit of it. We will provide quick and simple, pre-recorded webinars to prepare you beforehand. We schedule the meetings, we provide the policy briefings, we bus you around, we celebrate you afterwards! Even if you arrive a novice, you will leave a bonified industry advocate.”

Join the movement alongside fellow colleagues determined to play a vital role in our industry’s advancement!

SIGN UP FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY TODAY

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Editorial Note: Originally published in the April 2023 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.

Change is all around us this time of year. The seasons are transitioning, animals and flowers reappear as temperatures warm, and the amount of daylight bestowed upon us increases each day. Spring is upon us in the U.S., and you do not have to look far to appreciate the reminders of renewal and growth surrounding us.

The business universe rarely takes its cues from nature, but the understanding that adaptability is key to survival and evolution is equally important in business as it is in the natural realm. I fully acknowledge we are going into our third year of adapting at alarming rates as an industry besieged by the effects of the pandemic. We have been turned upside down and inside out, and it has been downright painful. But that is not what I am referring to.

The adaptability and change I am talking about are the highly beneficial aspects involved with social responsibility. IAEE breaks down social responsibility to four areas: environmental sustainability, personal responsibility, community relations and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Environmental Sustainability. The trade show industry has been moving its events in a more environmentally sustainable direction for some time now, albeit slowly. Some shows are more cognizant than others about reducing their environmental impact. There is a renewed sense of enthusiasm for making concerted advancements in this area, as illustrated by the Events Industry Council’s Sustainability Education and Certification Journey, of which IAEE is a proud participant. Executives are wise to incorporate robust sustainability action plans into their events.

Personal Responsibility. Health and safety at exhibitions have become a greater consideration as our industry recovers from the pandemic. One way in which IAEE has addressed this is by teaming with GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council), a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. In addition to offering a training course designed to prepare for, respond to and recover from biohazards in the workplace, IAEE offers the Infection Disease Awareness Course from GBAC Academy. We understand that COVID is not going to magically disappear and that other diseases are bound to follow. While we cannot do anything about their existence, we are more prepared than ever to face the challenges they may present.

Another aspect to personal responsibility is producing exhibitions that adhere to strict anti-suitcasing policies. In addition, show organizers should clearly communicate their expectations for event stakeholders on acceptable actions and behaviors (presenting a responsible drinking culture, for example).

Community Relations. I believe one of our industry’s greatest accomplishments is the impact we have on the communities in which our shows are held. As the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has reported, our economic impact is both powerful and empowering. It has also become commonplace for shows to hold activities that benefit local charities and organizations. Attendees are eager to make a difference and leave a positive imprint on the communities that graciously host our face-to-face marketplaces.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As I have noted in other columns, embracing DE&I is integral to our future and executives are wise to take action if you haven’t already. There is so much talent waiting to take our organizations to unprecedented levels of growth. Creating an environment in which DE&I flourishes is a win-win for everyone.

This time of year is all about fresh and new beginnings that lead to growth. This month, I call on fellow executive leaders to embrace this opportunity to revamp their organizations’ social responsibility policies and practices as needed for continued success.

David DuBois, CMP Fellow, CAE, FASAE, CTA
IAEE President & CEO
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Co-President

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