ECA Legislative Action Day Attendees Make the Case for Exhibitions and Events on Capitol Hill

June 20, 2023

Nearly 100 industry leaders from 24 states — including representatives from leading show organizers, exhibiting organizations, venues and destinations — gathered on June 1 on Capitol Hill for Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) Legislative Action Day. View the full list of attendees here.

During more than 100 meetings, Legislative Action Day attendees advocated for ECA’s federal public policy priorities and the vital role that the business events industry plays in helping to spur economic growth, support job creation and empower small businesses across the country.

Watch or listen to our Q&A with ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin that was recorded on June 1.

ECA Legislative Action Day attendees focused on three policy areas where Congress can take on a leadership role to help advance the business events industry and support the small businesses who rely on our exhibitions, conferences and trade shows:

  • Reduce visitor visa interview wait times
     
  • Help build our future skilled workforce
     
  • Support efforts to stop business impersonation fraud

ECA Breakfast with Tommy Goodwin

“As advocacy continues to become part of the DNA of the industry, it was great to see so many leaders from coast to coast come to Washington, DC to meet with their elected officials about the issues that impact our industry,” said Vinnie Polito, ECA co-president and CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).

“From fully bringing back international exhibitors and buyers to events in the United States to attracting and training our next-generation workforce, today’s conversations on the Hill were critical to the charting the future course of our industry and those we support,” said David DuBois, ECA co-president and International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) president and CEO.

Next year’s Legislative Action Day will take place on May 30, 2024. Once again, the event will be held in conjunction with the Lippman Connects Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF), the one-day information-sharing and networking event for leaders at associations and independent show organizers, which will take place next year on May 29.

“It was amazing to see so many folks on Capitol Hill today on behalf of the industry,” Goodwin said. “I hope everybody makes plans to join us next year in Washington, D.C. as we continue to share the story of how our business events are growth engines for small businesses across every major sector of the U.S. economy with policymakers.”


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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.