ECA Advocacy Update: Exhibitions And Events In A Politics-First World

Thomas F. (Tommy) Goodwin is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), a newly formed association dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s advocacy on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the $396 billion business events landscape.

Prior to joining ECA, he spent more than 20 years leading a wide range of government relations, public affairs, and issue advocacy efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle Corp., AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which business operates. In 2020, The Hill included him in its annual list of association “Top Lobbyists.” He has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London. He also holds a Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and a Project Management Professional certification from PMI. He currently serves as President of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and the Immediate Past Chair of ASAE’s Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council.