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

Recorded On: 11/05/2025

Policy and political developments continue to significantly impact the business events industry, both positively and negatively. That’s why IAEE is a founding member of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), which advocates on behalf of IAEE members in Washington, D.C. What’s the latest from Capitol Hill? What should IAEE members expect going forward? How can you get involved as an advocate? For the answers to these questions and more, please join IAEE and ECA’s Executive Vice President, Tommy Goodwin for the latest news on the issues that matter to the industry – including taxes, talent, tariffs, travel and what to expect in 2026.

Learning Objectives:

Learn the latest from Capitol Hill
Discover key insights in what to expect for 2026 on taxes, tariffs, and travel.

Eligible to earn 1 Clock Hour towards CEM recertification.

Tommy Goodwin

President & Chief Executive Officer

Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance

Tommy Goodwin is President & Chief Executive Officer for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the public policy association for the business and professional events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the event and meeting organizers, exhibitors, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global events industry landscape. Tommy currently serves as co-chair of the Community Impact Coalition and on the global advisory board of The Iceberg. He is also a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE’s Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council and Advocacy Council.

Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years leading social impact, member value, public affairs, and international engagement efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, 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 businesses and social enterprises operate. Tommy 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 several certifications, including a Project Management Professional from PMI, a Certified Meeting Planner from the Events Industry Council, and a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Recognized by The Hill in its list of association Top Lobbyists every year since 2020, Tommy was also named a Leading Association Lobbyist by CEO Update/Association TRENDS. He has also been elected as a Fellow by ASAE, named an Association Innovation Leader by DCA Live, received the Industry Support Award from Trade Show News Network, and been recognized as an events industry Meetings Trendsetter by Meetings Today.

Upon completion, earn 1 Clock Hour towards CEM recertification.