ECA Update: The Road Ahead: How Public Policy Will Impact Exhibitions And Events In 2027

Includes a Live Web Event on 12/02/2026 at 10:30 AM (CST)

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What does Washington, D.C., have in store for the exhibitions and events industry in next year? From shifting political priorities and new government regulations to trade and international travel policies, decisions made by “inside the Beltway” will continue to impact the industry in 2027. Join Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) President and CEO Tommy Goodwin for a look ahead at the political and policy developments that will impact exhibitions and events in 2027. Drawing on insights from Capitol Hill, the White House, and federal agencies, Tommy will go beyond the headlines to help you understand what's coming, what it could mean for your shows, and how industry leaders like you can prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the key political and public policy developments likely to impact exhibitions and events in 2027.
Assess how potential changes to government regulations, tariffs, international travel policies, and workforce development efforts could affect their organizations and events.
Recognize opportunities to prepare for emerging policy challenges and engage in advocacy efforts that support the industry's long-term success.

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.