Post-Independence Day Fireworks? ECA Political and Policy Update

Includes a Live Web Event on 07/08/2026 at 10:30 AM (CDT)

On July 4, there will be lots of fireworks as the U.S.A. celebrates its 250th anniversary. But don’t worry… there will still be plenty of political and policy fireworks left over as Tommy Goodwin, FASAE, CAE, PMP, CMP, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) joins IAEE to share the latest news from the White House, Capitol Hill, and beyond. What happens in Washington, DC, has never had a greater impact on what happens on the show floor, so don’t miss this important update from ECA!

Learning objectives:

Understand how the latest political and policy developments impact IAEE members
Find out what to expect from Washington, D.C., during the second half of 2026
Learn how you can get involved on behalf of IAEE and the exhibitions and events industry

This session is free for IAEE Members and is $79 for non-members.

Tommy Goodwin, FASAE, CAE, PMP, CMP

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance

Thomas F. (Tommy) Goodwin is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), FASAE, CAE, PMP, CMP. The ECA is an 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.