Post-Independence Day Fireworks? ECA Political and Policy Update

Recorded On: 07/08/2026

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, President & 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

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.