2026 Public Policy Agenda

Every day, business and professional events drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses from coast to coast and around the world. That's why ECA is active in Washington, D.C., and in state houses and city halls nationwide, in support of policies that positively impact our industry's collective ability to create new jobs, reduce economic uncertainty, safeguard affordability for our small businesses and those we serve, and ensure that the U.S. remains the premier global destination for exhibitions, conferences, meetings, expositions, trade shows, and more.

In 2026, ECA's public policy agenda is focused on six key areas that are critical to strengthening the U.S. business and professional events industry going forward and allowing us to continue to serve as growth engines for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and communities nationwide. They are:

Trade and tariffs — ECA supports trade policies that preserve affordability and reduce uncertainty for the industry and its customers.

International travel — ECA supports policies that lower barriers to attracting international exhibitors, attendees, and buyers, including reducing visa wait times, modernizing visa processing, and eliminating unnecessary fees and overly restrictive policies that deter travel to the U.S. for events.

Taxes — ECA supports federal, state, and local tax policies that enhance industry competitiveness while opposing measures that disproportionately harm the U.S. business and professional events ecosystem.

Workforce development — ECA supports policies that strengthen the industry’s ability to recruit, train, and retain its next-generation workforce.

Sustainability — ECA supports common-sense policies and industry-led efforts that help ensure the industry maintains control of its path to Net Zero.

Operating environment — ECA supports a competitive, predictable policy environment that supports innovation and growth throughout the industry.

For more information on ECA's 2026 public policy agenda, please click on the graphic below. Thank you.