WASHINGTON, DC—The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the unified advocacy voice of the business and professional events industry, applauds recent legislation from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways & Means and Committee on Education & the Workforce that will strengthen the competitiveness of the industry going forward.

As part of the ongoing Congressional budget reconciliation process, the House of Representatives advanced two bills in recent days that would maintain several ECA-supported tax policies while creating two new workforce development pathways for the industry’s next-generation workforce.

• The House Committee on Ways & Means’ “One Big, Beautiful Bill” would retain the current tax treatment of business profits, private investments, and association events while transforming Section 529 college savings programs into career savings programs by paying for certain licenses and certifications.

• The House Committee on Education & the Workforce’s “Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan” would expand the Pell Grant program to pay for high-quality short-term skilled workforce training for the first time.

“The House of Representatives has taken two big steps forward toward ensuring our industry’s collective ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses into the future,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s Executive Vice President. “These issues will be front and center on ECA Legislative Action Day on May 29, where industry leaders and advocates will encourage Congress to keep the positive momentum going.”

For more on ECA’s tax reform and future workforce policy priorities, please click here.

About the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance:

The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading professional and industry associations comprising the unified advocacy voice of the business and professional events industry. To learn more about ECA and its work to advance the interests of the industry, please visit https://www.exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org/.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Tommy Goodwin: +1 (703) 672-0780 | tommy.goodwin@exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org.