ECA首席执行官Tommy Goodwin在TSE金100奖暨峰会分享华盛顿最新政策动向

PALOS VERDES — In an education session at the 2026 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Gold 100 Awards & Summit, Tommy Goodwin, President and CEO of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), spotlighted “What’s New on Capitol Hill.”

There were plenty of tactical takeaways from Goodwin’s presentation, from what to watch in the year ahead to inbound travel trends to individual action.

Here are five takeaways from this executive-level conversation, courtesy of Rozie Synopsis.

1. Tariff Impacts Continue

Tariffs on critical materials like aluminum, steel and timber have driven up costs for trade shows, compressing profit margins and introducing financial strain across the industry.

Goodwin explained that organizers can strategically adapt through creative measures such as supply chain recalibration and pricing adjustments.

“We are starting to see policy proposals that are getting a little closer to the bull’s eye of what we do every day,” Goodwin said. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

2. International Travel Remains Volatile

Goodwin shared that international travel from Canada to the U.S. has sharply declined. Plus, the non-renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, ongoing tariff disputes and stringent U.S. visa policies have created issues for international attendees.

Travel restrictions now impact 39 countries and further expansions are expected.

Goodwin urged show organizers to adopt a data-driven approach and prioritize international markets with the highest growth potential, while deprioritizing less productive areas.

3. Organizers Can Serve as Economic Diplomats

Goodwin highlighted how organizers can serve as economic diplomats and guide international attendees through complex processes.

“You might be the first American that these folks talk to when they’re coming and looking for information as to whether they can still come to your event,” Goodwin said.

4. ECA Has Made Strides in Skilled Workforce Development

ECA’s work has helped fuel significant legislative achievements, including the expansion of 529 plans to include industry certifications and a major enhancement of the Pell Grants program.

“Thanks to the advocacy that you all have done, 1.5 million skilled new workers in this country by 2035 will benefit from skilled workforce training,” Goodwin said.

5. Get Involved!

The ECA Advocacy Network has a Social Influencer Program, an Op-Ed Program and a Show Floor Program, the latter of which brings policy professionals to trade shows to demonstrate their incredible economic impact.

“The domestic policy environment is incredibly strong, and it’s going to remain strong for at least the next two years,” Goodwin said. “When you bring policymakers that matter into the trade show environment and let them experience it firsthand, that really converts people into champions for our industry.”

In December, Tommy Goodwin will share a big-picture look at our industry in TSE’s 2026: A Year in Review article. Subscribe here: https://tradeshowexecutive.subsmediahub.com/TSE/?f=paid

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