As the unified advocacy voice of the face-to-face business events industry, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to ensure that policymakers understand and support the important role that our events have on driving economic growth, supporting job creation, empowering small businesses, and helping to solve our most urgent societal challenges. ECA’s 2023 public policy priorities will support the advancement of the industry by working to ensure a favorable operating environment, the full return of international exhibitors and attendees, a strong future workforce, and a more sustainable industry in the future.

Ensure a favorable operating environment for the industry going forward Prevent anti-growth state-level taxation of our industry, including new exhibition services and digital ad taxes Bring back communicable disease coverage to event cancellation insurance Support industry small businesses on their continued road to full recovery from the pandemic Reduce the impact of inflation on industry stakeholders Decrease supply chain uncertainty and unfair barriers to the resources required to meet customer needs Guarantee a welcoming environment for events in cities and states nationwide (no Covid-related closures, no political boycotts or restrictions, and safe local cities) Increase music licensing transparency around who owns what, where the money goes, and billing practices Establish privacy protections for consumers while allowing businesses to continue to grow and innovate Help the industry better afford health and safety-related improvements and preparation for future pandemics

Fully welcome international exhibitors and attendees back to the U.S. Restore visa operations to pre-pandemic levels while making visa processing more modern and efficient (videoconferencing, group processing, VWP expansion)  Prevent against future Covid-related travel restrictions  Streamline and harmonize travel policies between the U.S. and key international partners and regions  Additional federal support for attracting international events to the U.S.  Ensure favorable global standardization efforts

Support industry efforts to address sustainability and climate change Encourage smart decarbonization efforts by governments while ensuring the right balance between environmental aims and industry feasibility  Champion industry-led approaches to create a more sustainable and socially-impactful industry going forward  Support the direction of infrastructure and clean energy funding to industry stakeholders

Promote government involvement in developing the industry’s future workforce Support government policy and programs to attract, train, and retain the industry’s next generation workforce

1. MIDTERM ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY

On November 8, voters will go to the polls to decide which party will control Congress in 2023.

• Why it matters: The midterm election outcomes will also determine the size and scope of Congress’ “lame duck” session, which begins in mid-November.

• ECA wants small business relief on the agenda, including repurposing $6 billion in frozen SBA funds and restoring the Q4 2021 ERTC benefit.

Go deeper: Brownstein (ECA’s lobbying firm) recently hosted an expert panel discussion on what to expect after the midterms. You can listen to excerpts of that conversation here.

2. BUSINESS EVENTS ON THE AGENDA AT COP27

Next week, the face-to-face business events industry will be front and center at COP27 in Egypt.

• What’s new: Net Zero Carbon Events, an industry initiative to address climate change, will launch its roadmap for the events industry on November 11, Decarbonization Day.

• 400 organizations have already signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge!

In September, a task force released a report identifying key areas of focus for the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable, low carbon economy in the U.S. and Canada.

Sign up: You can register to watch the official roadmap release event online here.

3. MUSIC LICENSING ISSUES TAKE CENTER STAGE IN COURT

Last week, a court case about concert royalties kicked off that will shape the future of music licensing.

• The big picture: In BMI vs. North American Concert Promoters Association, BMI is asking for a 7x increase in royalties and a piece of unrelated concert revenue streams (e.g., VIP packages).

• The bottom line: If BMI wins, music PROs are likely come after convention centers even more vigorously seeking a cut of unrelated venue income like parking fees and concession sales.

ECA strongly opposes this effort and supports the MIC Coalition’s work to increase music licensing transparency around (1) who owns what, (2) where the money goes, and (3) PRO billing practices.

Read more: Check out the latest MIC Coalition blog post on the complex and opaque music licensing system here.

4. ECA VISA ADVOCACY PROFILED BY TSNN

Earlier this week, TSNN highlighted ECA’s advocacy efforts to address the unacceptable delays that international exhibitors and attendees face in obtaining a visa to come to the U.S. for business events.

• Go deeper: You can read the full article here.

Bottom line: The restoration of visa interview and processing capacity to pre-pandemic levels remains a top priority for ECA.

June 22, 2022  

For Immediate Release:

Philadelphia, PA (May 21, 2022) –Philadelphia trade show carpenters of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters participated in a Customer Service Training program facilitated by Bob Jacobson Senior Program Director United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center Las Vegas, NV

120 carpenters gathered early Saturday morning for a four-hour Customer Service Training program. The training, an encouraged session by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), teaches Union Carpenters the value of displaying exceptional customer service while working on trade show projects.

This was the second year in a row the EAS Carpenters provided this training for interested members in Philadelphia.

“We value having our members trained in customer service and this opportunity allows them to experience top training and expertise relevant to our industry,” explained Robert Tarby, Director of Trade Shows and Special Assignments of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“The Carpenters Union have a reputation for their highly skilled craftsmanship,” said Mayor Jim Kenney who spoke to the carpenters in attendance, “They are on the right track in customer service initiatives and are doing a great job at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.”

“You know you’re doing something right when your guest asks you, how can you help us deliver this message to our staff” explained Anthony Squilla, Trade Show Council Representative.

Many invited guests attended, witnessing the Philadelphia local carpenters being educated on how to deliver world class customer service. In attendance were many elected state and local officials, trade show general contractors, exhibitor appointed contractors, along with The National Trade Show Alliance and ESCA (Exhibitor Service Contractors Association)

 EXHIBITION & EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association and epIQ Creative Group Announce Partnership 

Dallas, TX, June 8, 2022 – The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) has named epIQ Creative Group as its Official Marketing Partner to play a key role in executing a new marketing strategy built to drive demand and long-term growth for ESCA. epIQ Creative Group will provide end-to-end capabilities across creative, media, and data services as the Official Marketing Partner for future ESCA events and ESCA’s Worker Identification & Security Program. 

ESCA’s Executive Director, Larry Arnaudet, commented, “We are thrilled about the new partnership between ESCA and epIQ and what it means for our organizations. As a leader in our industry and as the voice of our membership, it is essential to ESCA that we do everything possible to engage on all fronts. With the knowledge and expertise of epIQ, we are excited for the next evolution of ESCA.” 

At epIQ Creative Group, we take a community-first approach by bringing together like-minded individuals and providing monthly premium marketing services for all forms of content, creative assets, and knowledge. We take a unique approach that values community and collaboration to ensure our clients grow professionally and thrive in their respective industries. Our Quantum Circle™ Membership enables professionals, brands, and companies to grow without needing the expansive budget that large corporations typically have. Join us and learn how you can grow in a community and beyond! 

Scott Lebwohl and Bill McGlade, owners of epIQ, commented, “We are excited to bring our creative expertise to ESCA as we help guide the organization into its next evolution. Engaging it’s members and prospective members with valuable content and events, and fostering community growth and leadership through multiple channels will amplify ESCA’s voice for it’s members. It is truly exciting times ahead for ESCA and it’s members!” 

epIQ Creative Group will be on-site and exhibiting at ESCA’s Summer Educational Conference hosted in beautiful Asheville, NC, this June 26 – 29. 

About ESCA – Since 1970, ESCA has provided a unified voice for service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. Currently, ESCA has more than 175 member companies throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and maintains alliances with IAEE, IAVM, EDPA, and SISO to promote the exhibition industry. ESCA is dedicated to advancing the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries. Through education, information exchange, and professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry. 

About epIQ Creative Group – epIQ Creative Group drives demand to your brand! We deploy our multi-channel marketing system that focuses on delivering smart messaging and value to your audience. Our method includes a mix of content syndication and distribution, outbound personalized and targeted messaging, and effective social media management. The epIQ method increases the velocity of both pipeline and revenue growth for brands of all industries looking to scale and drive demand to their brand. 

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For more information about ESCA, contact ESCA Executive Director Larry Arnaudet at larry@esca.org. 

For more information about epIQ, contact epIQ Co-Owners Scott Lebwohl at slebwohl@glenmoreind.com or Bill McGlade at bmcglade@epiqcreativegroup.com. 

 WASHINGTON, DC UPDATE: JUNE 17, 2022 

ECA’S LEGISLATIVE ACTION WEEK RECAP 

Thanks to all of you who were such an important part of ECA Legislative Action Week last week! 

As part of last week’s efforts, industry leaders and advocates from across the country met with 85 Congressional offices to talk about ECA’s 3-Point Recovery Plan, which includes: 

• Supporting efforts to provide relief to our industry’s hard-hit small businesses 

• Helping to restore communicable disease coverage within event cancellation insurance 

• Bringing back international exhibitors and attendees 

You can access an archived recording of our CNTV-produced kickoff broadcast here. In addition, please check out these Legislative Action Week recaps from ASAE and Trade Show Executive. 

ECA looks forward to welcoming the industry back in-person for our 2023 Legislative Action Day! 

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RELAXES PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING REQUIREMENTS! 

• Last Friday, the Biden administration announced that it was lifting the pre-depature Covid-19 testing requirements for all inbound international air travelers starting Sunday, June 12 o From Sunday, June 12, air travelers no longer need to show a negative Covid-19 test or documentation of recovery from Covid-19 before boarding a flight to the U.S. 
• ECA applauds this removal of one of the critical barriers to getting people from around the world back to business at U.S. exhibitions and conferences! o For more on ECA’s perspective, please see these articles from CEO Update, Exhibition World, MeetingsNet, Trade Show Executive, and TSNN that quote ECA 

NEW POST-LEGISLATIVE ACTION WEEK BILL CO-SPONSORS 

• Since ECA Legislative Action Week concluded, several lawmakers have already added their names to ECA legislative priorities as co-sponsors: o ERTC Reinstatement Act (+4 House members): Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rep. David Trone (D-MD) 
• • Pandemic Risk Insurance Act (+1 House member): Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) 
  • Along with these bills, ECA continue to prioritize its advocacy efforts on small business relief and restoring visa interviewing and processing capacity to pre-pandemic levels 

PRESIDENT BIDEN CONSIDERING EASING SOME TARIFFS ON CHINESE GOODS 

• Earlier this week, reports surfaced that President Biden is considering removing some of Section 301 tariffs on goods from China that were enacted by the Trump administration o

• • While this may likely include consumer items (e.g., bicycles), it is unclear whether industrial items used by the some in the industry (e.g., aluminum) will be included 

Thomas F. (Tommy) Goodwin · Vice President, Government Affairs · Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance · tommy.goodwin@ecalliance.us · +1 (703) 539-5875