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Advocacy

Advocacy is a key pillar in IAEE’s strategic plan. Our organization is committed and engaged with several organizations to promote the value of face to face events as the primary medium for doing business. Below you will find more details on these initiatives.

As part of IAEE’s initiatives, advocacy represents one of three pillars in our strategic plan. IAEE plays an active and integral role in the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, of which Exhibitions Mean Business is now a part of this initiative.

Events Industry Council

The Event Industry Council is comprised of 33 member organizations, representing more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties, which facilitate the exchange of information within the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. The EIC strives to connect people and form strong global partnerships through certification and accreditation programs, voluntary standards and best practices, and fostering collaboration on industry issues.

Economic Impact Infographic

Exhibitions & Conferences Alliances

Established in 2021, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading professional, industry, and labor organizations that comprise the unified advocacy voice of the face-to-face business events industry. The exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows delivered by our alliance partners’ members attract exhibitors, attendees, and buyers from around the world to conduct business in the U.S. In 2022, these events led to $138 billion in direct sales and supported 2.2 million jobs nationwide.

Meetings Mean Business Coalition

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), in conjunction with Exhibitions Mean Business, represents leaders from across the meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions industries, who have united behind a common goal: to showcase the real impact meetings and events have on businesses, economies and communities.

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition

U.S. Travel Association

The U.S. Travel Association is a 2,100-member network that collectively works to promote travel to and within the U.S. The USTA also provides its members with industry-leading economic data, analysis, and information to support initiatives that grow and sustain domestic travel and to inform policymakers and opinion leaders of the economic impact of U.S. travelers.

The U.S. Travel Association