WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 28, 2026, leaders from the U.S. events industry will head to Capitol Hill for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s (ECA) Legislative Action Day (LAD).
Once again, this year’s LAD will be its largest ever.
“ECA LAD is our industry’s Super Bowl in Washington, D.C.,” Tommy Goodwin, President and CEO of ECA, explained. “This year, more than 200 industry leaders and advocates from across the country have signed up to join us on Capitol Hill for a one-of-a-kind day of congressional advocacy and cross-industry networking. I can’t wait to see it, and I’m grateful that so many folks in our industry are taking time out of their busy schedules to join us for LAD.”
Are you headed to D.C. for ECA LAD? Here’s what you need to know!
1. Expect to Highlight the Importance of Reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
“Many trade show organizers take out event cancellation insurance that includes terrorism coverage for their events,” Goodwin said. “Most people don’t know that any terrorism insurance payouts are not just covered by the insurance company issuing the policy. They are also backstopped by the federal government and have been since 2002. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act is set to expire next year, but there’s strong bipartisan support for this legislation on Capitol Hill. On LAD, we will be highlighting the importance of reauthorizing this important program this year to ensure that our industry has access to affordable terrorism insurance coverage.”
2. Anticipate Discussions on Tariffs and Workforce Development
“Regarding tariffs, ECA wants to ensure that Congress understands how tariffs raise costs on our industry and does not provide the executive branch with additional tariff-levying powers,” Goodwin explained. “On the workforce development front, last year Congress established new Workforce Pell Grants to provide support for skilled workforce training. This year, we need Congress to provide ample funding for these new grants, which will be available starting July 1. In addition, we will also talk about the Jumpstart Savings Act, an ECA-supported bill that would create 529-like accounts for individuals to save for careers in the skilled trades.”
Related. Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) Announces ECA 2.0
3. A Professional Will Share Advocacy Best Practices
Ed Royce, former Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who has performed thousands of meetings from the other side of the table, will speak to attendees.
“Who better to talk about how to be a successful advocate than a former congressional leader?” Goodwin asked.
4. Remember— You’re the Expert
“Everyone at LAD knows far more about the industry than everyone in Congress does,” Goodwin shared. “They’re the ones who can truly tell the story of the industry and its impact on economic growth, job creation and small business support.”
5. Prepare for Exclusive Networking
“Along with the meetings on Capitol Hill, LAD is a wonderful opportunity for leaders across the industry to spend time with each other and network in an environment unlike any other,” Goodwin said. “LAD uniquely brings together event organizers, suppliers, associations, venues, destinations, event tech companies and more to walk the halls of Capitol Hill to make an impact for the industry. If you haven’t been to LAD, I encourage you to make plans to join us next year because it is a remarkable experience, not only for impacting the future of the industry but also connecting with your colleagues in a special environment.”
6. Get Ready to Make a Difference
“Each year, ECA highlights issues that Congress can take action on immediately,” Goodwin shared. “While we have other longer-term priorities, we want the industry leaders and advocates coming to Capitol Hill to weigh in on items that are front and center on the agenda. That way, they will know soon after LAD how effective and impactful their efforts were. I’m confident that this year’s asks around trade and tariffs, future workforce development and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act will be favorably acted on by Congress this year. If so, everyone at LAD will know that they truly made a difference.”
An Impactful Day
LAD’s goal is for Congress to hear the voices of the industry directly.
“ECA lobbies on behalf of Trade Show Executive readers every day, but LAD is special because that is when congressional offices get to hear directly from the people who do this incredible work nationwide,” Goodwin said. “I’m thrilled that so many people are taking part this year, and ECA believes that their advocacy will be critical to help into getting key policies across the finish line in 2026.”
To get more events industry news, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
