WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) launched the ECA Ambassadors Circle, a program that will recognize, empower and engage some of the events industry’s most dedicated supporters and is part of the ECA 2.0 initiative.
This group will advance ECA’s advocacy efforts throughout the year and has access to specialized programming, advanced advocacy training and new opportunities.
“ECA is incredibly fortunate to have some remarkable industry leaders who advocate on behalf of the industry,” Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s President and CEO, said. “This first cohort of ECA Ambassadors Circle leaders have been front and center in Washington, D.C., and nationwide advocating for the industry. These ambassadors will be critical as ECA continues to tell the industry’s story inside the Beltway, as well as in state houses and city halls from coast to coast.”
Trade Show Executive (TSE) got perspectives from some of these advocates.
Jay Blankenship, Principal Owner, Revenue Growth and Event Strategist at Breakpoint Growth: “I’ve spent much of my career seeing what happens when the right people get in the same room: Businesses grow, partnerships are formed, careers are changed and communities benefit. Business events aren’t simply gatherings; they are economic infrastructure, and being part of the ECA Ambassadors Circle gives me an opportunity to help make sure that impact is understood, valued and advocated for.”
Marie Browne, Senior Vice President, Head of ReedPop: “Being an ECA Ambassador means using my voice and experience to advocate for an industry that creates meaningful connections, drives economic growth and opens doors for businesses and people. I’m proud to help ensure policymakers understand not only the scale of our industry, but the very real impact it has on the communities and industries we serve. I am grateful for the great work that is done by ECA year-round.”
Rob Cohen, Co-Founder of Xperiential Marketplace, LLC: “Being a part of the ECA’s work is an essential part of participating in the industry and its future. Advocacy matters and is an ongoing process. It is about building a presence and relationships to keep our government aware of our industry and its needs. We must use innovative ways to reach our elected officials to advance the conversations about the issues of concern to our community.”
Rich Curran, CEO and President of Expo Convention Contractors, Inc.: “Being selected as an ECA Ambassador is meaningful to me because this industry has given me so much throughout my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back, share my perspective and help protect the future of an industry and its people that I care deeply about.”
Robyn Davis, CPTD, CEM, Trade Show Trainer/Consultant (Owner), Exhibitors WINH LLC and Author of “Exhibit Smarter”: “I couldn’t be more proud to be serving our industry as an inaugural member of the ECA Ambassadors Circle (thank you for inviting me, Tommy Goodwin and team)! Day-to-day, I see myself as a bridge between exhibitors and organizers. That means I’m constantly learning about and representing different perspectives to help in making our industry better. … Now, as a part of this team, I’ll get to represent these perspectives (along with my own) in an even bigger way … to make a difference for our industry, but also beyond our industry, helping all of the other professionals (especially small businesses) and local communities that are impacted by our work too.”
Carrie Ferenac, Co-Founder and President, CNTV: “I have always believed that if you care about the future of our industry, you have to be willing to show up and help shape it. Being part of the ECA Ambassadors Circle is an opportunity to turn that commitment into action. Together, we can help policymakers understand the enormous economic and human impact of business events and ensure our industry has a strong, unified voice.”
Marc Ghafoori, Senior Vice President, Client Experience, at HERITAGE: “Being an ECA Ambassador means putting my time where my convictions are. Business events create jobs, careers and more meaningful connections in every congressional district in the country, and walking the halls of Capitol Hill to tell that story in person is honestly some of the most meaningful work I get to do.”
Kate Hawley, CEM, Event Director at Snowbound Expo: “Looking forward to sharpening my advocacy toolkit with the ECA Ambassadors Circle. I’m on a mission to show our congressional leaders just how much events drive positive impact in communities nationwide.”
Liz Irving, CEO of Clarion Events North America: “On a personal level, this means a great deal to me. I’ve always believed in giving back to the industry that has given me so much. This is an opportunity to help protect its future, create new opportunities for growth and make sure the value of business events is understood by those shaping policy.”
Megan Martin, CMP, DES, MPA, Founder and Principal at M Squared Dynamics and Host at Event About It: “I show up to Capitol Hill every year because our industry’s future actually gets decided there. Being named to the inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle means doing that work at a bigger table throughout the year, and I can’t wait.”
Michelle Metter, Partner & Co-Founder, Fast Forward: “Being an ECA Ambassador is an opportunity to help translate the extraordinary economic and community impact of our industry into a stronger, more unified voice with policymakers. As industry leaders, I believe we have a responsibility to advocate for the policies and conditions that allow our entire sector to thrive.”
Abby Nero, Regional Vice President, Map Your Show: “Being part of the inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle is an exciting opportunity and a true honor. Through my years of participating in ECA Legislative Action Day, I have seen firsthand the impact that advocacy can have in advancing our industry. I am proud to continue representing and amplifying the voices of the events community as we work together to drive meaningful, positive change at every level of the industry.”
Lynn Reves, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Results, at exhibitus®: “Being invited to be a part of this inaugural advocacy group is humbling and deeply meaningful to me. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the impact our industry has on jobs, communities and the economy, yet too often it remains the ‘largest industry you’ve never heard of.’ I’m honored to help provide not just a voice, but a face with policymakers, advocating for issues that matter to the small businesses and hardworking professionals who make live events possible, and ensuring they have the opportunity to grow and thrive for years to come.”
Steve Riches, CEO and Principal at Laguna Displays: “Being an ECA Ambassador gives me extra opportunities to advocate for our industry, to educate policymakers about the power of business events and their impact on the global economy.”
Damon Ross, Senior Group Vice President, CORT Events: “Being an ECA Ambassador means serving as a positive representative of the organization and the industry. I will hopefully use being an ECA Ambassador to support the industry and companies within it and help increase political connections that strengthen our shared purpose.”
Stephanie Selesnick, President at International Trade Information, Inc.: “The business events industry is one of the prime drivers of the U.S. economic engine. I’m honored to be selected as an ECA Ambassador and look forward to the Circle’s work helping to keep our industry and needs on the radar of legislators, agencies and their teams.”
Mark Shadwick, CEM, Director, Business Development, at GES: “I’m honored to be selected as a member of the inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle, and I look forward to championing policies that secure our industry’s long-term success. What a great opportunity to work with my fellow advocates to ensure our message is clearly heard at every level of government.”
Rich Stone, CEO at EXPOCAD®: “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be included in the ECA Ambassadors Circle. I have been a participant in ECA’s efforts and have personally seen the positive outcomes of our advocacy on Capitol Hill. If being an ECA Ambassador can help others to participate so that they too can add their voices, we together can inform and educate to provide even more positive momentum for our industry.”
Rachel Wimberly, Senior Vice President, M&A and Business Development, U.S., at Easyfairs: “I am extremely honored to be named as a member of ECA’s Ambassadors Circle. ECA does incredible work on behalf of our industry on Capitol Hill and elsewhere, and I look forward to being a part of supporting their efforts to continue to spread the word about the incredible value and massive economic impact of the trade show and events industry.”
Sandy Yi-Davis, CMP, DES, MBA, Founder and Chief Meeting Strategist at Strategic Meeting International: “It’s a seat at the table. It means walking into rooms with policymakers where decisions about our industry are made, and making sure we’re not just present, but heard. Because our industry may be invisible to most, but it is the backbone of this great nation and its fabric of life, and backbones don’t get to stay silent.”
The other inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle members are:
- Mary Bender, Vice President, Sales & Corporate Operations, Taffy Event Strategies
- Alexis Berggren, General Manager, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
- Andre Burns II, Vice President, Material Handling & Logistics, Shepard Exposition Services
- Shawn Cheng, Regional Director, North America, International Congress and Convention Association
- Matthew Little, Vice President, Nuvista Event Services
- Don Pietranczyk, CEM
- Rich Vallaster III, Senior Director, Industry Relations & Thought Leadership, Momentive Software
- Steve Walker, Executive Director, City Wide Sales, MGM Resorts International®
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