WASHINGTON, D.C.— On March 4, 2025, the Trump Administration imposed a 25% tariff on almost all imports from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China (bringing that tax to 20%). The same day, Canada and China announced tariffs on U.S. imports in response.
On the afternoon of March 5, the Trump Administration paused tariffs on Mexican and Canadian carmakers for one month.
While this is a developing situation, Trade Show Executive spoke with exhibitions thought leaders to see how these moves could impact our industry — and how organizers can plan for success.
Julie Kagy, CEM, Executive Director of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA)
“The newly enacted tariffs will likely have a ripple effect on exhibit costs, particularly in areas such as raw materials, fabrication and transportation. Many of our members — contractors, exhibit builders and suppliers — are closely monitoring the impact on aluminum, steel, and other materials commonly used in exhibit structures. Additionally, higher import costs may influence rental pricing and supply chain decisions.
“We’ve also seen companies proactively seeking alternative sourcing strategies, optimizing logistics and increasing domestic production to mitigate these cost pressures. While the full impact remains to be seen, flexibility and strategic planning will be key for exhibitors and contractors alike.”
Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
“The new tariffs imposed on imports from Canada, Mexico and China could have a profound impact on the exhibitions and events industry. With U.S. exhibitors relying heavily on global supply chains, the additional 25% duties on Canadian and Mexican goods — including those qualifying under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement — along with the increased 20% tariff on Chinese imports, will significantly raise costs for exhibitors and international pavilions.
“These trade barriers threaten participation in exhibitions and disrupt global business connections. IAEE, alongside the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), is committed to advocating for policies that support a thriving exhibitions industry and will work to ensure these concerns are addressed at the highest levels.”
Related. How Could the Recent Tariffs Impact the Events Industry? Industry Leaders Weigh In
Shameka Jennings, MTA, CMP, DES, CAE, Principal and Chief Events Officer at EventsNoire
“With tariffs now in effect, the exhibitions industry faces rising costs, supply chain disruptions and shifts in global participation. Booth construction, signage, AV and catering will become more expensive, while international exhibitors may opt out of U.S. trade shows altogether due to higher import costs.
“Supply chain delays mean planners and exhibit managers need contingency plans, flexible vendor contracts and creative workarounds to maintain seamless execution. If these trends continue, we could see smaller exhibitor footprints, reduced sponsorship ROI and fewer attendees as budgets get stretched thinner.
“But here’s the reality — this is not just a challenge; it’s a call to innovate. This is what I said before and I stand by it. We must rethink sponsorship models, explore domestic and sustainable sourcing, and extend engagement beyond the show floor with hybrid and digital activations.
“AI and automation can help optimize logistics, while flexible budgeting strategies will allow exhibitors to shift resources into high-value activations rather than cutting presence entirely. The industry must pivot and the best planners and exhibit managers won’t just adapt — they’ll lead the way.”
Tommy Goodwin, Vice President at ECA
“Tariffs increase costs for business and professional event organizers, exhibitors, and attendees alike. Moreover, they particularly harm small businesses, which account for 99% of U.S. business and professional events industry companies and 80% of all exhibitors.
“This year, our industry is on track to employ 2.63 million Americans and drive $426.1 billion in spending nationwide. That’s why ECA opposes tariffs, which will negatively impact our ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, empower small businesses and help to solve our most urgent societal challenges.”
Vincent Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers
“We believe it is premature to overreact to the latest moves regarding tariffs. We remain believing that we should find common ground with our trading partners and avoiding destabilizing the issue any further. We will continue to watch things closely and believe this is merely an opening act and not a final outcome.”
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