Time to Get Involved (Wherever You Are)!

September 11, 2024

Tommy Goodwin

Tommy Goodwin is Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), an association dedicated to the advancement of the business events industry. He leads ECA’s advocacy and member engagement work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.

From bringing back international exhibitors and attendees to attracting and training the next-generation workforce, there is a lot happening in Washington, DC that will impact the future of the trade show industry.

While ECA brings industry leaders and advocates to our nation’s capital annually for Legislative Action Day, we know that not everybody can take time away from their shows to take part.

Enter the ECA Advocacy Network, ECA’s brand new one-stop digital advocacy platform!

Going forward, the ECA Advocacy Network will be the hub for ECA’s advocacy programs where you (yes, you!) and anyone else in the industry can take action on the policy issues that matter from wherever you are.

What’s included?

ECA Action Center, where you can directly contact your members of Congress about any of ECA’s legislative priorities with just a few clicks. If you have two minutes, we will put you in touch with your elected officials.
Social Influencer Program, which gives you the tools to inform and educate your network, the general public, and lawmakers about key policy issues and opportunities for them to get involved. If you are active online, we will give you the tools to get started.
Show Floor Program, where ECA will help you host a policymaker at your next event. Why? There’s nothing like being on the show floor to see first-hand how our industry operates and learn about the impact we have in the communities where shows take place.

Since joining ECA a few years ago, I have learned that the trade show industry has the best advocates anywhere, hands down! Now, with the ECA Advocacy Network, you can join them from wherever you are: on your phone, at home, in the office, or even on the show floor.

“ECA advocates are the backbone of the trade show industry, and that’s why the ECA Advocacy Network is so important,” said Austin O’Boyle, vice president of Advocacy for Aristotle International, who led the development of the ECA Advocacy Network.

“These programs and tools will allow people throughout the industry who want to take action to make their voices heard on key issues across the country when it truly matters most.”

With some big issues on the agenda next year in Washington, DC regardless of this November’s election results, now is the time to get involved with the trade show industry’s advocacy work… no matter where you are!

Check out the new ECA Advocacy Network at ECAAdvocacyNetwork.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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Partner Voices

HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY

MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy. Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative. Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates. The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities. MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025. MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.

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