Exhibitions contribute $71.3 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Exhibitions Mean Business coalition, a coalition of trade show advocates whose members met with Congressional leaders yesterday as part of their second annual "Exhibitions Day" legislative fly-in.
This year's Exhibitions Day engaged a record 112 participants from 19 states in nearly 100 meetings with policy influencers and lawmakers. It also attracted the attention of more than 350 social media influencers, who posted about the event from 29 states and 18 countries, reaching nearly 4 million people across the globe.
"We are thrilled to report that the second annual Exhibitions Day was a huge success and look forward to further engagement with our Congressional leaders to advance the exhibitions and events industry," said David DuBois, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). "The event's worldwide social media coverage, along with an increase in the number of meetings and overall participants on Capitol Hill, has demonstrated the impact this industry has on the national economy, as well as consumers and businesses around the world."
Among the issues discussed with lawmakers during this year's Exhibitions Day were: the business and economic power of exhibitions and events, the JOLT Act, Open Skies agreements, the Trade Promotion Authority, and government employee attendance at trade shows and events.
"As a member of the exhibitions and events community, I was pleased to take part in advocating for our industry on Capitol Hill," said Megan Tanel, vice president of exhibitions and events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and 2015 IAEE board chair. "Events like Exhibitions Day bring the industry together as one cohesive voice to rally behind the importance of exhibitions and events to local and national economies."
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