The meetings industry will gather for an Exhibitions Day on Capitol Hill in June to push for more recognition of trade shows and exhibitions among lawmakers.
A coalition of meetings industry groups hope to raise awareness of exhibitions and events with federal legislators during the forum at the Capital Hilton on 16-17 June.
It is being organized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) in partnership with key industry stakeholders including the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association, the International Association of Venue Managers and the US Travel Association.
IAEE is hoping the event will encourage more direct engagement with members of Congress and it has identified key areas to focus on.
These include discussions on the Visa Waiver Program, the Travel Promotion Act and the JOLT act.
IAEE also supports the value of government employees attending events as it leads to more effective regulation and innovation.
"Events industry professionals recognize the potential threat to our industry and the economy if restrictions to these programs continue, which is why it is critical for us to engage directly with lawmakers on Exhibitions Day 2014," said IAEE CEO David DuBois.
