ICCA and ECA Partner to Advance Advocacy for Meetings and Events Industry in North America
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen advocacy efforts for the meetings and events industry in North America. This collaboration marks a significant step for ICCA, enabling it to bolster its representation and influence within the region.
As part of the partnership, Senthil Gopinath, ICCA’s CEO, will join the ECA board, enhancing ICCA’s outreach and impact. The alliance will allow ICCA to foster ties with policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring that the needs and priorities of the meetings and events community are addressed.
This strategic partnership aligns with ICCA’s mission to advocate for the global meetings and events sector. Since its inception in 1963, ICCA has played a pivotal role in facilitating networking and connections across its five sectors, helping members connect with associations in need of conference and convention services.
Formed in 2021, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance aims to raise awareness among Washington, D.C. policymakers about the business events industry’s critical contributions to economic growth, job creation, and societal problem-solving. By joining ECA, ICCA becomes part of a coalition that includes various stakeholders from the U.S. and global business events industry.
Through this collaboration, ICCA and ECA aim to strengthen their collective voice and advance policies that support the industry’s growth and sustainability. By leveraging their combined resources and networks, they will work together to advocate for policies that promote smart decarbonization, seamless international travel, and commerce, and address the evolving needs of the meetings and events community.
