Live Events Coalition

Disruption in the Events Industry – AGAIN. Howard Givner shared an article on 3/17/25, outlining major headwinds facing the events industry, and I couldn’t agree more. Here’s a summary of his key points — and why we need to pay attention. Unlike the pandemic, which was a single earthquake, we’re now dealing with a barrage of mini-quakes — policy chaos, tariffs, and government budget cuts — creating ripple effects across the industry: ???Tariff Turmoil – Costs are rising on A/V, fabrication, rentals, food & beverage, making sponsorships harder to sell and events more expensive to produce. ???Government Spending Freezes – The U.S. government is cutting travel and conference spending, forcing cancellations that hurt planners, vendors, and local economies. ???Events Labeled ‘Non-Essential’ – A new executive order forces federal employees to justify conference attendance, assuming events don’t matter. But events are now the #1 marketing channel for ROI and trust, with ~25% of marketing budgets invested in them. Events aren’t optional — they are essential. ???A Leadership Vacuum – Many industry associations remain silent, leaving event professionals without advocacy. ???What can we do? Change happens person by person, voice by voice. Howard mentioned Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, which is doing important work. I’d also add that the Live Events Coalition (LEC) — where I serve as a National Board Member & Vice-Chair of Government Affairs — is the only industry group fighting for ALL event sectors, including: ??Corporate Events (including Non-Profit / Association) ??Fundraising & Political Events ??Celebrations ??Fairs & Festivals ??Sporting Events ??Performances LEC was founded in March 2020, and we got a relief bill passed in the US House. While it narrowly failed in the Senate, it proved that when we come together, we create change. The challenges we face?now also require collective action. ???LEC is STILL here for you! The Live Events Coalition has been working quietly in the background since we all got back to work, but now we’re becoming more vocal again. Watch for updates on this page, as well as on the LEC page for ways to take action. To start, I recently shared a survey request from Mainstreet Alliance to gather small business input. If you’re in the events industry, make your voice heard.??? in Comments. ??Exciting news! We are revamping the LEC website! https://lnkd.in/gJ5FMuG3 ???Visit NOW to join our e-mail list! ?? Soon, you can sign up to volunteer, and let us know how you want to get involved. ???Get ready to share YOUR story. We need real-world examples of how these policies impact businesses. This is how change happens. We must show that these policies aren’t just bad for events — they’re bad for business. In the US, AND globally. Your voice matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard. ???Read Howard Givner’s full article: https://lnkd.in/g3VRvmDY

From the desk of our advocate in Washington DC Dwayne Thomas “Hey friends!?Real quick here, if you are a small business owner that is or will be impacted by the ongoing tariff war, please click this link to take a quick survey.?This is being done by our partners at Main Street Alliance, the folks who brought me out to DC two weeks ago to advocate for us all on The Hill. You will not be asked for money, and this sort of effort (as we at Live Events Coalition discovered during the pandemic) is critical to our/their advocacy!?Thank you in advance!” https://lnkd.in/eRWMWQfU Nancy Shaffer Wendy Porter Dwayne Thomas Russ Callahan Laura Palker

From our Mr Advocate in Washington Dwayne Thomas ! “Skipping ahead in the chronology of my Hill visit for this post (will catch up on yesterday’s cavalcade later), in order to report on a great and productive listening session between Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and the entire MSA/SBM group of fellow advocates. I was honored to have the task of introducing the Senator to our group. Here were his very first words: “House Republicans made a devil’s bargain last night in passing their broken budget resolution. Each of them soundly voted against their own constituents.” Indeed they did. After the session I connected with the Senator’s Small Business aide, and as the only Oregon advocate in the room, was able to create a new alliance for the Events industry, and small businesses more broadly. Now, back across the way to the House side for my last meeting with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D WA-1). After that, I nap HARD.” Thank you!

I am upset about what is happening in my industry. We had three of the best consecutive years in our history. Despite: Global conflicts Absurd inflation Out of control demand Yet too many experienced event professionals are being let go. In favor of AI? (Good luck with that) In favor of cheaper and inexperienced workforce? (Good luck with that too) So here is my message. Hire a planner. I posted about this before and I’ll keep on doing it. If you are hiring for operations, project management, customer success, HIRE FROM THE EVENT INDUSTRY. These are people who don’t flinch under pressure that would make most of us crumble. Dedicated, hard working, projected towards others. Hire from the event industry.