The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has praised President Donald Trump for signing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. According to ECA, the bill secures key tax protections and expands training funding for the events industry.
Outline of the One Big Beautiful Bill
The legislation:
- maintains competitive business tax rates
- preserves tax treatment of private capital investments
- safeguards tax-exempt status for nonprofit associations and their events
- allows students access to Pell Grants for shorter-term training programmes
“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a defining moment for the industry,” said Hervé Sedky, president and chief executive officer of Emerald and chair of the ECA board of directors. “It protects vital tax policies and invests in our future workforce by expanding Pell Grants and modernising 529 savings plans.”
The Act includes all ECA’s 2025 tax reform and workforce policy priorities, addressing critical industry needs around growth and skills development.
Workforce development boost
For the first time, students can use Pell Grants for high-quality, shorter-term job training programmes. Pell Grants are federal grants allocated by financial need in the US that help low-income students pay for college – and don’t need to be repaid.
The legislation also transforms 529 plans from college savings plans to career savings plans by expanding eligible expenses to include licences and professional certifications.
“Our industry’s collective future depends on having a highly skilled workforce to deliver the world-class business and professional events that our customers expect,” said Marsha Flanagan, president and chief executive officer of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and ECA co-president. “The workforce policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will help equip our future workforce with the necessary training and credentials they need to have great careers in our industry.”
Vincent Polito, chief executive officer of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and ECA co-president, said the Act will improve industry competitiveness through tax policies supporting growth and investment.
Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s executive vice-president, credited the alliance’s partners and board members for their advocacy efforts. “All credit goes to ECA’s alliance partners, the ECA board of directors, and each of the amazing industry leaders and advocates whose advocacy on Legislative Action Day and throughout the year was critical to ensuring that our voice was heard.”
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