by Tommy Goodwin, The Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance
The future success of the tradeshow industry depends on our collective ability to attract, train, and retain our next-generation workforce.
That’s why many industry leaders, companies, and associations have been working tirelessly to improve awareness about our industry and the amazing variety of career opportunities available.
From the Experiential Designers & Producers Association’s (EDPA) future workforce program to the Exhibitions Industry Collective’s workforce initiative, the industry has been ‘all in’ promoting the largest industry that not enough people have heard of.
There’s just one problem: there are not enough young people with the skills and training necessary to have great careers in our industry and help it grow into
the future.
The federal government is now here to help. Yes, really.
On July 4, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which contains two important new policies that will equip the American workforce of tomorrow with the training and credentials that they need to succeed in the tradeshow industry.
Workforce Pell Grants
Going forward, Pell Grants will be able to be used for high-quality, short-term job-focused training programs. This will help lower-income students access training for high-skill, high-wage jobs like carpentry, rigging, electrical work, and more.
Coupled with a $10.5 billion increase in program funding, these workforce Pell Grants will help close our nation’s skills gap and ensure that workers have the job training that they need for careers in high-demand fields like tradeshows.
529 program expansion
In addition, eligible expenses under Section 529 education savings plans have been expanded to include certifications like those offered by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) and International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
This will transform 529 plans from college savings plans into career savings plans and help workers get the industry credentials to help them advance their tradeshow industry careers.
“Expanding access to good skills-based training and development opportunities will help tradeshow employers find new skilled professionals that can be developed into high-value employees and enjoy a rewarding career,” said Chris Griffin, EDPA president. “The workforce policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will accelerate our collective ability to do just that.”
Advocacy in action
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) advocated in support of both workforce policies on Capitol Hill for years.
“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 invests in our future workforce by expanding Pell Grants and modernizing 529 savings plans. This bill reflects ECA’s mission to advance our industry through advocacy and smart policy.”
On behalf of ECA, thank you to all the industry leaders and advocates who came to Washington, DC for Legislative Action Day or participated in ECA Advocacy Network programs to ensure the tradeshow industry’s voice was heard by policymakers.
Your advocacy was critical to getting the federal government involved in tradeshow workforce development going forward. Now that’s advocacy in action!
This story originally appeared as a truncated version in the Q4 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 78. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/exhibit_city_news_-_oct_nov_dec_2025/78.
