U.S. Events Industry Unites Behind ECA Push to Protect Innovation at Tradeshows

Welcome to the latest edition of Snöcap.

SPOTLIGHT: A push by 100 organizations to shield America’s tradeshow floors from a proposed FCC rule is testing how far Washington will go to police the communications supply chain without disrupting an industry that depends on showing unfinished technology to the world.

The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance argues that decades-old exceptions allowing companies to display and demonstrate equipment before it clears final federal authorization are not a security loophole but a competitive advantage, one already under strain as freight carriers grow wary of shipping gear bound for fall events.

“The FCC can secure our nation’s communications supply chain without disrupting a longstanding process that allows exhibitors to showcase the next generation of technology here in the U.S.,” said ECA President and CEO Tommy Goodwin. Read the full story below.

Here are the full headlines from this week’s roundup:

Get the full stories below:

U.S. Events Industry Unites Behind ECA Push to Protect Innovation at Tradeshows

A coalition of 100 organizations is backing the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, or ECA, in a push to stop new federal equipment rules from disrupting how emerging technology is displayed at American tradeshows.

The Washington-based advocacy group filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission on a proposed rule, “Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization Program,” which asks whether exhibitors should keep being allowed to bring in equipment lacking final FCC authorization for display and demonstration at events.

ECA supports the FCC’s national security goals but wants the agency to preserve the framework letting manufacturers temporarily import, display and demonstrate unauthorized technology at events without selling or commercially deploying it. The group also asked the FCC to confirm immediately that current rules remain in effect while the rulemaking is pending, citing reports that some freight carriers are already declining shipments bound for fall tradeshows over uncertainty about the proposal.

“One hundred organizations from across the industry are speaking with one voice because this issue is critical to the future competitiveness of U.S. events and tradeshows,” said Tommy Goodwin, president and chief executive officer of ECA. “The FCC can secure our nation’s communications supply chain without disrupting a longstanding process that allows exhibitors to showcase the next generation of technology here in the U.S.”

The coalition said tradeshows help the U.S. compete globally on technology, drawing manufacturers, developers and buyers who use the events to unveil products, gather customer feedback, test performance and interoperability, and form business partnerships.

“America should be where the world comes to see what’s next,” Tommy said. “We believe that the FCC can protect national security while preserving the ability to showcase emerging technologies at U.S. events and tradeshows, helping ensure that the U.S. remains the leading global marketplace for innovation, investment, and commercialization. These objectives are not mutually exclusive, and the agency’s longstanding rules demonstrate that we can achieve both.”

By the numbers:

• 100 organizations signed the FCC comments
• More than 99% of U.S. business events companies are small businesses
• The industry supports 2.6 million American jobs
• Domestic spending tied to the industry is projected to exceed $400 billion this year

Signatories include event organizers, associations, exhibitors, venues, service providers, destinations and technology companies.

DWTC Lines Up 100+ Business Events as Dubai Builds Out Exhibition Capacity

Dubai World Trade Centre plans to host more than 100 exhibitions, conferences and business events across its two venues through the end of 2026, alongside continued work on a AED 10 billion expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre.

The lineup spans technology, travel, tourism, energy, real estate, construction, beauty and sustainability.

DUPHAT, Middle East Energy and Arabian Travel Market open the fourth quarter in September. Arab Lab, WETEX, World Green Economy Summit, Gulfood Manufacturing, The Big 5 Global and Beautyworld Dubai follow in October. GITEX Global closes out the year in December, drawing:

• More than 200,000 technology executives
• 6,800 exhibitors
• Participants from more than 180 countries

DWTC operates two venues: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Central Business District, and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The two sites allow multiple major exhibitions to run at the same time.

“The business events industry has consistently demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt, and we are seeing that again today. With a busy Q4 ahead, our focus is on continuing to deliver for our organisers, exhibitors and visitors, building momentum and confidence with every event that takes place,” said Mahir Julfar, executive vice president at Dubai World Trade Centre.

“Business events have an important role to play in driving Dubai’s wider economic momentum, bringing international businesses, investors and decision-makers to the city to trade, build partnerships and access new markets. The long-term commitment we continue to see from organisers is encouraging, and as we deliver the season ahead, we remain focused on supporting the continued growth of Dubai as a global business events hub,” Mahir said.

Dubai Exhibition Centre is being expanded in three phases. Phase 1 was completed in early 2026, taking indoor event space to 140,000 square meters with daily visitor capacity of 50,000. Gulfood and World Health Expo were the first major events held in the expanded venue.

Construction on Phase 2 continued through 2026. It will add indoor event space to 160,000 square meters and raise daily visitor capacity to about 60,000. Plans include an extended concourse linking the Phase 1 and Phase 2 halls, a new Eastern Access Road, and roughly 7,000 new parking spaces.

“The expansion of DEC is ultimately about staying ahead of the future requirements of the global events industry. Phase 1 has already demonstrated the scale and flexibility the expanded venue can provide, and we are now building on that foundation through Phase 2,” said Amer Al Farsi, vice president of real estate development at Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The expansion continues to advance in line with our plans, while DEC remains fully operational. Our ambition goes beyond creating greater capacity and scale; we are building a world-class venue that delivers an exceptional experience for organisers, exhibitors and visitors. As the expansion progresses, we are creating the infrastructure and flexibility needed to support larger and more complex international events and Dubai’s long-term growth as a global business events destination,” Amer said.

By 2031, upon full completion, DEC is expected to:

• Span 180,000 square meters
• Extend 1.2 kilometers
• Support daily visitor capacity of 65,000
• Host more than 20 simultaneous events

The expansion supports DWTC’s target of AED 54bn in annual economic contribution by 2033, under the Dubai Economic Agenda, or D33.

Opus Origin Bets on Industry Veteran Greg Topalian to Drive North American Growth

Opus Origin has named Greg Topalian chairman of North America, tapping a three-decade events and media veteran to lead the investment group’s next phase of growth in the region.

Greg spent 17 years at Reed Exhibitions, launching New York Comic Con and leading the acquisition of Penny Arcade Expo. He co-founded LeftField Media before selling it to Clarion Events in 2016, then grew Clarion Events North America’s annual revenue fivefold as CEO and later chairman. He has since backed founders through On Deck Ventures and EVG, and has worked alongside the Opus Origin team for four years on investments including Yotta, RETCON and CloudFest Americas.

“I have always believed the future belongs to builders,” said Greg. “The opportunity at Opus is bigger than building great events. It’s about building great hybrid businesses. We have the capital, operating expertise and entrepreneurial mindset to back exceptional businesses and build them into category leaders.”

The move follows Opus Origin’s sale of a majority stake in InfraXmedia to Bowmark Capital, after the platform grew revenues by more than 40% annually.

“Greg is a builder in every sense of the word,” said Sam Jennings, CEO of Opus Origin. “He has launched businesses from scratch, scaled organizations through extraordinary periods of growth, led major acquisitions and integrations, and backed entrepreneurs building the future. His expanded role reflects the scale of our ambition in North America.”

As chairman, Greg will work with Opus Origin’s leadership to identify investment opportunities and expand the company’s presence in North America.

TSNN Spotlights New Leadership Moves at Clarion, IAEE, Raccoon Media Group, Snöball and more

TSNN highlighted a wave of leadership changes across the events industry, including new appointments at Clarion Events, IAEE, Raccoon Media Group and Snöball.

Clarion Events promoted Lauren Ocoma to senior vice president, events and brand strategy, for its Fire & Rescue Group, expanding her leadership over FDIC International and the group’s event and brand strategy.

“Lauren has demonstrated an exceptional ability to see where the market and our customers are heading, develop a strategy around that opportunity, and then bring people together to turn that strategy into measurable results,” said Eric Schlett, president of Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group. “She has an instinct for what our customers need before they’ve said it out loud, and that’s what makes her one of my most trusted partners in leading this business. This promotion reflects both what she has accomplished and the confidence we have in her ability to take on significantly greater responsibility.”

IAEE named Hannah Deters vice president of exhibitions and events, where she will lead the association’s event portfolio, including Expo! Expo!

“Hannah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving our members and our industry,” said Marsha Flanagan, IAEE president and CEO. “Her deep expertise and proven track record make her exceptionally well-suited to lead this vital area of our organization, and I am confident she will continue to drive outstanding results for our members.”

Raccoon Media Group named Patrick Higgins founder and president of GamePlan, a hosted buyer marketplace for the business of sport.

Snöball named Tony Melis chief operating officer. Melis joins from SIAL Canada, where he served as CEO.

Other appointments:

• PCMA: Deborah Caldwell nominated chair-elect and Ong Wee Min nominated secretary-treasurer for the 2027 board, with Robin Preston the presumptive chair
• American Montessori Society: Elaine Richardson named senior director of events
• GoGather: Manuel Gonzalez named vice president of sales
• MC&A: Grace Hurt named director of sales
• Forum Makers: Jessica Morin named chief executive officer
• Destination El Paso: Veronica Castro appointed executive director of Visit El Paso
• First Financial Center: Byron Johnson named director of operations
• San Diego Convention Center: Shannon Martinez promoted to chief financial officer
• Oklahoma City Convention Center: Joshua Moore promoted to director of food and beverage
• AFR: Dan Sherman named chief revenue officer

Event Marketing Measurement Association Opens Registration for Industry’s First Event Measurement Certification Course

The Event Marketing Measurement Association has opened registration for its Event Measurement Certification Course, the first certification program built specifically around event measurement.

The 13-chapter course covers measurement fundamentals, data collection, analysis and reporting. EMMA developed the curriculum with Storycraft Lab, a learning experience design firm, and drew on EMMA leaders who have measured events for Amazon, Meta, Google, Toyota, American Express, HSBC, KPMG, Mars and Bayer.

Certification costs $149 for EMMA members and $399 for non-members. The nonprofit said the pricing is meant to widen access to measurement training across the industry.

“We are democratizing access to critical knowledge that has been the domain of specialists like me for too long,” said Dax Callner, EMMA founder and president, who has previously worked on event strategy at Sparks, GES, Jack Morton Worldwide and Smyle. “It’s time to give everyone access to measurement tools and expertise — ultimately helping the industry to unlock its true potential.”

Each chapter pairs instruction with practical exercises and a short exam. Participants who finish the course earn a certification credential.

EMMA partners supporting the program include Exhibitus, FastSensor, GES, Hamilton, Hill & Partners, ipme, Spiro and Zenus AI.

EMMA, formerly known as EMMC, is a nonprofit that works to standardize event measurement metrics and methodologies across the experiential marketing industry.

Who is hiring?

Easyfairs UK | Head of Sales

Anthropic | Events Operations Coordinator

Sage | Events Manager

Versant | Vice President, Corporate Events

IMN Solutions | Manager (Exhibits & Sponsorships)

SS&C | Events Manager