Global Policy Forum
Global Policy Forum
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    Empowering Global Trade Connections

    Empowering Global Trade ConnectionsEmpowering Global Trade ConnectionsEmpowering Global Trade Connections

    Last version held May 29, 2026

    Join Our Network

    Empowering Global Trade Connections

    Empowering Global Trade ConnectionsEmpowering Global Trade ConnectionsEmpowering Global Trade Connections

    Last version held May 29, 2026

    Join Our Network

    Video

    The inaugural Global Policy Forum took place on May 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C., bringing together global leaders from across the exhibitions and conferences industry, along with policymakers and trade experts.


    The Forum focused on advancing dialogue around trade, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration, with an emphasis on strengthening the global events ecosystem through partnership and policy engagement.

    About the Global Policy Forum

    The Global Policy Forum is an invite-only industry gathering where advocacy and events come together to strengthen the exhibitions and conferences sector on the global stage.


    Produced by MAD Event Management LLC, with the support of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the Forum is dedicated to elevating the voice of the industry through meaningful, ongoing dialogue.

    Forum Objectives

    Advance Global Dialogue

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Advance Global Dialogue

    Bring together leaders from policy, business, and government to address shared challenges and shape a stronger global events ecosystem.

    Foster Collaboration

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Advance Global Dialogue

    Build cross-sector partnerships among industry, government, and NGOs to drive tangible, real-world impact.

    Elevate the Industry’s Voice

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Champion meaningful dialogue that ensures the exhibitions and conferences sector is represented in global decision-making.

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Strengthen Collective Resilience

    Unite the global community to create policies and partnerships that sustain growth and stability for the future of events.

    AGENDA

    9:00 – 9:10 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks

    Speaker: Martha Donato, Founder & President, MAD Event Management

    9:10 – 9:25 AM: The Importance of the USMCA as a Model for Global Cooperation

    Speaker: Edward Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

    9:25 – 9:55 AM: The USMCA as a Blueprint for Sustainable Growth, Fair Trade, & Cross-Border Cooperat

    Moderator: Richard Perkins, CEO & President, The Perkins Co.

    Panelists:
    Melissa Arnott, President, Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM)
    Adrian Lopez, Managing Director Mexico, Informa Markets
    Sasha Sutcliffe-Stephenson, President, SSS Public Affairs

    9:55 – 10:00 AM: Opportunities for Trade Promotions

    Speaker: Andy Karellas, Executive Director, State International Development Organizations (SIDO)

    10:00 – 10:15 AM: Policy Dialogue: Trade & Market Dynamics

    Moderator: Tommy Goodwin, CEO, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance


    Speaker: J. Brady Howell, Senior Policy Advisor, Brownstein Hyatt Faber Schreck


    10:15 – 10:45 AM: Break

    10:45 – 10:55 AM: Setting the Stage for Sustainability

    Speaker: Marty Glynn, CEO & Partner, MAD Event Management

    10:55 – 11:05 AM: Global Transition & Standards for Event Sector Sustainability

    Speaker: Chris Skeith OBE, MD & CEO UFI

    11:05 – 11:15 AM: Sustainability: From Commitment to Execution

    Moderator: Danica Tormohlen, VP of Group Content, Trade Show News Network (TSNN)

    Speakers:
    Janice Rogers, Chief People Officer, Diversified Communications
    Alexandra Failla, Corporate Sustainability Manager, Diversified Communications

    11:15 – 11:45 AM: Sustainability in the Event Industry

    Moderator: Iain Stirling, International Portfolio Director, Exhibition News
    Panelists:
    Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group
    Dennis Smith, CEO North America, Messe Nürnberg
    Marsha Flanagan, President & CEO, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
    Shawn Cheng, Regional Director, North America, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
    Joyce Leveston, CEO, Javits Center

    11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Policy Dialogue: Standards & Global Alignment

    Moderator: Madison Ryley, Managing Editor, Trade Show Executive

    Speakers:
    Lauren Diekman, Policy Director, Brownstein Hyatt Faber Schreck
    Tracy Tolk, Policy Director, Brownstein Hyatt Faber Schreck

    12:00 PM– 12:15 PM: Expert Perspectives & Closing Remarks

    Speakers:

    Phil Stone, Partner, Plural Strategy
    Hervé Sedky, CEO & President, Emerald Holding, Inc.

    Lunch & Roundtables to follow

    Held May 29, 2026

    The Army & Navy Club, 901 17th St NW, Washington D.C., DC 20006, USA

    Partners

    Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)

    The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading professional and industry associations that comprise the unified advocacy voice of the business events industry. 

    UFI

    UFI is the global association of the world’s leading tradeshow organisers and fairground owners, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. 

    Future Global Policy Forum convenings are in development. Contact Martha Donato for more info.

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