Trump tariffs: What’s at stake for the events economy

Over the last week, headlines around the world have been dominated by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping announcements of reciprocal tariffs with trading partners. But what implications will this have for the global business events industry?

Unsurprisingly, the tariffs are likely to result in increased costs. A statement from the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), a coalition of professional and industry associations, said that the latest round of proposed tariffs will “increase costs for business and professional event organisers, exhibitors and attendees alike. Moreover, these tariffs will particularly harm small businesses, which account for 99% of industry companies and 80% of all exhibitors”.

The IAEE, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, and a founding member of the ECA, said that the introduction of tariffs has led to significant concern within the US business and professional events industry. It said it “will continue to work with its members, partners, and other key stakeholders in Washington, DC to advocate for trade policies that will strengthen the competitiveness of the US business and professional events industry going forward and allow us to continue to serve as a growth engine for the US economy”.

Agency Live Group, which has offices in the UK and Singapore, said that while the direct impact on events may not be immediately apparent, the interconnected nature of global trade means that increased costs in related industries can cascade into the events sector.

It said: “The broader economic impact of tariffs includes potential reductions in international trade and economic growth. This economic uncertainty can affect companies’ marketing budgets, leading to decreased participation in events and exhibitions. Smaller businesses, in particular, may find it challenging to absorb these additional costs, resulting in reduced presence at industry events.​”