The "Big Beautiful Bill" - what the U.S. bill means for events
A mixed bag of wins and one major loss
In the U.S., President Trump has signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law – a wide ranging, 870 pages long “omnibus bill”, covering hundreds of issues, including some core topics the events industry has been advocating on. It has drawn mixed reactions from the travel and business events sectors, praising significant investments in infrastructure and workforce development while criticising deep cuts to industry-critical marketing support and rising costs for international travellers.
Travel: The U.S. Travel Association welcomed the bill’s $12.5 billion for modernising the National Airspace System and $4.1 billion to hire 5,000 new Customs and Border Protection officers. But the group expressed strong concern over the reduction of Brand USA’s funding cap from $100 million to $20 million, and the increased ESTA and visa fees. “The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America’s promotion arm, that much harder to swallow,” said U.S. Travel CEO Geoff Freeman.
Event Industry Support: The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) applauded the inclusion of all its key policy priorities, such as preserving workforce training initiatives and full business meal deductibility. “The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a defining moment for the industry,” said Hervé Sedky, President and CEO of Emerald and Chair of the ECA Board. “It protects vital tax policies and invests in our future workforce by expanding Pell Grants and modernising 529 savings plans. This bill reflects ECA’s mission to advance our industry through advocacy and smart policy.”
In addition, staff employed in and around events and hospitality will have tips and overtime work exempt from taxation.
Recommended reading: Industry commentator David Adler. While acknowledging the tactical success of ECA’s approach, he calls for a more vocal, visible US events industry and has put together a 5 point “Convening Manifesto” – read it here.