ASAE released an Insight Update report that highlights how recent shifts in federal policies are impacting association meetings attendance, particularly international participation in these events. The report analyzed survey data from over 200 association CEOs across a variety of sectors and examines the ripple effect of new federal policies and how the associations are adapting to them.
Many new federal policies such as increased tariffs on historic U.S. trading partners, limits on immigration and entrances into the U.S. from other countries and general economic volatility have all created conditions that have negatively impacted association events in the U.S., according to ASAE.
Some of the key findings from the report include:
- Decline in attendance: Half of the CEOs surveyed reported decreased attendance at their meetings, while participation from speakers, exhibitors and sponsors remained relatively stable. Exhibitor participation was the most stable, with 66.9% of associations reporting no change.
- Professional associations most affected: Over half of professional and combined associations reported declines in attendance, while trade associations saw fewer decreases in attendance, and some even saw increases in attendance (14.5% of trade associations say they saw an increase in attendance).
- International participation decline: The decline in international participation in association events is most evident in attendance from Canada and countries in Europe and Central Asia, which historically have been regions that are well represented at events held in the U.S.
- Adapt and overcome: Associations are adapting to these declines by exploring virtual and hybrid formats, shortening events and renegotiating venue contracts to manage rising costs and overall uncertainty.
The full report is free to members of ASAE and available on ASAE’s website.
