Snöcap April 11, 2025

It's time for another edition of Snöcap!

This is a weekly event industry news recap where we cover the peaks in the world of exhibitions and associations. Scroll down for more details 👇

Here are the top stories of  this week:

• New tariffs will "increase costs" and "harm small businesses", warn ECA and IAEE
• Association of Event Venues joins APPG as corporate member
• WTM Africa records largest event in 11 years
• Meetings & Incentives Worldwide opens registrations for discussion on event sustainability 
• Who is hiring?

New tariffs will "increase costs" and "harm small businesses", warn ECA and IAEE

The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)  and the International association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) have warned that new reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners will increase costs and harm small businesses within the events industry.

The organizations said small businesses represent 99% of industry companies and 80% of all exhibitors in the business and professional events sector.

"These tariffs will negatively impact our collective ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, empower small businesses, and help to solve our most urgent societal challenges," the ECA said in a statement.

The U.S. events industry is projected to employ 2.63 million Americans and generate $426.1 billion in spending nationwide this year, according to the alliance.

"That is why IAEE and ECA oppose these new tariffs, which will negatively impact our collective ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, empower small businesses, and help to solve our most urgent societal challenges," the IAEE said.

The ECA plans to work with member associations, coalition partners and stakeholders in Washington to advocate for trade policies that strengthen industry competitiveness.

The organization has established a Tariff Resource Center on its website and encourages industry leaders to contact policymakers through its advocacy network.

Read the press release here and here

Association of Event Venues joins APPG as corporate member

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has become the seventh corporate member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG), joining the cross-party group that advocates for the UK events sector.

The AEV joins existing corporate members beam, SEC, Racoon Media Group, Experience Oxfordshire, Togather and Hire Association Europe in the parliamentary body chaired by MP Shaun Davies.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and policymakers to raise awareness of the UK events sector in Westminster," said Rachel Parker, AEV director.

The APPG now has 41 members, including 34 parliamentarians. Corporate members will join parliamentary members at a private dinner in the House of Commons on May 6, 2025.

An APPG spokesperson said the expansion helps "unlock the potential of the UK events economy."

Read the story here

WTM Africa records largest event in 11 years

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa opened with participation from a record 96 countries, marking the largest gathering in the event's 11-year history.

The tourism trade show reported a 27% increase in buyers, with 82% attending for the first time. The event features 742 exhibitors, including six new destinations.

"We have 96 countries represented this year, which is the biggest World Travel Market Africa in eleven years," said Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa.

Cape Town's tourism official James Vos outlined plans to increase flights, expand cruise tourism, and enhance destination marketing, noting the city now receives 226 international flights weekly.

The event has generated over 38,500 appointment requests and includes specialized sessions on business tourism, eco-tourism and tourism investment.

Read the RX Global press release 

Meetings & Incentives Worldwide opens registrations for discussion on event sustainability

Registration is now open for a live discussion on event sustainability hosted by global event agency Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc. (M&IW).

The free virtual event, titled "Event Sustainability: Facts, Fiction, & Future," will take place Wednesday, May 7, at 11:00 a.m. CT.

The discussion will feature speakers from three organizations: Donna Collins, Sustainability Champion at M&IW; Paige Lowe, Vice President of Customer Success at Copia; and Marley Finnegan, Founder of PURPOSE.

Panelists will address foundational principles of sustainable event planning, challenge common misconceptions, and discuss strategies to maintain momentum in event sustainability efforts.

The session aims to provide actionable recommendations for event owners, planners and suppliers interested in reducing environmental and social impacts of their programs.

Read the announcement 

Who is hiring?

This section highlights the latest job positions in the events and associations industry. Here are some new roles that have opened up:

Terrapinn
Marketing Manager (B2B events)  

Federato
Senior Event Marketing Manager

Informa Festivals
Content Manager

NürnbergMesse Group
Master of Event Technology 

AAMC
Meetings Coordinator 

American Geophysical Union
Vice President, Meetings and Events

Avetta
Global Events & Marketing Specialist - B2B (Canada)
Global Events & Marketing Specialist - B2B (US)

Opus Agency
Event Manager 

Snöcap is your Friday weekly event news roundup. Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular news and job updates https://www.linkedin.com/company/snoball-events/