MAY 29, 2026
MAY 29, 2026
The Global Policy Forum is a first-of-its-kind 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), UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and other leading industry organizations, the Forum is dedicated to elevating the voice of our industry through meaningful dialogue.


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

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

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

Unite the global community to create policies and partnerships that sustain growth and stability for the future of events.
Speaker: Martha Donato, Founder & President, MAD Event Management
Speaker: Edward Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
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
Speaker: Andy Karellas, Executive Director, State International Development Organizations (SIDO)
Moderator: Tommy Goodwin, CEO, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
Speaker: J. Brady Howell, Senior Policy Advisor, Brownstein Hyatt Faber Schreck
Speaker: Marty Glynn, CEO & Partner, MAD Event Management
Speaker: Chris Skeith OBE, MD & CEO UFI
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
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
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
Speakers:
Phil Stone, Partner, Plural Strategy
Hervé Sedky, CEO & President, Emerald Holding, Inc.
Lunch & Roundtables to follow
The Army & Navy Club, 901 17th St NW, Washington D.C., DC 20006, USA

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 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.
The date is approaching fast and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!
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