ADVOCACY IN ACTION
The events industry powers economic growth, fuels small business ecosystems, drives tourism, and creates millions of jobs across diverse sectors. Yet its workforce and infrastructure often remain underrepresented in policy discussions and economic planning.
At the Events Education & Workforce Development Federation, advocacy is not a campaign — it is an ongoing commitment to visibility, recognition, and long-term sustainability.
Why Advocacy Matters
When we strengthen the events workforce, we build greater national and regional visibility for event professionals and the allied industries that support them. We expand access to education, certification, and workforce training pathways, ensuring the next generation is prepared and positioned for long-term success. We also strengthen industry representation in policy conversations and promote a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable events ecosystem. If the events industry has supported your business, your career, or your community, advocacy helps ensure its continued recognition and long-term strength.
Federal Recognition for the Events Industry
The Events Industry is a powerful economic engine — yet it remains structurally underrepresented in federal classification systems. The Events Education & Workforce Development Federation has formally proposed updating NAICS
Super Sector Code 70 from “Leisure and Hospitality” to “Leisure, Hospitality
& Events.”
This simple revision would acknowledge an industry that represents millions of professionals, over a trillion dollars in annual economic impact, and critical contributions to tourism, small business growth, and local tax revenue nationwide.
Without distinct NAICS recognition, the industry lacks accurate workforce tracking, alignment with Department of Labor systems, and access to stronger educational and funding pathways. Formal classification ensures better data, stronger advocacy, and long-term workforce resilience.
Adding one word — Events — strengthens visibility, policy alignment, and the future sustainability of the industry.
Advancing the National Career Clusters Framework
The National Career Clusters Framework provides structural alignment
and a common language to bridge education and work, empowering each learner to explore, decide and prepare for dynamic and evolving careers.
Data Collection & Economic Impact
Credible data drives policy. By collecting and analyzing economic impact metrics, workforce statistics, and industry trends, we demonstrate the true scale and significance of the events sector. Data informs smarter investments, strengthens public understanding, and supports evidence-based policy decisions.
Education & Public Awareness
Raising awareness of the industry’s economic and cultural contributions is essential. Through targeted outreach, partnerships, and collaborative messaging, we work to educate policymakers, institutions, and the public about the vital role events play in commerce, community, and culture.
Industry Collaboration
The events ecosystem includes production companies, venues, suppliers, planners, hospitality operators, unions, educators, and independent professionals. Coordinated collaboration across these segments strengthens our collective voice and ensures alignment in advocacy and workforce development efforts.
Workforce Protection & Advancement
The industry employs millions — including gig workers, union members, independent contractors, and full-time professionals. Sustainable growth requires investment in training, workforce development, fair labor practices, and policies that protect the rights and long-term stability of event workers.
Access to Capital & Infrastructure
Events require significant investment in venues, technology, staffing, and logistics. Ensuring businesses have access to financing, grants, infrastructure support, and equitable funding opportunities is critical to future growth.
Government & Policy Partnerships
Constructive partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies are essential to advancing the industry. Advocacy efforts include support for workforce funding, infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, and policies that foster innovation and economic vitality.
A Unified Voice for the Events Workforce
The Federation’s advocacy efforts are rooted in collaboration. By aligning educators, associations, businesses, and workforce leaders, we amplify the industry’s voice and strengthen its position within broader economic and policy conversations.
Advocacy is not about returning to the past — it is about building a stronger, more visible future for the events workforce.