IAEE Takes Pro-free Trade Stance

The Intl. Assn. of Exhibitions and Events has called on the U.S. government for increased support of free trade, which it said would in turn be a boost for the tradeshow industry. In a recently released policy statement, IAEE asked the U.S. Congress to extend the President's authority to negotiate trade treaties that are subject to congressional approval and to support bilateral free trade agreements now pending before it.

IAEE President Steven Hacker explained that the President's authority to negotiate free trade agreements is granted by Congress and must be renewed periodically. “We are proposing that the President retain the same rights he has been granted to finish work that has already begun,” he said.

IAEE also called for the media to exercise responsibility when reporting issues related to trade among nations. In its policy statement, the trade association stated there were few links between the issues of free trade and illegal immigration into the United States and that to suggest otherwise was unfair and irresponsible. Thus, IAEE will actively seek to correct misstatements that are intended to link free trade with any issues that are unrelated.