When President Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2025, few expected the effects on the meetings and events industry to be so swift and so sweeping.
Planners are scrambling to adjust as conferences are canceled or scaled back and sponsors reevaluate commitments.
Government Meetings Cancel
Federal meetings were among the first to disappear. Government agencies responded to new austerity measures and layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Meetings were either delayed or canceled, and the future is one of uncertainty.
Brett Sterenson, president of Hotel Lobbyists, a meeting site-selection company mainly works with government meetings. He has had 57 meetings cancel, representing $2.5 million in lost hotel revenue.
Those government meetings that are proceeding are doing so with fewer attendees.
Medical and Scientific Conferences Take a Hit
The medical meetings sector, which relies heavily on funding from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been rattled. Deep funding cuts and operational freezes have hit the NIH. As a result, grant review sessions, scientific workshops, and educational symposia are being postponed.
The Trump administration’s policies have created obstacles for medical meetings. In addition, global perceptions of the U.S. have prompted some medical congresses to consider venues outside the country.
Trump’s DEI Ban Dismantles Events
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order eliminating all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The fallout was immediate. Rutgers University, for example, canceled its annual DEI conference scheduled for January 30, citing compliance concerns. Conferences tied to social impact and workplace equity have are facing similar decisions.
Pride events are losing critical sponsorships. Meanwhile, international attendees face growing uncertainty about entering the U.S.
Increased Costs Due to Tariffs a Worry
President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies are already forcing the meetings industry to adjust.
Matthew Byrne, founder and president of Byrne Production Services, took early action by stocking up on some essential equipment before the tariffs took effect.
Tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and lumber are already driving up costs for exhibition booths, stages, and other essential event infrastructure.
Dr. Barış Onay, an events entrepreneur, warns that if trade tensions escalate, international trade shows could face major disruptions.
Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including a 34% tariff on Chinese goods and 20% on European Union imports.
It is predicted that tariffs will increase the costs of materials commonly used in events, such as audiovisual equipment, modular display systems, and promotional items, many of which are sourced internationally.
Incentive Travel Impacted
As more U.S. travelers express concerns about international safety, incentive travel is already feeling repercussions.
New policies regarding tariffs and immigration. Growing economic instability. Incentive industry leaders are uncertain about destination decisions and whether client programs will take place at all.
“All these factors will likely influence buyers’ destination choices if a corporation doesn’t feel they can operate their program easily, affordably and safely,” said SITE CEO Annette Gregg. “The current uncertainty may also delay some programs – more on the meeting side of the business than the incentive side – as companies see how these changes play out.”
