How US federal policy and funding shifts are driving innovation and evolving association meetings. An insight from ASAE (American Society of Association Executives).
Recent US federal policy changes and funding shifts have affected association meetings. ASAE's April 2025 Insight Update shows attendance has declined, but speaker, exhibitor and sponsor participation remain steady.
One of the most significant impacts has been on professional and combined associations, where over half reported decreased metrics. In contrast, trade associations have been less affected, with fewer decreases in attendance and the highest percentage of increases among all groups. This divergence underscores the varied responses among different types of associations to the changing federal landscape. The update also emphasizes the broad decline in international participation at US-based events.
In response to these challenges, associations are adapting their meeting strategies. Many are transitioning to virtual or hybrid formats to accommodate travel restrictions and budget constraints. Additionally, associations are reducing the duration and scale of their events, renegotiating venue contracts, and exploring new revenue streams such as on-demand access to recorded content.
Despite a rapidly changing environment, including increasing costs, these shifts have prompted innovation in the sector. Associations are reimagining events to focus more deeply on delivering member value in a rapidly evolving environment. There is a renewed emphasis on accessibility, engagement and adapting content to address rapidly changing policies and regulations.
Overall, the federal policy and funding shifts are reshaping the US association meeting landscape. While there have been some negative effects, the policies are driving associations to adopt agile strategies and fostering a period of significant innovation and transformation.
ASAE
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