Attendance at the U.S. conference has declined, especially among participants in Canada, Europe and Central Asia, according to new research from the Institute of Supervisors of the American Association (ASAE). These regions have historically maintained strong representation in association events held in the United States
The average attendance rate in Canada fell by 41.5%.
Respondents said economic uncertainty, increased costs and increasingly turbulent political environments are the biggest challenges.
Half reported a decline in attendance at recent meetings.
Despite these challenges, exhibitors and sponsors are still in line. Participants’ participation was the most stable, with 66.9% of the associations reporting no changes.
Association executives noted that many contracts for the final meeting were completed before the new federal policy was formulated. Exhibitors’ digital and sponsorship may be affected in future conferences.
Professional associations had the highest hit rate, down about 56%, while trade associations had a smaller drop of 35.5%.
Government meeting feels policy changes are the first to be affected
The federal meeting was the first to be cancelled after President Donald Trump began his second term. Government agencies have cut the Ministry of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by postponing or canceling meetings.
In January alone, the Providence Warwick Conference and Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island lost $2.4 million in group operations and 5,235 room nights.
Brett Sterenson, president of hotel lobbyist for a site selection company specializing in government events, reported 58 cancellations, totaling $2.5 million in lost hotel revenue. He said that in the past two weeks, the cancellation appears to have been cancelled.
Changes in federal grants and contracts also have implications. Some associations are facing a freeze, especially in research and science fields, including healthcare, education, energy, environment and manufacturing.
The association responds
The association is adapting to these headwinds. Some are exploring virtual and hybrid formats. Others are setting up schedules of activities and renegotiating venue contracts to address budgetary pressures and planning challenges.
Some associations included in the report said they are considering merging into one major event each year instead of hosting multiple events.
Others say they are looking for cheaper meeting locations to help reduce costs.
