Thomas F. (Tommy) Goodwin is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), a newly-formed association dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the business events industry. 

In this role, he leads ECA’s advocacy on behalf the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the $396 billion business events landscape.

Prior to joining ECA, he spent more than 20 years leading a wide range of government relations, public affairs, and issue advocacy efforts for several globally-recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle Corp., AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which business operates.

Recognized by The Hill in its 2020 list of association “Top Lobbyists,” he has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London. He also holds a Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and a Project Management Professional certification from PMI. 

He currently serves on ASAE’s International Associations Advisory Council and the European Society of Association Executives’ Advocacy Committee.

Jeff Smith is Chief Operating Officer of Factum Global, a US-based international consulting firm, where he leads business operations and communications, and is involved with business development and client relations. Jeff has nearly 20 years of experience as a communications professional and has advised C-suite executives, government officials, and startup entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. Previously, he worked for private equity firm Warburg Pincus in New York and spent nearly 10 years working for the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, in a communications capacity. Jeff earned an MBA in international business and Masters of Arts degree in political science from American University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and French from Villanova University. He is a three-time marathoner, is enthusiastic about fitness, and resides in a suburb of New York City.