Sunshine Matters

Today is the final day to sign the American Society of Association Executives’ open letter to Congress opposing the restrictions on attendance at meetings. The letter asks Congress to revise recent amendments passed by the House and Senate that limit federal employees from attending private conferences if any federal funds are used for travel expenses.

While the stated intent of the language would be to prevent wasteful spending on government sponsored conferences, the actual language would prevent many federal employees from attending and participating in private conferences.

You can help this effort in three ways:

• Sign the open letter to Congress asking them to amend the offending language. You can see the letter here, and sign on via ASAE’s web form or by completing this document.  ASAE is collecting signatures through today, Friday, May 4. 
• Share this request with your colleagues.
• During this week’s recess, contact your members of Congress in the district and share with them your concern on this issue.

Business visitors account for 13.2% of Florida’s domestic travel, with 7.2% tied directly to meetings, conventions and training events.  Business travel is a vital source of revenue in Florida, with business visitors spending on average $212 per day – significantly more than the average leisure visitor at $142.

Given the importance of the meetings market to Florida’s tourism industry, please act today to sign ASAE’s letter and help amplify the industry’s voice in urging policymakers to change the proposed legislation.