Empowering Live Events Together
The mission of the Live Events Coalition (LEC) is to advocate on behalf of the 1.2 million businesses and the 12 million+ person workforce that make up our industry.
We are Live Events
The Voice of the Live Events Industry
Our Reach
With over 12 million professionals living and working in every state, the live events industry is a powerful force. Based on our research in 2020, this is an industry with nearly $1 trillion in Economic Impact in the US.
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Backed by a robust national database of industry experts, we ensure our messages are heard, our actions are swift, and the real challenges facing our workforce are brought to the forefront. When we speak, we speak for an industry that fuels culture, drives economies, and brings people together.
Public Statement - February 6, 2026
Subject: A Statement on Human Dignity and Our Responsibility as Event Professionals
Dear Colleagues,
Recent federal enforcement actions in Minnesota are impacting small businesses and workers across the
live events industry.
Events do not happen without people. When members of our workforce are detained, injured, or afraid
to show up to work, small businesses suffer and events stall.
We agree on a core principle: criminal behavior must be addressed, and individuals who commit crimes,
regardless of immigration status, must be held accountable under the law. Where due process results in
a conviction, the enforcement of existing immigration law, including deportation, follows.
What is raising concern is how enforcement actions are being carried out and whether they reflect due
process, transparency, and respect for human life. Recent incidents in Minnesota, including fatal
encounters and reports of force used during enforcement actions, are under legal review. Any
determination of responsibility must come through a full, transparent, and independent legal process.
The vast majority of community response in Minnesota has been peaceful and lawful, despite media
portrayals that suggest otherwise. We do not support violence, intimidation, or unlawful behavior of any
kind.
There have also been credible reports of U.S. citizens, including several Native Americans, being
detained during enforcement actions, as well as incidents occurring in individuals’ homes without
judicial warrants. These raise serious concerns about due process and safeguards intended to protect
innocent people from harm.
This is how our industry is harmed: fear replaces trust, lawful workers disappear overnight, and small
businesses lose the people who make live events possible.
Now is the time to stand up for what is right. Not as Republicans or Democrats, but as professionals,
neighbors, and people who believe that how we treat the most vulnerable among us defines who we are
as Americans and how we are perceived on the global stage.
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With respect and resolve,
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Nancy Shaffer
President/Chairwoman Emerita
Live Events Coalition
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Our Story
Chapter One
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Created in response to COVID-19 and its devastating impact on the Live Events Industry, the Live Events Coalition (LEC) was formed by industry leaders recognizing the need to have a united voice.
We are a highly skilled group of professionals within the hospitality and events industry as planners, caterers, designers, producers, technicians, agencies, decorators, rental and AV suppliers, event venues, and so much more. During COVID and beyond, LEC advocated nationwide on behalf of the Live Events industry... scroll down for more details on our many efforts and wins!
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Chapter Two
As we all adapt to the new “post” COVID world, there is still work to be done. After learning so much, establishing our voice, and building so many valuable relationships across State Houses, Capitol Hill, and in key agencies across the country; we remain committed to continuing our advocacy on many issues. These include topics such as pandemic business interruption insurance, tax Fairness, supply chain and worker training, NAICS code issues, and even ending the Tariff war reforms. Additionally, many efforts remain underway on various state levels, to bring some relief to industry members who so far have gone without.
Advocacy is not a speedy process, but one that requires patience and continued effort. We believe it is critical to continue to make our voices and unique challenges heard. We also know that, in as we continue to face ongoing and new, we must continue to gather real-world data about our industry and maintain our efforts to keep us all in the forefront of those minds in high places that could potentially help as we continue fight for and be the voice of the Live Events Industry
Our Board
Partnerships
Success Requires Powerful Partnerships & Resources
Meet our Partners
Small Business Majority
Main Street Alliance
Events Education and Workforce Development Federation
American Rental Association
American Society of Travel Advisors
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Outdoor Amusement Business Association
International Live Events Association
Meeting Planners International
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Entertainment Services and Technology Association
Event Safety Alliance
Exhibitor Group
International Festivals and Events Association
Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
Mister Holland’s Opus Foundation
Apprenticeship Connections and Consulting Corp
Country Music Association
Music Forward Foundation
National Association of Music Merchants
International Association of Fairs and Expos
International Council of Airshows
Professional Photographers Association
Performance Racing Industry
Specialty Equipment Market Association