Chris & Khalil dive into how the October 2025 government shutdown and Congress’s ongoing budget deadlock create ripples of risk for exhibit houses, trade show contractors, and experiential agency leaders. Drawing from real conversations with industry owners, Chris breaks down why the shutdown matters far beyond government vendors, even when there’s no immediate loss of business. The discussion covers the sharp rise in risk perception across the sector, the loss of faith in institutional stability, and how these disruptions erode client confidence in long-term spending.

Key takeaways include direct threats to the industry: military personnel payments at risk, air travel uncertainties due to TSA and FAA staffing, and fragility in labor markets that could cascade into workforce disruptions. Chris highlights why 30% of U.S. trade show attendance, depending on international travel, is not just a statistic—it’s a business risk leaders must account for if government dysfunction lingers.

This conversation is essential for business owners, project managers, and operational leaders facing unpredictable budgets and economic policy shifts. Tuning in, you will gain a clear perspective on how national politics and economic indecision directly affect bidding, staffing, and planning for major event projects. The episode challenges listeners to think defensively and sharpen their own contingency plans amid ongoing government instability.

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