$2.53 trillion – think about that number. That is the global economic impact that the meetings and events industry alone generates, and in a single year $845 billion was generated in the industry towards the U.S. economy.

$33.7 billion from trade shows alone is contributed to the U.S. economy each year, and over 100 million people visit 10,900 trade shows and 273,000 conferences annually.

The meetings and events industry is often overlooked as a big industry player and what it all encompasses. It isn’t just about the conference or event itself, but all of the hotels that provide accommodations, the restaurants that feed every traveler, the shops that gain more foot traffic from visitors, more guests to expose to area attractions and ticket sales, and increased transportation service usage.  

Bringing communities together, aiding to stronger business and personal connections with positive business outcomes are aspects of the value of meetings and events.

To celebrate and engage policymakers and stakeholders, Meetings Mean Business Coalition created Global Meetings Industry Day.  GMID gathers leaders from across the global industry to showcase the substantial value and impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions generate.

Global Meetings Industry Day reaches over 40 countries in six continents for an international day of advocacy to highlight the industry’s role in not only driving business success, but also creating jobs and generating economic value.

So, this year’s GMID on April 4^th will be exciting to witness again so many collaborating face-to-face and virtual global gatherings in support of advocating for the meeting and events industry.

Share your support of Global Meetings Industry Day with one of your event photos at #GMID19.