On May 6, the global business events sector spotlights its economic and social impact as part of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), an annual initiative that brings together industry professionals to promote the value of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, in partnership with the Events Industry Council. Held each year, GMID serves as a platform for the meetings and events industry to advocate for its role in driving progress and creating connections across sectors and borders.
This year’s theme, “Business Events and Exhibitions: The Human Catalyst for Global Growth,” aims to highlight how business gatherings contribute to innovation, workforce development, and international collaboration at a time of economic uncertainty and geopolitical complexity. “GMID is our moment to stand together and demonstrate, with clarity and confidence, the indispensable role business events play in driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and accelerating innovation,” says Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “When we unite around credible data and a shared voice, we reinforce not only our industry’s value but also its future.”
The 2026 observance will coincide with the release of a new Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, conducted by the Events Industry Council in partnership with Oxford Economics. The report is expected to provide updated data on the industry’s economic contributions, including jobs supported, tax revenue generated, and overall business activity. The findings will help strengthen advocacy efforts and demonstrate the sector’s value to policymakers and stakeholders worldwide.
The initiative also aims to unify a broad range of participants across the business events ecosystem, including corporations, destinations, venues, technology providers, and educators.
“GMID belongs to every part of our ecosystem—from planners and suppliers to destinations, educators, and corporate leaders,” says Stephanie Harris, president of the Incentive Research Foundation and 2026 board chair of the Events Industry Council. “When we show up together, we demonstrate the true scale and influence of our industry.”
