Next week’s Global Meetings Industry Day 2026 will highlight the role of business events in economic growth, supported by new data and global advocacy efforts led by the Events Industry Council.
Scheduled for May 6, 2026, GMID will bring together event professionals, organizations, destinations and industry partners to demonstrate the economic and societal contribution of in-person gatherings across sectors and regions.
The 2026 edition will be aligned with the release of the Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, developed in partnership with Oxford Economics. The study will provide updated data on the industry’s global contribution, including employment, spending and wider community impact, and will:
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- Deliver fresh, independent economic impact data
- Quantify jobs supported, tax revenue generated and business activity created
- Demonstrate regional, national and global economic impact
- Strengthen advocacy conversations with policymakers
- Provide authoritative insights for destinations, planners, venues and suppliers
Why In-Person Still Drives Global Growth
This year’s GMID theme, “Business Events and Exhibitions: The Human Catalyst for Global Growth,” focuses on the role of face-to-face engagement in fostering collaboration, innovation and cross-border connections.
Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council, released this statement: “Global Meetings Industry Day and the Advocacy resources aggregated provide a powerful focus and foundation to ensure that business events are recognized for their true purpose and impact as catalysts for connection, innovation and progress. At a time of increasing complexity and fragmentation, our industry plays a vital role in bringing people together to share ideas, build understanding and move the world forward. Our ability to shape communities through positive economic and societal impact is our best story and our people are our best resource.”
Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation and 2026 EIC Board Chair, added: “Global Meetings Industry Day belongs to every part of our ecosystem — from planners and suppliers to destinations, educators and corporate leaders. When we show up together, we demonstrate the true scale and influence of our industry, and we inspire those in our industry — those who can be our best champions.”
GMID serves as a global platform for industry stakeholders to engage in advocacy, share insights and communicate the value of business events. Organizations are encouraged to participate through local activations, policy engagement, data sharing and digital campaigns.
The initiative is supported by founding sponsors including MPI and PCMA as Global Visionary Sponsors, alongside organizations such as Caesars Entertainment, Freeman, Hilton, IMEX Group, Incentive Research Foundation, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, mci Group, MGM Resorts International, Resorts World Las Vegas, Society of Independent Show Organizers and the US Travel Association.
How to Get Involved
1. Host a Local Activation
Organize a breakfast, roundtable, campus event or community discussion highlighting the impact of business events in your region.
2. Engage Policymakers
Invite elected officials and community leaders to attend your GMID event and learn how business events fuel jobs, innovation and economic development.
3. Amplify the Message
Join the global conversation using:
#GMID2026
#EventsDriveInnovation
#EventsDriveCommunities
#EventsDriveJobs
#EventsDriveEconomies
4. Support the Research
Consider becoming a sponsor of the 2026 Global Economic Significance Study and help strengthen the data foundation that supports advocacy for the entire industry.
