WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (18 March 2026) — The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, today announced the launch of the global industry survey for the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study (ESS), undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics.
The survey invites professionals from across the global business events ecosystem to contribute insights that will inform the final report, which will be released 6 May 2026 in conjunction with Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).
The Economic Significance Study, conducted every three years, provides the most comprehensive analyses of the global business events sector. The seminal research measures the industry’s economic contribution—including jobs supported, spending generated and broader community impact—and equips policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders with credible data to support investment and policy decisions.
“The Economic Significance Study is the one of the most credible and impactful tools we have for demonstrating the value of business events to policymakers, investors and communities around the world,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “By participating in this survey, professionals across our industry are joining a global effort to ensure that the story we tell about our impact is both credible and representative of the global ecosystem.”
“Strong advocacy begins with strong evidence,” said Stephanie Harris, 2026 Chair of the EIC Board of Directors and President of the Incentive Research Foundation. “This study provides the data our industry needs to demonstrate its full economic and societal impact. Broad participation from across our global community is essential to ensuring the findings truly reflect the scope and influence of business events.”
Global Visionary Sponsors Announced
EIC also announced the first Global Visionary Sponsors supporting the study: Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).
Through their sponsorship of the study, PCMA, MPI and our other sponsoring organisations are advancing the research and advocacy efforts that ensure the business events industry has credible economic data to inform policy, investment and workforce development decisions worldwide.
“MPI is proud to support this important initiative,” said Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of Meeting Professionals International. “Accurate, credible economic data strengthens our industry’s ability to advocate for the policies, investments and infrastructure that enable meetings and events to thrive.”
“Business events create meaningful economic and social value in communities around the world,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President and CEO of PCMA. “Supporting this study and encouraging industry participation ensures we have the insights and evidence needed to advance the sector and demonstrate its lasting impact.”
Additional confirmed sponsors include:
- Ceasar’s Entertainment
- Freeman
- Hilton
- IMEX Group
- Incentive Research Foundation (IRF)
- Javits Center
- Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
- The mci Group
- MGM Resorts International
- Resorts World Las Vegas
- SITE
- Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO)
- US Travel Association
- Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Call for Industry Participation
EIC encourages planners, suppliers, destinations, venues, associations and corporate event professionals from every region of the world to participate in the survey. Broad participation will help ensure the findings reflect the full diversity and scope of the global business events ecosystem.
The 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study will be released 6 May 2026 as part of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), providing the industry with updated insights and a unified message about the value and impact of business events worldwide. A GMID toolkit will be released later this week, inviting global participation and advocacy across the business events ecosystem.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and will close 13 April 2026. Participants will receive one Continuing Education (CE) credit toward CMP certification or recertification.
