It is hard to believe we are already halfway through calendar year 2026. As we turn our attention to the second half of the year, as well as planning for 2027, I want to share my immense gratitude to our EIC Council Members, the EIC Board of Directors and our amazing EIC team.
As we move into the second half of 2026, we will build on the momentum generated by Global Meetings Industry Day, the release of the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study and continued insights from the Global Events Barometer through a dedicated campaign focused on external stakeholders, including mainstream media, as well as a dedicated campaign for our sector, Members and partners.
The recent EIC Economic Significance Study, Futures Landscape Study and Advocacy Toolkit resources are intentionally designed to be accessible and easily incorporated into individuals’ and organisations’ own efforts to build the business case for their event strategies and to share the community-level impact of business events. We all have a role to play in telling this story and offering our leadership.
Global Meetings Industry Day was designed to raise an important question: What is needed to inspire our future workforce and ensure we provide a coherent story about the purpose and impact of business events? Being together in that moment, sharing perspectives and demonstrating the power of a united voice, with activations taking place across continents, countries and communities, was incredibly meaningful.
We recognise the continued need to engage those whose voices have not consistently been invited into the conversation, including students of all ages, and to think together about new ways to reach these communities and create more two-way dialogue. I was inspired by how informed the students who participated in the GMID conversation were about critical issues, from accessibility and inclusion to the role of business events as a driver of economic resilience. A special thank you to the students and academic leaders from Howard University and George Washington University.
To our Members and partners who supported this critical research: heartfelt thanks. Your commitment to excellence, professionalism and service continues to strengthen our global community and elevate our collective voice. The breadth of participation across EIC membership was inspiring. Together, these efforts reinforced the extraordinary reach and influence of our industry.
As we continue the year-long advocacy campaign, this research gives us a powerful foundation for telling a more complete story about the role business events play in supporting jobs, strengthening communities, accelerating innovation and driving economic progress.
In an increasingly complex world, our industry remains uniquely positioned to bring people together with purpose. May served as a powerful reminder that advocacy is not a single day or event; it is an ongoing responsibility shared by all of us. I truly hope these resources and initiatives help you feel more empowered to engage and to be part of an industry-wide collaborative effort to champion our sector and our people.
As this message reaches you, we will also be announcing the recipients of our 2026 EIC Global Awards, including the Hall of Leaders inductees. Thank you to the many Members who continue to put forward these incredibly deserving nominations and support our EIC Foundation efforts.
As part of our ongoing work to share stories of leadership and capture hearts and minds in telling the story of our industry’s catalytic impact, these honourees offer powerful reminders of the generosity and resilience that surround us — and how much we learn from one another each and every day.
Please mark your calendar and join us as we celebrate this year’s honourees.
Thank you for all you do to help lead us forward.
Warmly,
Amy Calvert, President and CEO, Events Industry Council