It is hard to imagine we are already halfway through the 2026 calendar year. As we turn our attention to the second half of 2026 and begin planning for 2027, I want to share my immense gratitude with our CMP community, CMP Governance Commission, EIC Board of Directors, volunteer leaders and the EIC team.
As we reflect on the impact of the work we are doing to support industry advocacy efforts and workforce development, both central to our Vision 2030 and our collective “why,”the global community represented by our CMPs remains at the heart of everything we do.
The recent EIC Economic Significance Study, Futures Landscape Study and advocacy toolkit resources were intentionally designed as accessible tools that individuals and organisations can incorporate into their own efforts to build the business case for events and to communicate the catalytic impact business events have on communities around the world. We all have a role to play in telling this story and in offering our leadership.
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) was designed to raise an important question: what is needed to inspire our future workforce and ensure we provide a coherent and compelling story about the purpose and impact of business events? Coming together to share perspectives demonstrated the power of a united voice, with activations taking place across continents, countries and communities.
We also recognise the continued need to engage those whose voices have not consistently been invited into the conversation, including, most importantly, students of all ages, and to think together about new ways to create meaningful two-way dialogue. I was completely inspired by how informed the students participating in the GMID conversations were about critical issues, from accessibility and inclusion to the role of business events as drivers of economic resilience.
A special thank you to the students who participated, as well as the academic leadership from Howard University and The George Washington University, for helping make these conversations so meaningful.
On that day, organisations around the world united in their efforts, reaffirming what so many of us working in this sector know to be true: business events are essential drivers of economic growth, innovation, workforce development and human connection.
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. MPI’s full-day global virtual programme connected professionals around the world in a celebration of Meetings Matter. PCMA’s Convening platform and Business Events Industry Week amplified important conversations about advocacy, workforce development and the future of our sector. MGM Resorts International activated teams across Las Vegas, while SITE and many other EIC member organisations engaged their communities through educational programmes, networking events and awareness campaigns. Together, these efforts reinforced the extraordinary reach and influence of our industry.
As we continue our year-long advocacy campaign, this research provides 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 hope you feel empowered by these resources and initiatives to engage more deeply and to be part of this industry-wide effort to champion our sector and our people.
In this issue, Deana Griffith-House, CMP Fellow, CMM, PMP, our 2027 CMP Governance Commission Chair, shares an article that clearly articulates this moment in time, an opportunity to unite around a common purpose while recognising the critical leadership role each of us plays as event professionals. Together, we can help ensure our industry is better supported, better understood and better positioned for the future.
Thank you to every CMP, volunteer leader, member organisation and industry partner who helped make GMID, this research and our ongoing advocacy efforts a truly global demonstration of what is possible when we unite around a common purpose.
Coming soon: more information on the CMP Accreditation Programme, updates to the newly refreshed APEX Accepted Practices resources, and the CMP 10th Edition Manual, which is currently in development and expected to be completed in late Q3.
Warmly,
Amy Calvert, President and CEO, Events Industry Council
