WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (24 March 2026) The Events Industry Council (EIC) today announced the launch of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026 and advocacy framework, a worldwide year-round initiative that will spotlight the significance of business events and exhibitions as the human catalyst for global growth. The day will include the release of the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, seminal research that measures the industry’s economic contribution—including jobs supported, spending generated and broader community impact
Set for 6 May 2026, GMID will bring together event professionals, organisations, destinations and partners from across the global ecosystem to demonstrate how in-person gatherings drive economic expansion, accelerate innovation and strengthen connections across industries and borders.
This year’s theme—Business Events and Exhibitions: The Human Catalyst for Global Growth—underscores the essential role of face-to-face engagement in unlocking opportunity, fostering collaboration and advancing progress in an increasingly complex world.
“Global Meetings Industry Day and the Advocacy resources aggregated provide a powerful focus and foundation to ensure that business events are recognised for their true purpose and impact as catalysts for connection, innovation and progress,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “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.”
“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,” said Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation and 2026 EIC Board Chair.
GMID serves as a global platform to elevate the industry’s collective voice, equipping stakeholders with tools, insights and stories that demonstrate both the economic and human impact of business events and exhibitions. From local activations to global campaigns, organisations are encouraged to participate by hosting events, engaging policymakers, sharing data and amplifying their stories across digital channels.
In 2026, GMID will align with the release of the Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, developed by EIC in partnership with Oxford Economics. The study will provide updated, credible data on the industry’s global contribution—quantifying jobs, business activity and community impact—and reinforcing its role as a driver of growth and innovation worldwide.
“Together, GMID and the Economic Significance Study create a unified opportunity for our global community to tell a stronger, more consistent story about the value of business events,” Calvert added. “This is our moment to demonstrate not only what we do, but why it matters.”
EIC invites all sectors of the business events ecosystem—including organisers, venues, destinations, suppliers and technology partners—to take part in GMID 2026 and help amplify the industry’s global impact.
Founding sponsors for GMID and the Economic Significance Study include:
- MPI (Global Visionary Sponsor)
- PCMA (Global Visionary Sponsor)
- 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
- Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO)
- US Travel Association
- Venetian Resort Las Vegas
To learn more and access the GMID 2026 and Advocacy toolkit, visit:
https://news.eventscouncil.org/gmid/
About the Events Industry Council
The Events Industry Council’s worldwide federation includes 30+ Association Members and 30+ Corporate Members with global operations and event teams in countries around the world. EIC’s collective network touches an estimated half a million event professionals and more than 70,000 organisations across the global business events ecosystem.
EIC is the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence. It promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) programme and signature programme activities. The CMP credential is recognised globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry.
