Global Meetings Industry Day
6 May 2026 | #GMID2026 Powered by Events Industry Council
Business Events and Exhibitions
The Human Catalyst for Global Growth
Each year, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) brings the global business events community together to spotlight the powerful role meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel play in driving progress.
Business events create the space where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed and innovation begins. They bring people together across industries and borders to exchange knowledge, strengthen relationships and unlock new opportunities.
More than gatherings, business events are catalysts — generating economic impact while creating the human connections that move industries and communities forward.
This year’s GMID highlights four ways business events power progress around the world.
Because when people come together, remarkable things happen.
Why GMID Matters
In a world marked by geopolitical complexity, workforce transformation and economic uncertainty, the value of business events has never been more important — or more necessary to demonstrate.
In May 2026, the Events Industry Council will release the next Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics.
This seminal research will quantify the global economic and societal impact of the business events industry and provide updated, credible data to support advocacy efforts at every level.
GMID 2026 will serve as the global platform to amplify these findings and mobilise our industry around a unified message.
Together, we will demonstrate that business events are:
- Economic engines driving investment and growth
- Talent accelerators supporting workforce development
- Innovation platforms where ideas become action
- Community builders strengthening local economies
- Catalysts for global progress
“Global Meetings Industry Day is our moment to stand together and demonstrate, with clarity and confidence, the indispensable role business events play in driving economic growth, strengthening communities and accelerating innovation. When we unite around credible data and a shared voice, we reinforce not only our industry’s value — but its future.”
Amy Calvert
President and CEO
Events Industry Council
The Power of the Data
The 2026 Global Economic Significance Study will provide the data our industry needs to advocate for its future.
The study will:
- 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
Pairing this research with Global Meetings Industry Day creates a powerful global moment for our industry to speak with one unified voice.
Who Should Participate
GMID is for the entire business events ecosystem:
- Associations
- Corporations
- Destinations and DMOs
- Venues and hospitality partners
- Event technology providers
- Exhibition and production partners
- Educators and students
- CMPs and emerging professionals
If business events are part of your mission — GMID is your platform.
“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.”
Stephanie Harris
President, IRF
2026 Board Chair, EIC
How to Get Involved
1. Host a Local Activation
Organise 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 our entire industry.
Our Shared Responsibility
Business events bring people together to solve problems, build relationships and move ideas forward.
But the impact of our industry cannot be assumed — it must be demonstrated.
Global Meetings Industry Day is more than a celebration.
It is a coordinated global advocacy effort designed to ensure policymakers, communities and business leaders understand the true value of business events.
When we show up together — with data, with purpose and with a unified voice — we strengthen the future of our industry.
Join us.
Activate your community.
Amplify the message.
Because business events drive the world forward.
