Celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day 2024!

As we celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day 2024 (GMID), 11 April, many in the industry have been using the opportunity to assess and make predictions for the rest of the year. GMID provides the opportunity to highlight how our critical sector fuels local economies, business profits, individual growth and the professional relationships that advance common causes. GMID 2024 has truly become an international platform advocating the invaluable contributions made by business meetings, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions to individuals, businesses, and communities alike. GMID, initially spearheaded by Meetings Mean Business coalition in North America and sponsored by the US travel industry, serves also as a rallying call to unite the global business events industry, spotlighting the profound impact of face-to-face interactions. GMID reminds us that the business events sector, of course, not only drives economic activity through measurable metrics, but also serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, innovation, and investment. The lasting impact of international events are more critical than ever. Through initiatives like GMID, the transformative power of business events is underscored, reinforcing their indispensable contribution to global economies. “Meetings are in a really healthy place and we have a lot of runway left,” says Michael Massari, chief sales officer at Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events where GMID is being marked. Massari says the Covid experience led people understand why they meet and the benefit of meetings and events. “You’ll see meetings and events will happen more frequently,” Massari predicts. “And you’ll continue to see people understand why they are gathering together and what they are trying to accomplish when they do. You’ll continue to see people will incorporate wellness and attendee engagement is hot.” With this year’s GMID theme of #MeetingsMatter, Atlantic City is one of many destinations using the annual date celebration to restate the value of meetings to them. The city’s CVB says the internationally important day “raises people’s awareness of the importance of the MICE industry to people’s economy and society including business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions and festivals. Visit Atlantic City says it hosted 206 events over the past year, attracting over half a million attendees and generating $300m in economic impact. The CVB’s GMID 2024 statement says the figures “demonstrate the city’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth and prosperity within the local economy and community.” Canada-based event management agency Sandbox Events Inc says this special day is not just about conferences and events but “a celebration of connection, collaboration, and innovation across borders. “The meetings industry plays a crucial role in bringing people together, driving business growth, and fostering meaningful relationships,” the agency underlines. “From brainstorming sessions to networking events, every interaction has the power to spark ideas and drive positive change. “At Sandbox, we understand the immense importance of face-to-face meetings and the impact they have on building strong communities and driving progress. We’re proud to be part of an industry that champions communication, creativity, and collaboration.” At Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in the UK, the group is launching on GMID #HereForBusiness to showcase the incredible trading opportunities at The NEC, Birmingham and the wider events industry. The NEC will be hosting 11 exhibitions across three days at the venue, including Manufacturing & Engineering Week, Med-Tech Innovation and SUBCON. The campaign will tell stories from the exhibition floor across our venue, showcasing #GED2023‘s theme that ‘We run the meeting places and marketplaces for everyone’. Do let us know here at CMW how you are celebrating #GMID2024. A reminder also that, on 30 March 2023, the industry came together to celebrate #GMID2023, sending a united message to business leaders, elected officials and decision-makers: #MeetingsMatter—today and every day. Last year’s activation shattered previous milestones: –    45 million impressions worldwide –    70 events in 35 countries –    365+ media mentions Take a look at the #GMID2023 Recap Deck for additional metrics, photos and other highlights.  And let’s make #GMID2024 even bigger!