The Events Industry Council, a global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition, and standards, has announced it will be releasing the next iteration of the Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study in conjunction with Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026. EIC will once again be working with its research partner, Oxford Economics, and with sponsoring organisations to produce the study. Both the study and the evolution of GMID align with EIC’s Vision 2030 in support of workforce initiatives and advocacy efforts that champion the purpose and impact of business events worldwide.
First published in 2017, EIC’s Economic Significance Study evaluates the full scope and economic impact of the $1.6 trillion global business events industry (source: 2023 ESS). EIC reports that its 2023 report has been accessed by more than 10,000 users across 40 countries.
The 2026 study is expected to be released on 5 May 2026 in Washington, DC as part of Global Meetings Industry Day and in conjunction with Business Events Week, with activations, events and campaigns organised around the world. GMID is spearheaded by the US Travel Association and has been supported by stakeholders worldwide since 2016.
“EIC’s Economic Significance Study provides the foundation for our sector’s advocacy efforts, and Global Meetings Industry Day is an essential platform for amplifying the breadth and impact of our sector and those efforts,” said Amy Calvert (pictured), EIC president and CEO. “GMID also empowers communities to create authentic, local celebrations of the industry’s value to inspire and champion our workforce.”
Calvert continued: “GMID will also serve as a key driver of our strategy to build and champion the global workforce, reinforcing our ongoing advocacy to highlight the indispensable role business events play in driving economic, social, and environmental progress.”
Dr Senthil Gopinath, EIC Board chair and CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), added: “Assuming stewardship of GMID reflects EIC’s mission to be the global champion of our industry. We will build on the extraordinary foundation laid by US Travel and work with our members and partners around the world, ensuring that GMID continues to grow in reach and influence as we highlight the powerful legacy impact of events worldwide.”
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, CEO and President of PCMA said: “Business Events Industry Week is all about bringing the world together to further the goals of the global business events industry. The release of EIC’s 2026 Economic Significance Study during GMID will help us amplify the extraordinary impact of business events as we continue to drive innovation, foster growth, and ensure that the business events community remains a vital and dynamic part of the global economy. We are all a part of it, and what we do matters. Collectively, we can make a difference.”
Kevin Hinton,, managing director of group travel at US Travel Association, commented: “We are proud to have established Global Meetings Industry Day as a unifying platform for our industry and look forward to working with EIC as they take on the leadership role.”
To help organisers plan their own GMID events, EIC will be releasing an activation toolkit in November 2025. Access the 2023 Economic Significance Study.
