Today, 3 April, is Global Meetings Industry Day – when professionals across the world celebrate the $1.6trn industry that powers international trade and connections. Held annually on the first Thursday in April, GMID unites stakeholders from the meetings, events, and hospitality sectors to spotlight the value of face-to-face business events.
The initiative traces its origins to the mid-1990s, starting as Meeting Planners Day in Canada. Over the years, it evolved into National Meetings Industry Day and, by 2016, gained international recognition as Global Meetings Industry Day.
Now in its ninth year, GMID is spearheaded by the US-based Meetings Mean Business Coalition, with support from Destinations International, PCMA, MPI, UFI and others. The coalition comprises over 70 members and works to raise the profile and importance of meetings and events in the media and among lawmakers. Their efforts aim to ensure that the value of face-to-face meetings is recognised globally.
To mark this occasion, events are taking place across six continents, with venues, associations, convention bureaux and global meetings professionals using the day to host open houses, light up buildings in blue and publish economic data on the industry’s impact.
In 2024, the US reported over $126bn in meeting and event-related travel spending, supporting nearly 620,000 jobs, according to the US Travel Association. Globally, business events generated $1.6trn in direct spending and supported over 26 million jobs, according to the Events Industry Council.
The theme for 2025 is #MeetingsMatter, reinforcing how meetings fuel economies, build communities and advance sectors from healthcare and education to manufacturing and tourism.
