Hosting events, conventions or trade shows stimulates a region’s economy through bookings at event and meeting facilities, stays in local hotels, dining in restaurants and shopping at local retail stores.
WASHINGTON – Under the banner theme of “Meetings Matter,” Global Meetings Industry Day is April 11, a day dedicated to championing the undeniable professional, personal and economic benefits of business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions.
“In-person meetings and events are essential to the success of businesses and individuals across every industry,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Global Meetings Industry Day is an opportunity to highlight how this critical sector fuels local economies, business profits, individual growth and the professional relationships that advance common causes.”
Impact of Meeting and Event-Related Travel
In 2023, spending on meetings and event-related travel totaled $119 billion in the U.S. – directly supporting nearly 600,000 American jobs.
Building and fostering relationships is a proven key for business success – and meeting face-to-face advances these connections and collaboration. According to a study by American Express Global Business Travel, 81% of survey respondents agree that in-person interactions foster greater levels of innovation for their business. Further, nearly 85% of study respondents say their organization realizes tangible business value from trips to meet with clients, customers or prospects in person.
GMID 2024 Events and Activiations
Approximately 50 businesses and organizations across the U.S. are planning to celebrate this year’s GMID, including:
- Hilton is inviting organizations to share their meeting success story for its contest, “The Meeting That Meant Everything”.
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will host a 12-hour broadcast featuring industry leaders sharing insights and experiences on the impact of meetings on the global economy.
- The Las Vegas resort community will unite to celebrate GMID with a marquee takeover featuring the campaign hashtag, #MeetingsMatter, and Las Vegas resorts will feature blue exterior lighting to mark the initiative.
- PCMA’s Capital Chapter is holding a discussion on the current landscape and impact of the industry at the Washington Convention Center in D.C.
- NC Meetings Mean Business Alliance will host informational and educational sessions on the meetings industry followed by a celebration.
GMID is powered by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, co-chaired by Meet Boston President and CEO Martha Sheridan and MGM Resorts International Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer Stephanie Glanzer, who will participate in a national radio tour on April 11 in support of GMID.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
