Editor’s Note: This story, originally published in April 2024, has been updated for #GMID2026.
On May 6, the meeting and event industry will unite for Global Meetings Industry Day 2026, an international day of advocacy and education designed to spotlight the importance and economic impact of business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions, along with the power of face-to-face meetings.
Meeting and Event Industry, Travel Facts
Key data points from the 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study:
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1.6 billion participants across more than 180 countries
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$1.15 trillion in direct spending
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30 million people in the workforce
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Business events supported 10.9 million direct jobs globally, generating $662.6 million in direct GDP.
How to Participate in Global Meetings Industry Day
Host a Local Activation
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Organize a breakfast, roundtable, campus event or community discussion highlighting the impact of business events in your region.
Engage Policymakers
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Invited elected officials and community leaders to attend you GMID event and learn how business events fuel jobs, innovation and economic development.
Amplify the Message
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Join the global conversation using:
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#GMID2026
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#EventsDriveInnovation
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#EventsDriveCommunities
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#EventsDriveJobs
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#EventsDriveEconomies
Support the Research
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Consider becoming a sponsor of the 2026 Global Economic Significance Study and help strengthen the data foundation that supports advocacy for our entire industry.
Meeting Professionals International is hosting a free MID 8-hour digital broadcast On May 6. Learn more at Event Registration. Attendees earn can up to eight hours of continuing education credits. More than 30 speakers are expected and 16 educational experiences.
Turn blue for the day
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GMID’s official color is blue, and many across the industry recognize the importance of this activation by turning their channels—and in some cases their buildings—blue to honor this activation. In past years, some well-known landmarks participated, including the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, Rockefeller Center and more.
The Events Industry Council has produced a #GMID2026 Toolkit to help meeting professionals get involved with information such as facts about the industry, social media guides and more.
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