Global Meetings Industry Day on April 3 Champions Value, Benefits of Business Events and Meetings

Organizations around the world join in recognizing Global Meetings Industry Day on April 3 — showcasing that “Meetings Matter,” and highlighting the powerful economic, professional and personal benefits of business events, meetings, conventions, trade shows and conferences.

“In-person gatherings are the heartbeat of business and connection, indispensable to every industry,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “On Global Meetings Industry Day, we spotlight this powerful industry’s ability to spark economic growth, elevate organizational success, inspire personal development and forge the alliances that strengthen our industry.”

“Nothing replaces the power of in-person connection. Face-to-face meetings build trust, foster collaboration and spark ideas that fuel innovation,” said Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International and U.S. Travel National Chair. “From boardrooms to convention centers, these gatherings drive progress across all industries — whether in technology, healthcare, education or manufacturing.”

In 2024, spending on meetings and event-related travel reached $126 billion in the U.S. — directly supporting nearly 620,000 American jobs. Globally, business events are a $1.6 trillion economic powerhouse. Hosting events, conventions or trade shows energizes a region’s economy through bookings at event and meeting facilities, stays in local hotels, dining in restaurants and shopping at local retail stores — revenue and employment opportunities critical to the success of local economies.

Developing and deepening relationships is critical to business achievement, and meeting in person amplifies these ties and cooperative efforts. Data from a Freeman report shows 95% of in-person attendees trusted brands more after an event, with brand recognition and new clientele also seeing positive impacts from live events. According to a meetings and events trends report from Hilton, 71% of respondents agree that they have met someone at a work event who has helped them further their career. The report elevates the industry’s importance — analyzing data and trends to illustrate how in-person meetings continue to evolve to better foster the evolution of people, companies, communities, industries and the world. 
 

GMID 2025 Events and Activations

Businesses and organizations across the U.S. are planning to celebrate this year’s GMID, including:

• Hilton is holding the World’s Most Welcoming Events Big Idea Contest, celebrating GMID and inviting people to share their big ideas in the events space. 
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will host a 12-hour broadcast featuring industry leaders sharing insights and experiences on the impact of meetings. 
• Industry Exchange 2025, presented by a coalition of industry organizations in the Chicago Area including Chapters of ILEA, MPI, NACE PCMA, SITE along with the Association Forum, Destination Reps and Choose Chicago will bring together Chicago meeting and event industry professionals to celebrate GMID. 
• New Orleans & Company will host a panel discussion at the 2025 Power Up: Women’s Leadership Conference on April 3, connecting hundreds of businesswomen to accelerate professional development.

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.

Social media GMID content will be organized using the hashtags #MeetingsMatter and #GMID2025. 
 

Learn more about GMID.