On March 18, the Events Industry Council of Washington, D.C., launched an events industry survey for the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics of Oxford, England. The survey invites professionals from across the global business events ecosystem to contribute insights that will inform the final report, which will be released on May 6, in conjunction with Global Meetings Industry Day.
The economic significance study, conducted every three years, provides the most comprehensive analyses of the global business events sector. The seminal research measures the industry’s economic contribution—including jobs supported, spending generated, and broader community impact—and equips policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders with credible data to support investment and policy decisions.
“The economic significance study is the one of the most credible and impactful tools we have for demonstrating the value of business events to policymakers, investors, and communities around the world,” says Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the Events Industry Council, in a prepared statement. “By participating in this survey, professionals across our industry are joining a global effort to ensure that the story we tell about our impact is both credible and representative of the global ecosystem.”
“Strong advocacy begins with strong evidence,” says Stephanie Harris, 2026 chair of the Events Industry Council board of directors and president of the Incentive Research Foundation. “This study provides the data our industry needs to demonstrate its full economic and societal impact. Broad participation from across our global community is essential to ensuring the findings truly reflect the scope and influence of business events.”
Events Industry Council Announces Global Visionary Sponsors
The Events Industry Council also announced on March 18 the first Global Visionary Sponsors supporting the study: Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Through their sponsorship of the study, PCMA, MPI, and other sponsoring organizations advance the research and advocacy efforts that ensure the business events industry has credible economic data to inform policy, investment, and workforce development decisions worldwide.
“MPI is proud to support this important initiative,” says Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. “Accurate, credible economic data strengthens our industry’s ability to advocate for the policies, investments, and infrastructure that enable meetings and events to thrive.”
“Business events create meaningful economic and social value in communities around the world,” says Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA. “Supporting this study and encouraging industry participation ensures we have the insights and evidence needed to advance the sector and demonstrate its lasting impact.”
Additional confirmed sponsors include:
- Ceasar’s Entertainment
- Freeman
- IMEX Group
- Incentive Research Foundation
- Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
- MCI Group
- MGM Resorts International
- Resorts World Las Vegas
- Society of Independent Show Organizers
- U.S. Travel Association
- Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Call for Industry Participation
The Events Industry Council encourages planners, suppliers, destinations, venues, associations, and corporate event professionals worldwide to participate in the survey. Broad participation will help ensure the findings reflect the full diversity and scope of the global business events ecosystem.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and will close on March 31. Participants will receive one continuing education credit toward Certified Meeting Professional certification or recertification.
