EIC and JMIC Join Forces for Sustainability Efforts, Advocacy and Economic Research

The Events Industry Council (EIC) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) announced a new collaboration to align efforts in three critical areas: advancing sustainability within the global events sector, advocating collectively on behalf of the business events industry, and producing the next global Economic Significance Study in partnership with Oxford Economics.

This collaboration brings together two of the industry’s leading global organisations, uniting their respective networks and expertise to strengthen the voice, influence, and long-term resilience of the business events community worldwide.

With the global industry navigating heightened uncertainty — ranging from shifting regulatory frameworks and macroeconomic volatility to evolving geopolitical conditions — the need for coordinated action has never been more important. This collaboration aims to help industry stakeholders respond proactively and strategically in a period of accelerated change.

The collaboration will focus on three priority areas:

• Sustainability Alignment: JMIC’s Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and the EIC Sustainable Event Standards will be leveraged in parallel to accelerate the industry’s transition towards more sustainable events. By aligning resources and frameworks, the collaboration will support a more coordinated and effective approach to environmental and social responsibility across all levels of the events ecosystem.
   
• Unified Global Advocacy: In today’s complex and rapidly evolving policy environment, where travel restrictions, carbon regulations, and geopolitical tensions continue to shape industry operations, the two Councils will collaborate on advocacy efforts to amplify the industry’s voice and ensure it is recognised as a vital contributor to economic development, innovation, and societal progress.
   
• 2026 Economic Significance Study: Beginning in 2025, the EIC and JMIC will work together with Oxford Economics to produce the next global Economic Significance of Business Events Industry report, to be released in 2026. This seminal research will provide updated insights into the size, scope, and strategic importance of the business events sector across international markets, offering critical data to inform public and private sector planning.

“The business events industry plays a critical role in knowledge exchange and economic growth,” said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, 2025 Chair of the EIC Board and CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). “By aligning our priorities and actions, we send a powerful message about the collective value we bring to communities and countries around the world—and reinforce our ability to thrive amid uncertainty.”

James Rees (cover photo), President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council and Executive Director of Excel London, said: “This collaboration is built on the principle that unity brings strength. Using our areas of strength together we can deliver greater impact, influence policy, and demonstrate the immense value of our industry on a global scale—in particular, as we adapt to the evolving global landscape.”

Alexander Alles, Executive Director of JMIC emphasised that “Through this strategic partnership both Councils will amplify our collective impact on the global stage for the benefit of our industry. By aligning sustainability efforts, strengthening advocacy, and delivering robust economic insights, we are equipping the business events industry with tools to drive meaningful progress.”

Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council said: “This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to advancing the role of global business events as a driver of global economic and social progress. By working in concert, we can accelerate these efforts, advocate more effectively, and provide the resources and data our stakeholders need to build capabilities and make informed decisions— especially in this era of growing complexity and unpredictability.”

Both EIC and JMIC view this partnership as a significant step forward in strengthening industry collaboration, building resilience, and shaping a more sustainable and impactful future for global business events.
 

Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.