EIC Launches Global Survey to Power 2026 Economic Impact Study

The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry across advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has launched the industry-wide survey for the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study (ESS), in partnership with Oxford Economics.

The initiative invites professionals from across the global events ecosystem to contribute insights that will inform the final report, set for release on 6 May 2026, in conjunction with Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).

Conducted every three years, the Economic Significance Study is widely regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the global business events sector. It measures the industry’s economic contribution – covering jobs supported, spending generated and broader community impact – while providing policymakers and industry leaders with credible data to guide 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,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “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,” added Stephanie Harris, 2026 Chair of the EIC 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.”

Global Visionary Sponsors Announced

EIC also confirmed its first Global Visionary Sponsors supporting the study: Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).

Through their support – alongside other sponsoring organisations – the study strengthens industry-wide research and advocacy, ensuring access to reliable economic data to inform policy, investment and workforce development globally.

“MPI is proud to support this important initiative,” said Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of Meeting Professionals International. “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,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, 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: Caesars Entertainment, Freeman, IMEX Group, Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, the mci group, MGM Resorts International, Resorts World Las Vegas, Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO), U.S. Travel Association and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Call for Industry Participation

EIC is encouraging planners, suppliers, destinations, venues, associations and corporate event professionals worldwide to take part. Broad participation will ensure the study reflects the full diversity and scale of the global business events ecosystem.

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and will close on 31 March 2026. Participants will receive one Continuing Education (CE) credit toward CMP certification or recertification.

The 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study will be released on 6 May 2026 as part of GMID, providing updated insights and a unified narrative on the value and impact of business events globally. A GMID toolkit will also be released shortly to support worldwide engagement and advocacy.
 

Take the survey
 

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