Global Business Events Industry Generated €1.2 Trillion in GDP in 2025, Says EIC Study

The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry in advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has released the Executive Summary of the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, developed in partnership with Oxford Economics.

The study offers a comprehensive analysis of the scale, reach and economic impact of business events across more than 180 countries. In 2025 alone, the sector brought together 1.65 billion participants worldwide and generated US$1.3 trillion in direct spending — a 12.2% increase compared with 2019 levels.

When accounting for direct, indirect and induced effects, business events supported US$3.1 trillion in total business sales, contributed US$1.8 trillion to global GDP and sustained 24.2 million jobs worldwide.

“Business events are essential infrastructure for a connected, innovative and resilient global economy,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO, Events Industry Council. “This study gives our industry credible, current data to demonstrate what we have long known: when people gather with purpose, they create economic value, strengthen communities, accelerate knowledge exchange and build the trust required to move ideas into action.”

Part of a broader rollout of advocacy tools and industry messaging, the research also found that business events generated US$759 billion (€700 billion) in direct GDP and supported 9.7 million direct jobs globally in 2025. Direct business sales linked to business events averaged US$785 per participant, while trade shows alone accounted for US$180 billion in direct spending.

The report further contextualises the sector’s economic relevance, noting that in 2025 business events directly generated US$1.3 trillion (€1.2 trillion) in sales — surpassing several major global industries, including air transport, telecommunications equipment, textiles and aerospace manufacturing.

“This research is an important advocacy tool for every sector of our industry,” said Stephanie Harris, EIC Chair and President, The Incentive Research Foundation. “It helps destinations, venues, organisers, suppliers, associations and corporate leaders tell a stronger, more unified story about the role business events play in job creation, workforce development, innovation and long-term economic growth. The data reinforces that our sector is not discretionary — it is a driver of progress.”

The study also highlights the continued recovery trajectory of the global business events industry. By the fourth quarter of 2025, EIC’s Global Business Events Barometer showed RFP activity at 102% of 2019 levels, while hotel group room nights had recovered to 97% of pre-pandemic performance. According to Oxford Economics forecasts, direct spending generated by business events is expected to reach US$1.6 trillion by 2028, with direct employment rising to 10.4 million jobs.

“Business events have demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued relevance in a complex global environment,” said Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics for Oxford Economics. “The findings show not only the magnitude of direct spending and employment, but also the broader economic ripple effects created through supply chains, wages and local communities. The sector’s catalytic value — including business development, innovation, research collaboration and knowledge transfer — further underscores why business events matter to economies and societies around the world.”

The study defines business events as gatherings of 10 or more participants lasting a minimum of four hours in a contracted venue, excluding social, formal educational and recreational activities. The research combined primary data from a global survey involving more than 1,600 organisers, venues, destination marketing organisations, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, alongside country-level studies, third-party industry data, EIC’s Global Business Events Barometer and Oxford Economics’ economic and business travel forecasts.

Beyond direct economic impact, the report also underscores the catalytic role of business events — highlighting their contribution to new business opportunities, partnerships, professional development, knowledge transfer, innovation, research collaboration, health and technical advances, productivity gains, and the development of human and organisational capital.

Survey findings reinforce the enduring value of face-to-face engagement. Seventy percent of respondents identified relationship-building through in-person interaction as the hardest element to replicate digitally, while a further 12% pointed to community-building, trust and emotional engagement. Participants also reported that in-person events increased awareness by an average of 37%, while organisations estimated they would lose 28% of revenue without hosting physical events.

“The future of business events depends on our ability to measure impact, communicate value and advocate with confidence,” Calvert said. “This study belongs to the entire global business events community. We are deeply grateful to Oxford Economics, our sponsors, contributors, strategic partners, member organisations and volunteer leaders for making this work possible.”

EIC also acknowledged the organisations supporting the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, including contributors Amadeus, Cvent and GainingEdge; Global Visionary Sponsors MPI and PCMA; and Founding Sponsors including Caesars Entertainment, Freeman, Hilton, IMEX Group, Incentive Research Foundation, Javits Center, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, The mci Group, MGM Resorts International, Resorts World Las Vegas, Society of Independent Show Organisers, SITE Foundation, U.S. Travel Association and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Additional insights from the study, including regional analysis and the Q1 2026 Events Barometer, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
 

Check out the report here
 

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