10/06/2026
Across cities, countries and continents, people are gathering at conferences, exhibitions, meetings and incentive programmes. They come together with purpose and intention to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, build trust and adapt and to innovation to propel our global society forward.
The scale of that connection is extraordinary.
According to the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, 1.65 billion participants attend business events around the world each year, generating US$1.3 trillion in direct spending and supporting 24.2 million jobs.
The impact of gathering extends well beyond the economic numbers. More than 70% of the EIC Futures Landscape Study respondents said relationship-building through face-to-face interaction is the outcome most difficult to replicate.
That matters.
In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented, business events create the opportunity to sit across the table from someone, hear a different perspective, find common ground and build relationships that can last long after an event ends.
Business events build trust. Accelerate ideas. Drive progress.
We know that when people come together, connection becomes a catalyst for economic and social progress.
Explore the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study: https://ow.ly/KJ2s50ZUKL2
Support the research: https://ow.ly/OHqq50ZUKLT
Many thanks to the generous support of Global Visionary Sponsors: Meeting Professionals International and PCMA, and strategic sponsors : Brand USA , Caesars Entertainment, Choose Chicago, Destinations International, Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), Freeman Company, Hilton, IACC Meetings, IMEX, The Incentive Research Foundation, Javits Center, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Maritz, mci-group, MGM Resorts International, Northstar Meetings Group, RCMA, Resorts World Las Vegas, SISO - Society of Independent Show Organisers, SITE Foundation, U.S. Travel Association and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
