Today marks just over one month since Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2018, which was held Apr. 12. This international day of advocacy for the meetings and events industry brought our community together to showcase the real, measurable impact of events.

According to recent data released by Meetings Mean Business, this year’s GMID received more widespread attention and participation than ever before.

“This year was our best and biggest GMID yet,” said Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and co-chair of Meetings Mean Business.

Thousands of industry professionals gathered together for 206 events spanning 41 countries – a 69% increase over last year’s participation. For those who were unable to make it to face-to-face events, Meetings Mean Business and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) hosted an all-day virtual event.

Graham expressed pleasure at all the support and engagement.

 “The tourism industry’s continued support of Meetings Means Business’s hallmark program is exciting to see as is the increased engagement from elected officials, business leaders and the media who hosted, spoke at and attended GMID events worldwide,” she stated.

Meetings Mean Business shared some impressive GMID 2018 statistics:

• 206 events were held in 41 countries 
• The #GMID18 hashtag received 54 million impressions on Twitter
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a GMID proclamation (and so did 18 other governors, mayors and city officials)
• Over 250 industry organizations hosted or co-hosted an event (or multiple events)

The next annual Global Meetings Industry Day will be on April 4, 2019.

Want to see some of the highlights from GMID 2018? Meetings Mean Business has put together a recap video that shows the spirit of the industry:

It’s important to remember that while GMID is one day earmarked for the meetings and events industry to celebrate its achievements, we all should be working together year-round. Let’s build on the momentum, and do what we can continue to advance our industry individually and together.

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