Today, ECN joins organizations across the globe to support the annual Global Meetings Industry Day.
GMID, led by the industry advocacy coalition Meetings Mean Business, showcases the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, tradeshows and exhibitions bring to businesses and the economy. This year’s GMID theme is Meet Safe, recognizing the industry’s top priority of operating meetings and events with health and safety top–of–mind.
The current landscape for meetings and events is one of the most challenging in our history. Even so, industry professionals rise to the occasion time and time again—from GMID 2020, where event planners in all regions swiftly pivoted their plans to virtual; to today, where businesses and destinations are holding safe in–person events and embracing the hybrid–model as necessary.
Today,we come together in all settings, stronger and more united than ever, to demonstrate the unwavering value of our 
industry with leaders in business, government and the media. Showcasing our industry’s value has never been more important.
“The participation of organizations is critical to GMID’s success,” says Fred Dixon (pictured right), president and CEO of NYC & Company and co–chair of MMB. “It reveals the true power of our industry, our emphasis on convening with health and safety top–of–mind and projections for a strong recovery impacting businesses and local economies around the world.”
GMID was created in 2016 to raise the profile of the meetings and events industry. Last year brought a new challenge with the international impact of global lockdowns that brought the industry to a standstill. We did, however, convene with meeting professional organizations, association chapters, corporations, destinations, elected officials and business leaders through MPI’s 12–hour GMID event broadcast.And this year we will celebrate safe in–person, hybrid and virtual meetings alike from California to Luska, Zambia and everywhere in between.
“Since it
s inception, GMID has galvanized partners globally and empowered advocates to communicate our industry’s ability to support businesses and local communities,” says Michael Massari (pictured left), chief sales officer at Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and co–chair of MMB. “This year’s GMID is a testament to the incredibly resilient meetings and events professionals and our dedication to securing much–needed relief and recovery for the industry.”
Meetings Mean Business is an industry–wide coalition to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, tradeshows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities. By rallying industry advocates, working with stakeholders, conducting original research, engaging with outside voices and more, the coalition brings the industry together to emphasize its importance. Comprised of more than 60 members, the coalition unites the meetings industry with one strong and powerful voice. Participate in the digital conversations by following @MeetingsMeanBizon Twitter, using #GMID21 and watching the live-stream of events provided by MPI. For more info, visit www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com
