by Bob McGlincy
U. S. travel-to business events support over 6,600,000 jobs, and generate more than $396,000,000,000 in economic impact. The charts below list the top ten individual regions (nine states and one district), in terms of number of jobs and economic impact. To make this list, a region needed a minimum of $10,000,000,000 in economic impact. This is serious—and huge—business.
The number of jobs created range from 101,000 in Michigan, to 177,000 in New York, to 329,000 in California, and the economic impact ranges from $12.7 billion to $41.1 billion.
B2B and B2C live events are big business, but few outside of the industry are aware of its size or significance. The pandemic and its resultant lockdowns, coupled with delayed re-openings in many parts of the country, have devastated the convention industry. Fortunately, tradeshows are beginning to open in more locations, and will increase in number and size throughout the summer and fall. Tradeshows, like tourism and sporting events, play a dramatic role in a city’s and state’s economy and well-being. As travel surges, and tradeshows open, jobs will return and local economies will rebound.
But it remains critically important to proclaim the importance of live business events.
Bob McGlincy is director, business management at Willwork Global Event Services. Willwork creates engaging, energized, and exceptional event experiences. He can be contacted at Bob.McGlincy@willwork.com
