(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, December 11, 2019) – The U.S. economy and businesses are directly affected by the meetings and events that are held across the state.

In 2016, 1.9 million meetings were held in the United States, generating $845 billion in economic impact (or business sales). This contributed $446 billion in GDP and $104 billion of federal, state and local taxes

26 million jobs across the globe are impacted by the business events sector and meetings directly support 5.9 million jobs.

Every dollar spent on face-to-face meetings generated $22 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments generated by direct travel expenditures.

The Global Meetings Industry Day events will include 275 events in 53 countries as well as robust conversations online that reached more than 88 million people.

Meetings Mean Business is an industry-wide coalition to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, 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 over 60 members, the coalition unites the meetings industry with one strong and powerful voice.