(Washington, D.C., Monday, March 8, 2021) – Successful in-person business meetings and events are possible and taking place today, in accordance with local protocols and safety regulations.

Prior to the pandemic, the business events and meetings sector supported 5.9 million American jobs and spurred hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue.

A new survey from Meetings Mean Business shows Americans’ thoughts on in-person meetings or conventions.

These are three questions that 1,000 adults in the U.S. were asked:

• As many Americans are forced to work from home due to social distancing, how much do you miss attending in-person meetings or conventions?
• After the threat of COVID-19 has passed, do you think you will be more or less likely to want to attend in-person meetings or conventions?
• Thinking about the federal response to COVID-19, do you agree or disagree that convention centers and event venues should be eligible for federal support and funding?

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.