The study examined business events activity across more than 180 countries and found that in 2025 the sector brought together 1.65 billion participants worldwide and generated US$1.3 trillion in direct spending, representing a 12.2% increase compared with 2019 levels.
ncluding direct, indirect and induced impacts, the sector supported US$3.1 trillion in total business sales, US$1.8 trillion in total GDP and 24.2 million jobs globally.
The report showed that business events generated US$759 billion in direct GDP and supported 9.7 million direct jobs worldwide in 2025. Direct business sales linked to business events averaged US$785 per participant, while trade shows accounted for US$180 billion in direct spending.
The research also placed the business events sector within a wider economic context, noting that in 2025 direct business sales generated by the sector exceeded those of several major global industries, including air transport, telecommunications equipment, textiles and aerospace manufacturing.
Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council, said: “Business events are essential infrastructure for a connected, innovative and resilient global economy. This study gives our industry credible, current data to demonstrate what we have long known: when people gather with purpose, they create economic value, strengthen communities, accelerate knowledge exchange and build the trust required to move ideas into action.”
Stephanie Harris, EIC Chair and President of The Incentive Research Foundation, stated: “This research is an important advocacy tool for every sector of our industry. It helps destinations, venues, organisers, suppliers, associations and corporate leaders tell a stronger, more unified story about the role business events play in job creation, workforce development, innovation and long-term economic growth. The data reinforces that our sector is not discretionary — it is a driver of progress.”
The study also highlighted the continued recovery of the sector. According to the EIC Global Business Events Barometer, by the fourth quarter of 2025 request-for-proposal activity had reached 102% of 2019 levels, while hotel group room nights recovered to 97% of pre-pandemic levels.
Direct spending attributable to business events will rise to US$1.6 trillion by 2028
Oxford Economics forecasts direct spending attributable to business events will rise to US$1.6 trillion by 2028, with direct employment reaching 10.4 million jobs.
Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics for Oxford Economics, said: “Business events have demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued relevance in a complex global environment. The findings show not only the magnitude of direct spending and employment, but also the broader economic ripple effects created through supply chains, wages and local communities. The sector’s catalytic value — including business development, innovation, research collaboration and knowledge transfer – further underscores why business events matter to economies and societies around the world.”
The study defined business events as gatherings of at least 10 participants for a minimum duration of four hours in a contracted venue, excluding social, formal educational and recreational activities.
The research process included a global survey of more than 1,600 event organisers, venues, destination marketing organisations, suppliers and other industry participants, alongside analysis of country-level studies, third-party industry data, EIC Global Business Events Barometer figures and Oxford Economics’ economic and business travel forecasts.
The report also examined the wider catalytic effects of business events, including business development, customer acquisition, partnerships, professional development, knowledge transfer, innovation, research collaboration and productivity gains.
According to survey respondents, 70% identified face-to-face relationship building as the most difficult event outcome to replicate digitally, while 12% cited community, trust and emotional engagement. Respondents also reported that participation in in-person events increased awareness by an average of 37%, while 28% of revenue would be lost without hosting physical events.
Calvert added: “The future of business events depends on our ability to measure impact, communicate value and advocate with confidence. This study belongs to the entire global business events community. We are deeply grateful to Oxford Economics, our sponsors, contributors, strategic partners, member organisations and volunteer leaders for making this work possible.”
Tags: Amy Calvert Stephanie Harris Events Industry Council Adam Sacks, Oxford Economics
The study was supported by organisations including Amadeus, Cvent, GainingEdge, MPI, PCMA, Caesars Entertainment, Freeman, Hilton, IMEX Group, Javits Center, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, The mci Group, MGM Resorts International, Resorts World Las Vegas, SITE Foundation, U.S. Travel Association and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
