WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Events Industry Council announced the preliminary data from its most recent Economic Significance Study commissioned to evaluate the economic impact of the events industry. In partnership with Tourism Economics and Events Industry Council members and partners, the study is conducted to quantify the economic contributions made by the events industry throughout the United States based on 2016 calendar year data.
"This data demonstrates the substantial impact that our industry has on the U.S. economy in terms of spending, jobs and taxes generated and is extremely valuable for our industry in order to articulate the value of face to face events in our advocacy efforts," said Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, President and CEO, Events Industry Council. "We are currently exploring further studies outside of the United States to better gauge and assess the global impact of our industry."
The Events Industry Council’s Economic Significance Study data is based on primary surveys and secondary research conducted over the past six months. Preliminary data thus far reveals:
- 1.9 million meetings were held, which is a 5 percent increase from 2012 when 1.8 million meetings were reported.
- More than 250 million participants attended meetings, representing a 10 percent growth from 2012.
- International meeting participation also grew by 26 percent from 2012 to over six million participants.
- More than $330 billion (US) in direct spending was reported related to events, representing an 18 percent growth from 2012.
The Events Industry Council expects to release the final report in February.
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