The Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy

This Economic Significance Study (ESS), conducted by Oxford Economics, quantifies a vital industry that contributes billions of dollars to the US economy, while creating millions of jobs in almost every community in the country.

The data in this study provides a clear and credible statistical base on which to gain recognition for this vast and diverse industry as a vital economic driver and clearly articulates the downstream effect on other industries and the people who work in them. Anyone who reads this report will better understand the economic significance as well as the depth and breadth of the meetings and events industry.

While this study focuses on the value of the industry to the overall economy, the many other benefits resulting from the meetings and events that are held should not be overlooked. To the millions of attendees annually, these events provide an invaluable source of adult learning, continuing education for professional certifications and licensure, a forum for developing and maintaining professional contacts, an effective and efficient means of enhancing sales efforts, a medium for information exchange leading to innovation, new medical treatments and research breakthroughs, among other benefits.