Global Business Events Sector Shows Strong Recovery
The Events Industry Council reports that sector metrics have surpassed 2019 levels in key areas.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The Events Industry Council released its Q2 2026 Global Business Events Barometer, showing RFP activity reaching 113% of 2019 levels. This performance highlights the continued resurgence of international business travel and conference participation.
Why it matters
This data provides critical evidence for policymakers and industry leaders to assess the sector's contribution to global GDP and workforce stability. Understanding these trends helps stakeholders navigate the ongoing economic impacts of business events.
Business events contributed US$1.8 trillion to global GDP in 2025 while supporting 24.2 million jobs worldwide. The sector generated US$1.3 trillion in direct spending and supported US$3.1 trillion in total business sales during the same period.
The players
Events Industry Council
This Washington, D.C.-based organization leads the business events industry through research, advocacy, and workforce development.
Oxford Economics
This is a global advisory firm that provides economic forecasting and analysis to support public and private sector decision-making.
The details
Prepared in partnership with Oxford Economics, the Barometer tracks industry recovery through research and advocacy initiatives. The sector saw 1.65 billion participants attend business events throughout 2025 as the industry continues its post-pandemic realignment.
Timeline
Business events saw 1.65 billion participants during 2025.
The Events Industry Council released the Global Business Events Barometer in Q2 2026.
Global Meetings Industry Day is scheduled for April 6, 2027.
Macro View
The current industry recovery represents a clear departure from the stagnant years following the 2019 pre-pandemic business travel peak. By exceeding pre-2020 RFP benchmarks, the sector confirms a structural pivot that mirrors broader post-crisis economic expansion cycles.
The continued expansion of business events suggests increased demand for corporate travel and related hospitality services in the coming years. Families and workers should monitor these trends for potential shifts in business-related employment stability and global travel costs.
The takeaway
The sustained growth in business event participation signals a robust return to international corporate collaboration. Industry professionals should prepare for continued volume increases as RFP activity suggests future demand will remain high through 2027.
What happens next
The industry will gather on April 6, 2027, for Global Meetings Industry Day, coinciding with the release of the 2027 Futures Landscape Study.
Further reading
For more information on global economic trends, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelDailyNews International.
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Do you believe in-person business events remain essential for professional growth in today's economy?
