North American Meetings Industry Day

Today leaders from across the meetings and events industry came together to support the first North American Meetings Industry Day. The nationwide day of advocacy spotlighted the value derived from business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions, and engaged policymakers, industry elites and business leaders.

Meetings Mean Business—a cross-industry communications and advocacy initiative—helped organize industry leaders across Canada and Mexico to host events in communities across their respective countries.

Thousands rallied together at approximately 65 events to show their support. Chicagoland organizations celebrated by announcing the winners of the Chicagoland Four Star Awards in a presentation held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. NYC & Company launched a video in which meetings delegates and exhibitors discussed their reasons for hosting face-to-face meetings and why they chose New York City as their destination to do so. At a press event at The Linq hotel in Las Vegas, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly presented Chris Brown, executive vice-president of conventions and business operations of the National Association of Broadcasters, with a Key to the Strip. And to commemorate Meetings Industry Day in Wisconsin, The Abbey Resort in Fontana is offering a complimentary one-hour welcome reception as well as an evening bonfire for new meetings booked during the month of April.

“We are excited to be involved in such a meaningful day that unites our industry not only across the United States, but also across Canada and Mexico, communicating the critical role in connecting people and driving positive business results through face-to-face interaction,” said Michael Dominguez, Meetings Mean Business co-chair and senior vice-president of corporate sales for MGM Resorts International. “Across the continent we are demonstrating how meetings build personal relationships, drive positive outcomes and support strong communities.”