April 11 marks a special date for the global meetings industry as we celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). This day has become an opportunity to recognize and highlight the importance of the meetings industry in the global economy, as well as to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange within this vital sector.
What is Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)?
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) is a worldwide initiative celebrated annually to recognize the positive impact that the meetings industry has on local, regional, and global economies. Since its establishment in 2015, GMID has experienced remarkable growth in its reach and participation, bringing together professionals from around the world to celebrate the industry’s achievements and underscore its continued relevance.
GMID originated as an initiative by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in Canada. In 2015, thanks to the newly formed Meetings Mean Business coalition, composed of various global stakeholders in the meetings industry, the first worldwide edition of this day took place—a tradition that has endured since then.
During GMID, meetings industry professionals worldwide commemorate this day with various activities that highlight the value of events as drivers of economic and social well-being. This day serves as a platform to recognize the fundamental role that meetings and events play in promoting economic growth, innovation, knowledge exchange, and the building of meaningful connections globally.
The Meetings Industry in Colombia and Cali
According to data from Migración Colombia, over 48,600 international travelers visited the country for MICE Tourism in the first quarter of 2023, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Colombia has seen significant growth in the meetings industry in recent years. According to the latest report from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on global events in 2022, Colombia has remained in the ‘Top 30’ destinations with the highest number of events held. In this context, it has risen from 29th to 28th place globally and ranks as the third country in South America.
The city of Cali, known as the salsa capital of the world, has emerged as an attractive destination for events and conventions in Colombia. With its warm climate, vibrant culture, and constantly developing infrastructure, the city offers the perfect setting for meetings of all kinds.
In the past five years, the Valle del Pacífico Event Center has hosted 358 events, both national and international, attracting nearly 500,000 visitors. These events have spanned a wide range of sectors, from medicine and fashion to industry and technology, as well as sports. Beyond their direct economic impact through participant spending, these gatherings have played a crucial role in promoting the region’s reputation as a leading destination for conferences and conventions.
#GMID2024
This year, GMID provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the meetings industry and reflect on its impact on our country and communities. During this day, enjoy a 12-hour broadcast where industry leaders share ideas and experiences on the impact of meetings on the global economy.
Follow the hashtags #GMID2024 and #IndustriaDeReuniones on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay informed about the latest news, trends, and discussions related to the meetings industry.
For more information: https://www.mpi.org/events/gmid
Let’s celebrate the power of meetings together!
