VERNON HILLS, IL, March 14, 2025 — Gavel International, a One10 Company, proudly unites with organizations worldwide to commemorate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 3, 2025. This international day of advocacy, championed by Meetings Mean Business under U.S. Travel, celebrates the profound impact that business meetings, conferences, incentive travel, and team-building events deliver to individuals, organizations, and economies. The 2025 theme, “Meetings Matter,” emphasizes how in-person gatherings connect people, strengthen communities, and drive economic prosperity.
The economic footprint of in-person meetings continues to expand significantly. Meeting and event-related travel is predicted to generate $316 billion in annual spending across the United States, creating and sustaining nearly 8.3 million American jobs. These gatherings serve as catalysts for education, innovation, and business development while nurturing the human connections essential for organizational growth.
“When people gather face-to-face, something remarkable happens that simply cannot be replicated virtually,” said Jeff Richards, Managing Partner at Gavel International. “As digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) transform how we do business, the value of genuine human connection becomes more vital. Our industry creates those pivotal moments where relationships form, ideas flourish, and businesses thrive.”
Current research reinforces the effectiveness of in-person meetings. Studies show they build trust 34 times more effectively than virtual interaction, while businesses report generating 36% higher revenue and closing 37% more deals through face-to-face interactions.
“We’ve seen time and again how face-to-face meetings deliver exceptional business results,” noted Jim Bozzelli, Managing Partner at Gavel International. “With the majority of today’s workforce looking for meaningful ways to connect professionally, creating these in-person opportunities has become crucial for success.”
Gatherings of every scale boost local economic activity. When events take place, they benefit hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Research shows that every dollar invested in face-to-face meetings generates an additional $1.60 in community benefits.
“The meeting professional’s role has evolved into that of a strategic business partner who drives organizational achievement through meaningful connections,” stated Richards. “GMID 2025 reminds us that meetings not only enhance competitive advantage and revenue generation but also develop future leaders and advance critical fields that benefit society as a whole.”
On April 3, communities globally will celebrate GMID 2025 by hosting special events, sharing industry success stories through social media with #GMID2025, and highlighting the transformative power of in-person meetings on business performance and economic development.
To learn more about Global Meetings Industry Day, please visit meetingsmeanbusiness.com.
Media Contact:
Eloisa Mendez
847-945-8150
marketing[at]gavelintl.com
About Gavel International
Gavel International, a One10 Company, amplifies excellence through unique travel rewards, corporate meetings, executive retreats, and team-building events. By crafting and delivering experiential moments, they motivate high achievers, ignite stronger connections, and fuel company success. For more information about their unmatched meeting and travel incentive programs, call 800.544.2835 or visit gavelintl.com.
About Meetings Mean Business
Meetings Mean Business is an industry-wide coalition that showcases the undeniable value business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions bring to people, businesses, and communities. Through rallying industry advocates, collaborating with stakeholders, conducting original research, and engaging with outside voices, the coalition unites the industry with one powerful voice.
