Global Industry, Local Impact Who: Meetings industry professionals, destinations, elected officials and business leaders What: A global day of advocacy brought to life through events, rallies, proclamations and more When: April 14, 2016 Why: To showcase the real impact the meetings industry has on communities, the economy and so much more On April 14, 2016, leaders from across the meetings and events industry will come together to showcase the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and local economies. They’ll work with their communities to host advocacy events and rallies, issue proclamations and champion the value of the meetings and events industry on social media.

Help Make History Organize an event to showcase the value of face-to-face meetings Attend an event taking place in your community Engage with local elected officials and business leaders Participate in the online conversation with #GMID16 Learn more at http://www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com/gmid The success of GMID depends on the meetings and events industry at all levels. It’s up to us to convey how important the work we do really is and how it impacts people all over the world. We are a global industry with local impact. In order to best showcase the strength of our community, we ask you to come together on April 14, 2016 and show your support for the people, businesses and communities that our industry affects. Whether you work in meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows or exhibitions, it’s time to prove how they all help: Create personal connections Drive positive business outcomes Build strong communities See you in 2016!

Ways to Get Involved Stage a rally with local officials, meetings industry workers, association members, destination marketing organizations and others. Ask your governor, mayor, city council member, county executive or minister of tourism to proclaim April 14, 2016 Meetings Industry Day in your town. Recruit a guest lecturer or panel of speakers to lead an educational or networking session. Create a short video that showcases the impact of meetings and events in your community, or across the globe. Recognize a local leader, politician or business leader who has been an advocate or supporter of the meetings industry.

A Look Back at NAMID 2015 North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID), held for the first time in 2015, was a testament to the strength and value of our industry across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and parts of Latin America. It resulted in 88 events, more than 60 articles, 3.2 million social media impressions and a trending hashtag on Twitter.