The global events industry, representing over 26 million professionals, builds community and drives innovation, workforce development and education. It is vital and will play a pivotal role in the world’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
We are, at our core as human beings, called to connect face to face. We share our stories and our journeys to create welcoming environments and meaningful, life affirming experiences through these face-to-face experiences.
We are indeed resilient. We are better when we face adversity and align and with a unified voice around the power of events.
The following resources were curated and curated to help. If you would like to add a resource, contact us.
EIC statements and advocacy resources
EIC is a voice for our members and for our industry.
We are working with members and partners to unify our voice and communicate loudly: We are the events industry and we will drive economic recovery – but we need help now. We created two letters that can be customized by members and used for outreach to key policy makers: a global letter and a U.S. letter. When you send the email, please cc: advocacy@eventscouncil.org.
We have issued the following statements related to COVID-19:
24 March 2020: Message from CEO Amy Calvert: Let’s Unify Our Voice – Global and U.S. Advocacy Outreach letter
19 March 2020: Joint Message from global industry leaders in support of our global industry
4 March 2020: Statement from CEO Amy Calvert: Navigating Vulnerability and Uncertainty with Compassion, Wisdom and Humility
2 March 2020: Statement from Paul Van Deventer, Chair, Events Industry Council
30 January 2020: Statement from CEO Amy Calvert
Economic impact research
The economic impact of the events industry is significant. On a total GDP basis, the global events industry is as large as the 13th largest global economy. Based on business sales, the business events sector is larger than consumer electronics and computers, and office equipment.
The 2018 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study, commissioned by the Events Industry Council and conducted by Oxford Economics, reveals:
- 1.5 billion people worldwide participate in business events annually
- $2.5 trillion (USD) in direct and indirect spending as a result of business events
- $1.5 trillion (USD) in global GDP contribution
- 26 million people have direct or indirect jobs in this industry
- $704 (USD) average spending by business events participants
Access our fact sheets: The global power of the events industry, which examines the impact in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, North America and Western Europe.
Aon: A Look at How a Pandemic Can Affect an Economy
CEIR Insights on COVID-19 Impact on Exhibitions Industry
McKinsey & Company: COVID-19 and Implications for Business
MPI COVID-19 Survey
Oxford Economics: Global Economic Prospects: Coronavirus inflicts a short, sharp recession on world economy
U.S. Travel: The Economic Impact of the Coronavirus Due to Travel Losses
U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics Research: The Great Travel Depression
U.S. Travel: COVID-19 Travel Industry Research
Global member and industry partner resources
Our industry represents 26 million event professionals around the world. The following compilation of resources represents the passion and activities of many of our member organisations and peers.
Member organisations
Industry partners and other sources
Media
Industry and trade media, as well as mainstream media around the world, are reporting on this issue. The following list provides a sampling of media coverage but is not intended to be comprehensive.
EIC and member webinars
EIC and our member organisations have offered many educational webinars on the topics that matter most as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Please note that some webinars are open only to members of the sponsoring organisation.
EIC webinars
Moving online: How to transition your live event to an engaging virtual experience
Earn 1 CE by viewing the webinar and completing the post-webinar quiz.
Discussion of Critical Insurance and Legal Considerations for Event Professionals
Earn 1 CE by viewing the webinar and completing the post-webinar quiz.
The Impact COVID-19 is Having on Human Trafficking
Earn 1 CE by viewing the webinar and completing the post-webinar quiz.
Member organisation webinars
ASAE webcasts
Destinations International Webinar Center
ESPA webinar: Two Part Program: Convention Services After the COVID-19 Crisis
IAEE Webinars
PCMA hosts a series of community conversations on myriad topics related to COVID-19.
On Monday March 30, U.S. Travel's government relations team hosted a webinar detailing what the CARES Act means for the travel industry. You can watch the full recording or review the slide deck.
Event protocol resources
EIC has curated several event protocol resources. These will evolve over time, so watch this space for more updates.
Canada: Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 pandemic
CDC: Interim Guidance for Event Planners
Event Safety Alliance: Reopening Guide
Steelcase: The Post-COVID Workplace
United Kingdom: COVID-19 guidance for mass gatherings
WHO: COVID-19 and food safety: Guidance for food businesses
WHO: Operational considerations for COVID-19 management in the accommodation sector
WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
WHO: Technical Guidance on Points of Entry and Mass Gatherings
WHO: Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak
Sharing our resource page
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