FRANKFURT — The global events industry got a boost last week with the announcement of a new collaboration between the Events Industry Council (EIC) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). The partnership will focus on three main initiatives — advancing sustainability in the global events industry, producing the next global Economic Significance Study in partnership with Oxford Economics and advocating on behalf of the business events community.
“In a world filled with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we advocate on behalf of the global business community events industry,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the EIC. “The collaboration between EIC and JMIC allows us to expand our reach and speak with a unified voice about the power and impact of global business events and their role as drivers of economic and social progress.”
The EIC and JMIC both see the partnership as a step toward strengthening the industry at a time of political and economic turbulence, aiming to help industry stakeholders and the overall community build resilience. “Our work together supports our common purpose and strong mutual commitment to telling our industry’s best story and to providing the guidance and resources needed to help build the capabilities for our inspired and dynamic workforce,” Calvert said.
The collaboration is built on the principle that unity brings strength, according to James Rees, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council and Executive Director of Excel London. “Using our areas of strength together we can deliver greater impact, influence policy, and demonstrate the immense value of our industry on a global scale — in particular, as we adapt to the evolving global landscape.”
On the sustainability front, JMIC’s Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and the EIC Sustainable Event Standards will be leveraged in parallel to accelerate the industry’s transition towards more sustainable events. By aligning resources and frameworks, the collaboration will support a more coordinated and effective approach to environmental and social responsibility across all levels of the events ecosystem.
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Alexander Alles, Executive Director of JMIC, stated that “By aligning sustainability efforts, strengthening advocacy, and delivering robust economic insights, we are equipping the business events industry with tools to drive meaningful progress.”
As part of the alignment, beginning this year, the EIC and JMIC will work together with Oxford Economics to produce the next global Economic Significance of Business Events Industry report, to be released in 2026. The research will provide updated insights and data focusing on the size, scope, and strategic importance of the business events sector across international markets.
The strategic alignment will also focus on unified global advocacy, as the industry navigates shifting travel restrictions, geopolitical tensions and other issues affecting business events. The two councils will collaborate on advocacy efforts to amplify the industry’s voice and help showcase it as a vital contributor to economic development, innovation, and societal progress.
“The business events industry plays a critical role in knowledge exchange and economic growth,” stated Dr. Senthil Gopinath, 2025 Chair of the EIC Board and CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). “By aligning our priorities and actions, we send a powerful message about the collective value we bring to communities and countries around the world — and reinforce our ability to thrive amid uncertainty.”
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