GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Meetings Industry Statistics

Meeting industry statistics provide insights into the economic impact and growth trends of the meetings and events sector.

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Highlights: Meetings Industry Statistics

  • 1.5 million meetings and events occur in the U.S. annually.
  • The meetings industry contributes more to GDP than the air transportation, motion picture, sound recording, performing arts and spectator sport industries.
  • The economic impact of the meetings industry totaled $621 billion in direct spending in 2019.
  • Professional meetings and events attendees spent $317 billion in the U.S. in 2017.
  • On average, companies allocate about 1-3% of their total annual budget to meetings and events.
  • 62% of meeting planners expect numbers of virtual meetings to increase.
  • Meetings and events drive 300 million room nights annually in hotels.
  • 27% of companies plan to increase their meetings and events budgets in 2022.
  • The meetings industry supports nearly $900 billion in total U.S. economic impact.
  • 53% of corporate meeting planners report current difficulties in finding appropriate venues.
  • Companies that invest in business travel including meetings realize $12.50 in incremental revenue per one dollar spent.
  • Meeting attendees generate $458 per person per day in direct spending.
  • The average person will attend 22 meetings per month in the US.
  • Digital meeting software market is predicted to reach $10.89 billion by 2027.
  • Over 50% of meetings held are internal meetings.

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The Latest Meetings Industry Statistics Explained

1.5 million meetings and events occur in the U.S. annually.

The statistic ‘1.5 million meetings and events occur in the U.S. annually’ indicates the staggering scale and frequency of meetings and events held within the country each year. This statistic underscores the significance of face-to-face gatherings for various purposes such as conferences, conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, social events, and more. These meetings and events serve as crucial platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, business development, and fostering relationships among individuals and organizations. The high number of meetings and events reflects the dynamic and interconnected nature of modern society, with a wide range of industries and sectors relying on these gatherings to drive innovation, collaboration, and progress.

The meetings industry contributes more to GDP than the air transportation, motion picture, sound recording, performing arts and spectator sport industries.

This statistic indicates that the meetings industry, which includes conferences, conventions, and trade shows, makes a significant economic contribution to the GDP compared to other industries such as air transportation, motion pictures, sound recording, performing arts, and spectator sports. The meetings industry involves hosting and organizing a wide range of events that bring together businesses, organizations, and individuals for networking, collaboration, and learning purposes. The economic impact of this industry is substantial as it not only generates revenue from event attendance but also stimulates spending in accommodations, food services, transportation, and other related sectors. This statistic underscores the importance of the meetings industry in driving economic growth and supporting various businesses and sectors within the economy.

The economic impact of the meetings industry totaled $621 billion in direct spending in 2019.

The statistic stating that the economic impact of the meetings industry totaled $621 billion in direct spending in 2019 highlights the significant financial contribution of meetings, conventions, and events to the overall economy. Direct spending in this context refers to the money spent by businesses, organizations, and individuals on things like venue rental, accommodations, transportation, food, and other services directly related to the meetings industry. This figure not only underscores the substantial financial scale of the industry but also serves as an indicator of the employment opportunities, taxation revenue, and other economic benefits generated by hosting such events. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance and widespread economic impact of the meetings industry in driving economic growth and supporting various businesses and industries.

Professional meetings and events attendees spent $317 billion in the U.S. in 2017.

The statistic indicates that attendees at professional meetings and events collectively spent a total of $317 billion in the United States in the year 2017. This figure represents the sum of money spent by individuals participating in various professional gatherings, conferences, seminars, and events throughout the country during that time period. The spending encompassed a wide range of expenses, including registration fees, accommodation, transportation, meals, entertainment, and other related costs associated with attending these events. This significant spending amount highlights the economic impact and importance of the professional meetings and events industry in driving revenue and supporting businesses across different sectors in the U.S.

On average, companies allocate about 1-3% of their total annual budget to meetings and events.

The statistic indicating that, on average, companies allocate about 1-3% of their total annual budget to meetings and events suggests that organizations typically prioritize spending a relatively small portion of their financial resources on such activities. This allocation of funds reflects the importance that companies place on facilitating communication, collaboration, and networking opportunities through hosting meetings and events, which are crucial for fostering engagement, productivity, and business growth. By dedicating a modest percentage of their budget to meetings and events, companies are able to invest in creating impactful and meaningful experiences for employees, clients, and stakeholders, thereby enhancing relationships and driving overall organizational success.

62% of meeting planners expect numbers of virtual meetings to increase.

The statistic “62% of meeting planners expect numbers of virtual meetings to increase” indicates that a majority of individuals responsible for organizing meetings anticipate a rise in the frequency of virtual gatherings. This reflects a growing trend toward utilizing online platforms for conducting meetings and events, likely influenced by factors such as advancements in technology, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the way business is conducted. The statistic suggests that virtual meetings are becoming increasingly commonplace and may continue to play a significant role in professional interactions in the future.

Meetings and events drive 300 million room nights annually in hotels.

The statistic stating that meetings and events drive 300 million room nights annually in hotels indicates the significant impact and demand generated by these types of gatherings in the hospitality industry. Room nights refer to the number of rooms booked for one night, and the sheer magnitude of 300 million room nights illustrates the importance of meetings and events as a key driver of hotel occupancy and revenue. This statistic highlights the substantial volume of overnight stays specifically attributed to meetings and events, showcasing the crucial role that this sector plays in supporting the hotel industry by attracting and accommodating a large number of guests for various business and social gatherings.

27% of companies plan to increase their meetings and events budgets in 2022.

The statistic indicating that 27% of companies plan to increase their meetings and events budgets in 2022 suggests a positive outlook for the events industry in the upcoming year. This increase in budget allocation for meetings and events signifies a potential uptick in corporate activities, such as conferences, seminars, and networking events. Companies may be planning to invest more resources into these gatherings to facilitate better collaboration, communication, and employee engagement in a post-pandemic landscape. This statistic could also reflect a broader economic recovery and a willingness among organizations to prioritize face-to-face interactions and relationship-building opportunities, underscoring the importance of in-person events in business strategies moving forward.

The meetings industry supports nearly $900 billion in total U.S. economic impact.

The statistic that the meetings industry supports nearly $900 billion in total U.S. economic impact indicates the significant contribution of meetings and events to the overall economy. This figure represents the combined value of direct spending by attendees and organizers, as well as the ripple effects that extend throughout related industries such as hospitality, transportation, and local businesses that benefit from the influx of visitors. The statistic underscores the importance of meetings and events as a driving force behind economic growth, job creation, and income generation within the United States. Organizations and governments can leverage this data to understand the economic significance of the meetings industry and make informed decisions to support and promote its continued success.

53% of corporate meeting planners report current difficulties in finding appropriate venues.

The statistic “53% of corporate meeting planners report current difficulties in finding appropriate venues” indicates that a majority of corporate meeting planners are facing challenges in securing suitable locations for their events. This could suggest a potential scarcity in available venues, high demand for specific types of spaces, or logistical issues related to booking venues. The finding highlights a common obstacle within the industry that may impact the planning and execution of corporate events, potentially leading to increased competition among event planners and the need for innovative solutions to address venue availability concerns.

Companies that invest in business travel including meetings realize $12.50 in incremental revenue per one dollar spent.

This statistic indicates that for every one dollar spent on business travel, including meetings, companies realize a return of $12.50 in incremental revenue. In other words, investing in business travel has a substantial positive impact on generating additional revenue for companies. This could be attributed to various factors such as increased business opportunities, networking, client acquisition, and enhanced collaboration among employees. The return on investment of $12.50 suggests that business travel is a highly effective strategy for driving revenue growth, making it a valuable investment for organizations looking to expand their business and increase their profitability.

Meeting attendees generate $458 per person per day in direct spending.

The statistic “Meeting attendees generate $458 per person per day in direct spending” represents the average amount of money each attendee spends per day during a meeting. This direct spending can include expenses such as accommodation, transportation, meals, souvenirs, and other purchases related to attending the meeting. By calculating this statistic, event organizers and local businesses can better understand the economic impact of hosting meetings in a particular area and can make informed decisions regarding pricing, marketing strategies, and resource allocation to capitalize on the spending habits of attendees. This statistic also highlights the significance of the meetings industry in driving revenue and supporting local economies.

The average person will attend 22 meetings per month in the US.

The statistic that the average person will attend 22 meetings per month in the US indicates that, on average, individuals in the US are likely to participate in 22 formal gatherings or sessions typically held for discussion, decision-making, or collaboration purposes over the course of a month. Meetings play a vital role in various aspects of professional and personal life, helping to facilitate communication, coordination, and teamwork. This statistic suggests that regular attendance and participation in meetings are common practices among individuals in the US, reflecting the importance of interpersonal interactions and collective decision-making in modern society. Understanding the frequency and patterns of meeting attendance can offer insights into how people allocate their time and engage with others in both professional and social contexts.

Digital meeting software market is predicted to reach $10.89 billion by 2027.

The statistic that the digital meeting software market is predicted to reach $10.89 billion by 2027 signifies a significant growth trajectory in the demand and adoption of digital communication and collaboration tools. This prediction suggests a growing reliance on virtual meeting platforms for businesses, organizations, and individuals worldwide, driven by various factors such as the increasing trend of remote work, globalization of businesses, and the need for flexible and efficient communication solutions. The projected market size also indicates a competitive landscape within the digital meeting software industry, with opportunities for innovation and market expansion in the coming years.

Over 50% of meetings held are internal meetings.

The statistic “Over 50% of meetings held are internal meetings” indicates that more than half of the total meetings conducted within a given context or organization are internal meetings, meaning they involve only members of the same organization. This could suggest that a significant portion of time and resources are being allocated towards internal communication, collaboration, and decision-making processes within the organization, potentially impacting productivity and efficiency levels. Understanding the prevalence of internal meetings can provide insights into the organizational culture, communication dynamics, and the overall focus of activities within the organization. It may also warrant a closer examination of meeting practices and strategies to ensure that time spent in meetings aligns with organizational goals and objectives.

References

0. – https://www.hbr.org

1. – https://www.www.businesstravelnewseurope.com

2. – https://www.www.eventmanagerblog.com

3. – https://www.www.tsnn.com

4. – https://www.www.meetings-conventions.com

5. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

6. – https://www.www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com

7. – https://www.skift.com

8. – https://www.www.cvent.com

9. – https://www.www.ustravel.org

10. – https://www.www.meetingsnet.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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