The Events Industry
Council (EIC) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) has announced a
new collaboration to align efforts in three critical areas: advancing
sustainability within the events sector, advocating collectively on
behalf of the business events industry, and producing the next global Economic
Significance Study in partnership with Oxford Economics.
This collaboration brings together two of the industry’s
leading organisations, uniting their respective networks and expertise to strengthen the voice, influence, and long-term resilience of the business
events community worldwide.
With the industry navigating heightened
uncertainty - ranging from shifting regulatory frameworks and macroeconomic
volatility to evolving geopolitical conditions - this collaboration aims to help industry
stakeholders respond proactively and strategically in a period of accelerated
change.
The collaboration will focus on three priority areas:
Sustainability alignment - 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 aims to support a
more coordinated and effective approach to environmental and social
responsibility across all levels of the events ecosystem.
Unified advocacy - In today’s complex and rapidly
evolving policy environment, where travel restrictions, carbon regulations, and
geopolitical tensions continue to shape industry operations, the two bodies will collaborate on advocacy efforts to amplify the industry’s voice and ensure
it is recognised as a vital contributor to economic development, innovation,
and societal progress.
2026 Economic Significance Study - Beginning in 2025, the EIC
and JMIC will work together with Oxford Economics to produce the next Economic Significance of Business Events Industry report, to be released in
2026. This research will provide updated insights into the size, scope,
and strategic importance of the business events sector across international
markets, offering data to inform public and private sector planning.
“The business events industry plays a critical role in
knowledge exchange and economic growth,” said 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.”
James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council
and executive director of Excel London, said: “This collaboration is built on
the principle that unity brings strength. 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.”
Alexander Alles, executive director of JMIC said: “Through this strategic partnership both Councils will amplify our collective
impact on the global stage for the benefit of our industry. By aligning
sustainability efforts, strengthening advocacy, and delivering robust economic
insights, we are equipping the business events industry with tools to drive
meaningful progress.”
Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the Events Industry
Council, said: “This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to advancing the
role of global business events as a driver of global economic and social
progress. By working in concert, we can accelerate these efforts, advocate more
effectively, and provide the resources and data our stakeholders need to build
capabilities and make informed decisions—especially in this era of growing
complexity and unpredictability.”
Both EIC and JMIC view this partnership as a significant
step forward in strengthening industry collaboration, building resilience, and
shaping a more sustainable and impactful future for global business events.
