Today, April 16, 2015, is the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID). To commemorate the occasion, groups have organized approximately 65 events across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, according to the Meetings Mean Business (MMB) coalition, which established the day in order to highlight and promote the economic benefits of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows, and exhibitions.
"We are excited to be involved in such a meaningful day that unites our industry not only across the United States, but also across Canada and Mexico, communicating the critical role in connecting people and driving positive business results through face-to-face interaction," MMB Co-Chair Michael Dominguez, senior vice president of corporate sales at MGM Resorts International, said in a statement. "Across the continent we are demonstrating how meetings build personal relationships, drive positive outcomes, and support strong communities."
Among the many groups celebrating NAMID is NYC & Company, New York City's official destination marketing organization, which today launched a video entitled "Make It Face-to-Face, Make It NYC" to promote New York's meetings industry (see video below). In it, meeting attendees and exhibitors discuss their reasons for partaking in face-to-face meetings, and their reasons for choosing New York as their meeting destination.
"As a proud member of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, NYC & Company is pleased to celebrate New York City's thriving meetings and conventions industry today," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company, which also is commemorating NAMID by displaying the Meetings Mean Business and NAMID logos at Crossroads of the World and Times Square throughout the day. "New York City remains a leading meetings destination, with an unrivaled diversity in hotels, venues, one-of-a-kind group activities, and more, and we commend those who choose to 'Make it NYC' each year."
Other destinations hosting NAMID events include Nevada, where Caesars Entertainment is hosting a press rally in Las Vegas; Wisconsin, where Meetings & Incentives Worldwide is hosting an educational session for industry leaders in the health care and pharmaceutical industries; and Mexico City, where the Ministry of Tourism will host an event uniting the public and private sectors to discuss the benefits of meetings to Mexico.
"North America Meetings Industry Day is a true testament to the strength of not only the industry's leadership but also its grassroots supporters," concluded MMB Co-Chair David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel. "Across North America thousands who work in the industry and know firsthand its value and strength are standing up to make sure that elected officials, business leaders, and other decision makers understand the important role face-to-face meetings play in generating business success, creating jobs, and driving economic growth."