FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2024 Charlottetown, PEI — Meetings & Conventions PEI, in collaboration with partners across Prince Edward Island, invites Prince Edward Island business and government leaders to join in the celebration of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 11, 2024 and National Business Events Day on April 16, 2024 during National Tourism Week.
Global Meetings Industry Day is an annual day of advocacy highlighting the significant economic impact generated by business events, conferences, tradeshows, and incentive groups on the tourism sector. In 2023 alone, the business events sector contributed approximately $23.5 million to Prince Edward Island’s economy, with nearly 90% of events occurring during the shoulder season, extending the tourism season, and benefiting various sectors such as transportation, accommodations, restaurants, and retail. The business events sector is a vital component of Prince Edward Island’s tourist economy, showcasing our province and attracting valuable investment opportunities.
The impact of business events extends beyond immediate economic benefits, with business travelers spending four times more than leisure travelers and often exploring the region with their families. Additionally, PEI’s unique offerings in agribusiness, aquaculture, and life sciences attract global leaders in these fields and foster future business opportunities.
To mark Global Meetings Industry Day, several partners across the island, including the PEI Convention Centre, Charlottetown City Hall, Founders Food Hall & Market, The Holman Grand Hotel, The Confederation Centre of the Arts, Summerside City Hall, and Credit Union Place in Summerside, will all “Light Up Blue” on April 11th in solidarity with the industry.
Following Global Meetings Industry Day, the nation will observe National Business Events Day on April 16th during National Tourism Week, acknowledging the pivotal role of business events in Canada’s tourism landscape. This marks the first time the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has dedicated a day during National Tourism Week specifically to business events.
Meetings & Conventions PEI invites all of Prince Edward Island to join in solidarity for the business events industry’s impact during these important upcoming events. By recognizing and championing the business events sector, significant contributions are made to the continued growth and success of Prince Edward Island’s tourism landscape.
Social Media Toolkit
A social media toolkit for GMID and National Tourism Week has been created by Meetings & Conventions PEI with facts and statistics demonstrating the enormous value that business events bring to the tourism sector. Meetings & Conventions PEI invites leaders from Prince Edward Island’s government, academic and business community to all use the toolkit along with the hashtags #MeetinPEI and #GMID2024 to post on social media and recognize the business events sector’s incredible impact on both the provincial and national level. The toolkit can be downloaded at this link.
About Meetings & Conventions PEI
Meetings & Conventions Prince Edward Island is a non-profit organization with a mission to generate demand for business events across the province of Prince Edward Island. They act as a complimentary resource for planning conventions, conferences, and business events and help connect meeting and business event planners with a wide variety of Island businesses within their membership. Learn more here
For more information contact:
Susan Freeman
Executive Director
Meetings and Conventions PEI
sfreeman@peimc.com (902) 626-7661