On Wednesday, May 6, Canada's business events sector took centre stage as we celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026. The annual event, spearheaded by Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC), recognizes the social and economic benefits of the business events sector. 

Celebrating GMID in Kelowna

Our team was thrilled to once again connect and celebrate alongside our program and community partners, with whom we proudly work year-round to attract business events to our region and showcase the best of the Okanagan. We were grateful to have Mayor Dyas join us for the celebration, where he presented his GMID proclamation.

One of this year's highlights was our #MeetingsMatter activation, pictured below, where our members and partners shared their thoughts on the value and impact of meetings. The responses were a powerful reminder that meetings truly matter in so many ways.

Why Business Events Matter
 

As highlighted by Meetings Mean Business Canada, business events matter because they are:

✅ A catalyst for collaboration, investment, and trade.
✅ A critical source of business income, high-value jobs, and tax revenue.
✅ An opportunity to leverage Canada's key economic sectors to a global audience.

According to MMBC, Canadian business events contribute significantly to the economy, generating 40% of all tourism spending, $47 billion in direct economic impact, and supporting 242,000 direct jobs.

In 2025, Tourism Kelowna's team generated business event lead opportunities for our region with a potential estimated economic impact of nearly $53 million. Beyond hotel stays, meetings and conferences in Kelowna drive tax revenues that fund essential infrastructure, support vibrant neighbourhoods, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Kelowna home. You can read more about our 2025 activities and achievements in our annual Report to the Community. 

Through meetings and business events, our region is welcoming not just visitors, but future investors, innovators, and neighbours. These types of events often plant the seeds of future economic development, as the Okanagan lifestyle draws many to return with their families, ideas, and businesses.

We appreciate all those who took time to celebrate GMID with us and who work alongside our team to help shape a vibrant, thriving meetings and business events community in our region. To learn more about GMID, visit the Meetings Mean Business Canada website. For information about business events in Kelowna, contact any member of our Business Development team. 

About Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC)

A united voice for business events, MMBC is the advocacy voice of the Canadian meetings and business events sector. Its focus and mission are to communicate the important economic, social, and legacy impacts of hosting conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, business meetings, and incentive travel programs to federal Members of Parliament and all Canadians.