On Thursday, April 3, Canada's business events sector took centre stage as we celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025. 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 celebrate alongside some of our program and community partners, and we're proud to work with them all year long to showcase the best of Kelowna and the Okanagan, and attract business events to our region.Special thanks to City of Kelowna Councillor Lovegrove for presenting the Mayor's GMID Proclamation at the event. We also extend a round of applause to our fabulous vendors, Anarchy Coffee Roasters, Boho Sketch, and Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate.
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 2024, Tourism Kelowna's team generated lead opportunities for our region with a potential estimated economic impact of $37.7 million. Beyond hotel stays, meetings and conferences in Kelowna drive tax revenues that fund essential infrastructure, support vibrant neighbourhoods, and enhance quality of life for everyone who calls Kelowna home.
With more than 43,000 potential room nights generated in 2024, our city is welcoming not just visitors, but future investors, innovators, and neighbours. Business events often plant the seeds of future economic development as the Okanagan lifestyle leads many to return with their families, their ideas, and their businesses.
To learn more about GMID, visit the Meetings Mean Business Canada website. For information about business events in Kelowna, reach out to 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.