Statement: Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), May 6

New York City Tourism + Conventions Chief Sales Officer Jerry Cito on Global Meetings Industry Day:

“On Global Meetings Industry Day, New York City Tourism + Conventions celebrates the essential role meetings, conventions and business events play in driving economic growth, sparking innovation and forging meaningful connections across industries and communities. In 2025, business travel brought 12.6 million visitors to New York City, demonstrating the power of meeting in person. As highlighted by this year’s GMID theme, business events are a human catalyst for growth, bringing people together to exchange ideas, build partnerships and create lasting impact locally and globally.

To mark the occasion, New York City will light up in blue at iconic locations including Empire Outlets, the Javits Center, One Bryant Park, One Five One, One World Trade Center, Pier 17 at The Seaport, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Sven.

New York City continues to shape the future of business travel with Ellis—the first-ever AI chat platform built for business event professionals by a convention and visitors bureau. Now available in 60 languages, Ellis expands our work as we continue to welcome global events and delegates to all five boroughs.”