International day of advocacy spotlights how professional meetings and events provide extraordinary value to participants and Houston community 

HOUSTON, (March 30, 2023) – Houston First Corporation values the positive impact professional meetings and events bring to Houston and on March 30, the Destination Marketing Organization recognizes Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).

Supported by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, the annual worldwide day of recognition highlights the ripple effect business meetings, trade shows, conferences, and conventions bring to business workers and the local economy.

This year’s theme, “Meetings Matter,” emphasizes the economic and societal importance of face-to-face meetings, a message that underscores the many benefits that come from professional in-person gatherings.

“Houston continues to capture the attention of meeting and event planners,” said Houston First Corporation President and CEO Michael Heckman. “Since 2019, Houston First has booked 1,248 meetings, a figure that generated more than $1.1B to the local economy as of 2022.”

At the end of March, Houston will receive tens of thousands of basketball fans as the city hosts the four-day NCAA Men’s Final Four championship. Houston previously hosted the event in 1971, 2011, and 2016. In 2016, 74,340 people attended the championship game and the event reportedly generated a $250 million economic impact.