From gingerbread to veggie burgers, there isn’t a day of the year that doesn’t involve something to celebrate. We may be biased but today, we’re celebrating the world of events and exhibitions.

That’s right: today is Global Exhibitions Day, a global initiative launched by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry to shine a spotlight on the value of exhibitions and events on people, business and the economy.

To celebrate Global Exhibitions Day, here are just a few reasons why exhibitions and events are so important.

Exhibitions enable human interactions.

Exhibitions give brands the opportunity to get face-to-face with customers, who are there to learn about new products and ideas.

Exhibitions help businesses grow.

In a world of shrinking marketing budgets, events continue to be the golden children, with the UK’s Q1 Bellwether Report showing budgets in events rising continuously for the last four and a half years. After all, they build real-word connections with consumers and give your brand some visibility.

Exhibitions inspire new ideas.

When new products and ideas are being displayed, it can inspire even more ideas and innovation. After all, you see first-hand what’s happening in the industry and, dare we say it, you can see what your competitors are up to.

Events fuel local economies.

We’d be lying if we said meetings and events are all work, no play. Many attendees use events as an excuse to travel to a new city or country and often plan vacations or extended stays around them. The impact that an event can make on nearby restaurants, hotels and other facilities can make a big difference for the local economy.

Events and exhibitions bring people together.

Of course, we can’t forget that exhibitions and events, first and foremost, bring people together. There’s something magical about people from all walks of life coming together to learn, share and innovate.

Are you celebrating Global Exhibitions Day? If so, let us know how you’re celebrating. Happy Global Exhibitions Day!