The Meetings Industry as a Driver of Economic Development
International experience shows that for a country to achieve its economic development goals, increase inward investment, boost its image from a social and tourism perspective, and become more competitive, it needs an effective marketing strategy. This strategy should be targeted at both the domestic and international markets, and support a comprehensive solution to these challenges, and one of the most effective tools for promoting and positioning a region globally is engaging industry. However, Russia’s share of the global international business event market is less than 1%. Can Russia become a leader in the global meetings industry and what needs to be done to support the effective development of the meetings industry in Russia? Which successful international events should serve as an example for marketing regions and Russia as a whole? What role should the government play in developing the event industry in Russia? What multiplier effect can organizing events have on local development?