Live event and marketing trade body Eventia has released a white paper stating business visits and events are worth more than £22bn to the UK economy.

It includes research from the likes of YouGov, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, business analysts Forbes Insight, Havard Business Review magazine, Intercontinental Hotels Group and the findings of a round table debate hosted by business commentator Mary Jo Jacobi.

“It is vital we get the message across now. In 2009, numerous events were cancelled or postponed and it is important that they are put back in the calendar,” says Eventia CEO, Izania Downie. “The evidence is there to support the need for face-to-face communication, so it is important for organisations to recognise this and invest accordingly.”

UK event venues also receive in excess of £7bn from the various business events they stage, particularly from conferences and meetings.

“Next year, Eventia will look to supply this information directly to corporates to highlight the importance of face-to-face contact when considering their 2010 budgets,” adds Eventia marketing services director, Tracy Johnson.

To view the paper click here