The Conferences Trade Affiliation (MIA) mirrored on a 12 months of progress, affect and trade management at its AGM held this week.
Opening its 35th annual basic assembly, MIA Chair Charles Sargeant celebrated the affiliation’s increasing membership, new initiatives and strengthened authorities engagement, because the affiliation strengthened its dedication to supporting the UK enterprise conferences and occasions sector.
He highlighted the MIA’s place “on the forefront of change” and its rising affect at authorities stage, with common engagements with the Division for Tradition, Media & Sport reflecting progress in its efforts for larger sector recognition.
Membership progress remained sturdy because the MIA confirmed its rise to 671 members. This comes because the affiliation welcomed 67 new members final monetary 12 months, together with new group members Leonardo Lodges, Castlebridge Hospitality, Q Lodges, BGAM, Melia Lodges and Jumeirah.
Peer-to-peer teams have additionally expanded over the past 12 months, now masking all key areas of the enterprise conferences and occasions sector. These present a collaborative platform to handle trade challenges and alternatives with focus teams on Locations, Educational venues, Massive Venues, Id, Conferences Intelligence, ESG, On the spot E-book, Stadia, Scholar Membership, Subsequent Gen and Lodge Teams.
In June 2024, the MIA launched a brand new model identification, reflecting the evolution of its mission, imaginative and prescient and values. The MIA model “celebrates collaboration, networking and the fostering of constructive relationships, reflecting our dedication to supporting and bringing folks collectively,” mentioned Sargeant.
The brand new model was developed and carried out underneath the management of then-CEO Kerrin MacPhie, who the MIA Chair praised for her affect throughout her three-year tenure. This included her work producing a step-by-step roadmap to assist the sector navigate the forthcoming Martyn’s Legislation.
Following MacPhie’s departure on the finish of 2024, Sargeant shared his pleasure to welcome Shonali Devereaux as the brand new CEO of the affiliation.
Addressing members, Devereaux outlined her imaginative and prescient for the MIA, which aspires to “create a “significant and lasting affect for everybody within the trade.”
“With the help of our devoted staff, we are going to proceed to develop initiatives that ship distinctive worth, strengthen trade connections, and make sure the MIA stays the main voice for enterprise conferences and occasions, Devereaux mentioned.
Concluding the AGM was the appointment of the mia board for 2025/2026. Andrew Mosley of Andrew Mosely Hospitality takes over as chair from Charles Seargent, who turns into Previous Chair. Martin Stephens of Off Limits turns into Vice Chair, whereas Barry Cope of ACC Liverpool retains the title of treasurer and Kevin Breeze of Northampton Saints stays as firm secretary.
Different board members for 2025/26 embody:
Allan Boyle, NEC Group Conventions
Jessica Southworth, Lodge Soccer
Jo Austin, Lime Venue Portfolio
Jon Kelly, Meet & Potato
Justine Meek, Warwick Conferences
Luis Desouza, NFS Expertise Group
Manju Goel, Park Plaza Lodge Group
Martin Stephens, Off Limits
Neil Thompson, The Delegate Wranglers
Nicky Harding, Meet Devon
Robert Kenward, Jigsaw Expertise Options
Samantha Van Leeuwen, PwC
Sarah Franczak, Central Corridor Venues
Steve Jones, Wyboston Lakes Resort