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Events

The Meetings Industry Association unveils 2025 miaList  

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The individuals and organisations who secured a place on the prestigious 2025 miaList were unveiled by The Meetings Industry Association’s (MIA) last night. 

Hosted at the new Masters Suite at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, the miaList once again shone a spotlight on the exceptional talent, innovation and dedication driving success across the business meetings and events sector. 

Alongside inspiring individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding contributions, ICC Wales took the crown for Venue of the Year (Over 300 Delegates), while Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre took gold for Venue of the Year (Under 300 Delegates). Other accolades included the inaugural Executive Leader of the Year award, presented to Paul Casement of Brighter for his inspirational leadership and development of the Brighter brand and proposition in the last 12 months. 

From bold leadership and game-changing projects to rising stars and dynamic teams, the evening was a true celebration of the creativity, leadership and innovations that continue to drive the UK’s business meetings and events sector forward.  

The 10 individuals to secure a place this year were: 

  1. Chelsea Rolfe, University of Leeds Conferences and Events
  2. Christine Ferris, Legacy Hotels & Resorts
  3. Claudia Platt, Radisson Hotel Group
  4. Deborah Collins, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
  5. Kate Mullen, Whittlebury Park
  6. Lisa Morris, The Venues Collection
  7. Ros Wilson, Edgbaston Stadium
  8. Sammy Connell, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
  9. Sasha Lee, BMA House
  10. Tia Goadby, Leonardo Hotels

The full list of winners also include:

Rising Star Award 

Gold: Michaela Best, Melia Hotels International

Silver: Katie Gallagher, Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle

Bronze: Gabby Beetham, University of Leeds

Executive Leader of The Year

Gold: Paul Casement, Brighter

Silver: Andy Barnsdale, The Milner York

Bronze: Margaret Reeves, RefTech

Chef of the Year

Gold: Robert Pearce, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
Silver: Dean Cole, The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Bronze: Matthew Martins, Holiday Inn East Kilbridge (Kew Green Hotels) 

Venue of the Year (Over 300 delegates)

Gold: ICC Wales
Silver: Spaces at The Spine
Bronze: Silverstone

Venue of the Year (Under 300 delegates)

Gold: Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre
Silver: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
Bronze: Chester Zoo

Agency of the Year

Gold: C2Events

Silver: Inntel

Bronze: Access Bookings Ltd

Supplier of the Year 

Gold: Leopold Marketing

Silver: Eventurous 

Bronze: TranslateAble

Event of the Year

Gold: The One Global Unity Forum, Montenegro – Brighter
Silver: British Grand Prix – Whittlebury Park
Bronze: Unlocking Our Full Potential, Dunelm’s Annual Conference – Meet & Potato

Initiative of the Year

Gold: LGH Hotels Management Ltd
Silver: Edwards & Finn Consultancy Ltd
Bronze: The Power of Events

Destination Team of the Year

Gold: Experience Oxfordshire Venues

Silver: Meet in Wales

Sales & Marketing Team of the Year

Gold: Marriott MCR – A Collective

Silver: Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter

Bronze: Searcys at 116 Pall Mall

Event & Operations Team of the Year

Gold: Whittlebury Park
Silver: Cavendish Venues
Bronze: Central Hall Westminster

ESG Award
Gold: BMA House
Silver: De Vere Hotels
Bronze: Edgbaston Stadium

DEI Award
Gold: NASUWT Events 2025

Silver: Warwick Conferences

Bronze: KERB

MIA chief executive, Shonali Devereaux, said: “This has been my first miaList Awards ceremony as Chief Executive, and it has been an absolute privilege to celebrate how much passion, dedication and talent there is in our sector. These awards really are the Pride of the Industry.

“Each of this year’s winners embodies the spirt of excellence and resilience that keeps our industry moving forward and it is this drive and commitment that will keep our sector on track and thriving. This is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.

“I would like to extend my thanks to our judges, sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in bringing our annual awards to life. Like our industry, the miaList continues to evolve, and I am already looking forward to celebrating more incredible achievements in 2026.” 

miaList nominees were assessed by an expert panel of industry professionals including QEII Centre’s Mark Green, The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s Katie Niland, Jason Gutteridge from Venue Directory, Leopold Marketing’s Leo Lloyd, Charlo Briggs from Universal Live, Sammy Connell from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, Jack Marczewski from Northstar Travel Group, PPHE Hotel Group’s Amy Russell, business events and tourism expert Jenny Jensen, Inntel’s Douglas O’Neill, Meet Cambridge’s Andrew Bell, TBA Group’s Richard Bridge, Lynn Hardaker from Cairn Hotel Group and Melanie Cash from Melanie Cash Training & Consultancy.

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Events

The Meetings Industry Association launches essential guidance on creating accessible events 

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The Meeting Industry Association (MIA) has launched new guidance on Accessible Events to help professionals across the UK business meetings and events sector create truly inclusive and accessible experiences for all.

Developed in collaboration with Gabrielle Austen-Browne, Founder of Diversity Alliance – a leading diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy – the guide provides comprehensive, practical advice to support members in meeting their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and embedding accessibility best practice into everyday operations.

Launched on Purple Tuesday 2025, a global initiative to improve accessibility and the customer experience for disabled people, the guide explores how to remove barriers for delegates, speakers and employees with disabilities, offering actionable steps to ensure that everyone can participate fully in meetings and events. It highlights both the moral and business case for accessibility, demonstrating that inclusive design benefits every attendee, enhances reputation and drives greater engagement across the sector.

The Equality Act 2010 is the UK’s foundational anti-discrimination law, protecting individuals from unfair treatment across nine characteristics, including disability. It places a duty on service providers including hotels, venues and event organisers, to make reasonable adjustments for those with physical or mental impairments.

By launching this new resource, the MIA continues its commitment to supporting members with practical tools and guidance to improve standards, promote inclusivity and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a world-leading destination for meetings and events.

MIA chief executive, Shonali Devereaux, said: “Accessibility is so much more than a legal requirement. As an industry built on connection, inclusivity should sit at the heart of everything we do to ensure that everyone can fully participate in and enjoy the many wonderful experiences our sector works hard to create. This guide has been designed to help our members navigate their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act and take proactive steps to remove barriers and raise awareness, empathy and understanding across our community.”

Gabrielle Austen-Brown, Founder of Diversity Alliance, said: “Every day, event professionals create experiences that can change minds, facilitate connections and drive real social impact. Yet when we fail to consider accessibility from the outset, we impoverish the entire experience, not just for disabled attendees, but for everyone.

‘Access for All’ provides the practical framework our industry needs to bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful action. When we embed accessibility from the start rather than retrofit it as an afterthought, we don’t just include more people, we create better events for everyone.”

The full Practical Guide to Accessible Events can be accessed here.

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Events

Cost pressures are forcing price rises and reduced workforces, the Meetings Industry Association reveals

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Almost two-thirds (64%) of organisations have increased their prices this year to combat rising costs, according to the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). 

Surveying 109 event venues, suppliers, agents and destinations, the association’s latest Insight report reveals that almost 9 in 10 (89%) organisations have seen their costs increase this year by an average of 12%. By comparison, organisations have only increased their prices by an average 7%.

In response to combating price increases, almost a third (32%) have had to delay investing further in their business, while over a quarter (26%) have been forced to reduce their workforce, putting more pressure on employees to maintain standards with fewer people. This is particularly notable in light of findings from the MIA’s People survey earlier this year, which revealed that 92% of employees experiencing stress or burnout identified high workloads as the primary cause.

As organisations battle cost increases, almost half (46%) state they are down on their revenue forecasts for 2025, with only two-thirds (66%) confident that they’ll meet their 2025 revenue target.

Providing a snapshot of current demand across the sector, the findings reveal the average lead time for bookings at 12 weeks, with almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents reporting slightly shorter lead times compared to a year ago. At the same time, 4 in 10 (40%) state that client budgets have decreased, highlighting ongoing financial pressures across the UK. 

Elsewhere, the report also reveals how sustainability has slipped down the priority list in 2025, with just 22% saying credentials are frequently requested in RFPs. Though, 62% measure and report on their environmental performance, only 37% do so regularly. Almost half (49%) cited carbon measurement and reporting as the most challenging sustainability measure to implement, highlighting a clear gap between ambition and implementation.

MIA chief executive, Shonali Devereaux, said: “With booking trends, client expectations and economic pressures evolving rapidly, understanding how the sector is performing is proving invaluable in keeping organisations informed, assured and agile.

“While many organisations remain confident in meeting their revenue targets, rising costs continue to shift the goalposts for profitability and the sustainability of our industry. In response, almost two-thirds have increased their prices and over a quarter have had to reduce their workforce. This isn’t just a financial concern but demonstrates the wider economic ripple effect on areas such as employment and investment when our industry is under strain.  

“Alongside our People survey from earlier this year, our Insights highlight that the sector is at a critical juncture. Rising costs and economic pressures are placing significant strain on businesses, and something has to give. As an industry, we now have an opportunity to decide how we respond, balancing the priorities of People, Profit and Planet, embracing innovation, being digitally curious, operating with openness and authenticity, and adopting strategies that strengthen resilience.”

“These insights come at a particularly significant time, as we await the measures set out in the upcoming Autumn Budget and continue our two-way discussions with the Department for Business and Trade to lobby sector-specific initiatives.”

The full MIA Insights report can be downloaded here: https://mia-uk.org/Insight-Surveys

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Events

Annual Cvent Excellence Awards Europe Celebrates Pioneers in the Meetings and Events Industry

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, honoured the finalists and winners of the 2025 annual Cvent Excellence Awards during its annual customer and industry conference, Cvent CONNECT Europe. The annual awards programme celebrates hotels, destinations, event professionals, and marketers from leading organisations that use Cvent technology to boost efficiency and maximise ROI across their event programmes and MICE initiatives. Britain’s Got Talent star, Joseph Charm, honoured finalists and winners during a live ceremony event held both in-person at the InterContinental London – The O2 and online. Their accomplishments will be featured throughout the year in case studies, webinars, and other thought leadership content.

With hundreds of nominations across diverse categories, the selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of candidates based on their innovative application of technology to improve collaboration, programme efficiency, and overall organisational success. 

“These awards serve as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when dedicated professionals harness the power of cutting-edge technology,” said Andreas Heckmann, Chief Customer Officer at Cvent. “This year’s winners and finalists are not merely embracing innovation, they are redefining the standards of success in the meetings, events, and hospitality sector. We are privileged to be their partner in creating remarkable experiences and delivering measurable outcomes.”

The 2025 winners are:

Event Professional Winners

  • Outstanding Total Event Programme – Lilly
  • Best In-person Experience – St. James’s Place
  • Cvent Advocate of the Year – Paul Gibbons, EY
  • Cvent Newcomer of the Year – MAD//Fest
  • Cvent Partner of the Year – The Turner Agency (TTA)
  • Meaningful Impact – Energy Networks Association 
  • Best Hybrid Experience – OutSystems

Hospitality Professional Winners

  • Portfolio Powerhouse | Exceptional Portfolio Management – Edwardian Hotels London 
  • Corporate Travel Business Champion of the Year | Accelerating Success and Operational – EfficiencyMinor Hotels
  • The MICE Game Changer | Best MICE Sales and Marketing Strategy – Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol 
  • Planner’s Best Partner | Seamless Collaboration with Event Diagramming & Room Block Management – Novotel London West
  • Destination Marketing Leader | Utilising Technology to Boost Destination Awareness – VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings 
  • Cvent Hospitality Advocate of the Year | Using Cvent to Accelerate Success – Afra Koers-Hartkamp, Radisson Hotel Group
  • Venue Directory Champion of the Year | Driving Success and Customer Experience – Radisson Hotel Group
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Event Industry News
Events

The Meetings Industry Association updates essential Martyn’s Law guidance for business events sector

by jummy84
written by jummy84

To support venues ongoing preparations to comply with Martyn’s Law, the Meeting Industry Association (MIA) has updated its practical guidance to help the business meetings and events industry navigate the evolving requirements of the forthcoming legislation.

Working in partnership with leading security experts GSA Global and ASG Rescue, the trade association has published an updated roadmap designed to ensure venues remain ahead of their anticipated obligations as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill continues to take shape.

The updated guide outlines nine initial steps towards compliance, providing venues with a structured approach to strengthening their safety and security procedures. It also includes revised information on the current legal frameworks, the implications of the proposed legislation for venues of different sizes, and practical tools such as training checklists, risk assessment templates, and communication protocols.

MIA chief executive, Shonali Devereaux, said: “The safety and security of everyone who engages with our venues must remain a top priority for our sector. As Martyn’s Law moves closer to becoming reality, we are committed to ensuring our members are well informed and equipped to act. This updated guidance provides a timely and practical framework for venues to assess their readiness, understand their likely responsibilities, and take meaningful steps towards compliance. As the legislation evolves and discussions progress, the MIA will remain at the forefront, keeping members informed and supported with continued guidance.”

Alun Jones, operations director at ASG Rescue, said: “Martyn’s Law is a vital step towards making public spaces safer by requiring venues and organisers to take deliverable, practical steps to prepare for potential and evolving threats. ASG Rescue developed this Road Map on behalf of the MIA because we fully support the principles behind the legislation. At its core, Martyn’s Law is about having clear, effective plans and procedures in place, that are not overly complex or unnecessarily costly, but ones that can genuinely save lives in an emergency. By promoting awareness, training, and reasonable security measures, it helps build a culture of preparedness that protects both staff and the public without placing unnecessary pressure on resources.”

To download the guidance, visit https://mia-uk.org/Martyns-Law.

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Event Industry News
Events

Industry leaders gather at EDGE Venues Summer Conference to debate the future of meetings and events

by jummy84
written by jummy84

EDGE Venues welcomed more than 160 agents, hotel groups, suppliers, and event professionals to the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon on 4–5 September for its annual Summer Conference. The two-day programme brought together the full spectrum of industry voices to share knowledge, explore challenges, and debate the trends shaping the future of meetings and events.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues, said:

“EDGE Venues is about more than connecting people with spaces, we’re shaping the future of our industry. This conference has shown the power of collaboration and vision. By embracing technology, reimagining experiences, and investing in people, we are not just responding to change, we are leading it.”

The conference opened with the Agency Tech Summit, where 50 agency professionals gathered for deep-dive discussions on artificial intelligence, collaboration, and commercialisation. The sessions looked at how AI can enhance rather than replace expertise, with conversations focusing on how to harness innovation while ensuring accuracy, security, and professional value remain central.

EDGE also showcased how its platform is helping agencies tackle one of their biggest challenges, limited venue knowledge, by unlocking smarter tools, providing greater transparency, and supporting agencies in their role as trusted consultants to clients.

The second day began with a private breakfast meeting for more than 30 hotel groups, who were given a sneak peek of EDGE Groups, set to launch later this year. The session highlighted how hotels can strengthen partnerships and tap into new business opportunities through EDGE.

The focus then widened to the main conference, where over 160 delegates attended multiple panel sessions covering critical themes for the sector. Key topics included market resilience, the importance of innovation and agility, and how to elevate customer experience through both service and technology.

Panellists emphasised the need for venues to adapt to evolving delegate expectations, from addressing infrastructure challenges such as EV charging points to preparing for compliance with Martyn’s Law. Sessions also explored how the industry can nurture the next generation of talent through graduate schemes and apprenticeships, as well as how strong leadership and communication can build resilience within teams.

Scott Ford, Managing Director of EDGE Venues commented:

“The event was designed with a clear purpose, to bring the varied audiences of EDGE together and demonstrate how the platform is supporting its users with tools, insights, and data-led solutions. Interactive polls held throughout the event helped steer panel conversational topics, ensuring discussions were both relevant and reflective of attendee priorities.”

The two-day programme closed with networking on the terrace, where guests enjoyed sunshine, a relaxed barbecue, and the chance to continue conversations.

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