January 2010

Welcome to the first MIA newsletter of 2010, and of an exciting new decade. Happy New Year!  I’m convinced that when we write the history of 2010, we’ll recognise this as a pivotal year for our industry.  One in which confidence will begin its return to business, as the recovery of our industry, fuelled by increasingly widespread adoption of Best Practice and value added service, has a noticeable effect.  We can only achieve it together though and we must all ensure we keep the focus this year on adapting our businesses to deliver service excellence and to meet the changing needs of our clients.  As always, the MIA is here to support you

 

The MIA has restructured its Board and Council.  The restructure is a progressive element of the association’s ongoing three year strategic plan and ensures that, as the UK’s leading trade association for the meetings industry, the MIA continues to fully represent the industry in the most effective way during changing times.

During an inspiring speech to delegates at the networking event that followed the MIA’s AGM on Monday 25th January, VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford put business tourism at the top of his agenda to grow English tourism.  In a call for continuous improvement of customer satisfaction, he gave his full support to the MIA’s AIM.

Agreement has been reached between the event industry and the Health & Safety Executive(HSE) to revise and republish the much used Purple Guide (“The Event Safety Guide - A Guide to Health, Safety & Welfare at Music and Similar Events”).

Delegates and Council members alike were in vibrant and positive mood at the MIA’s 20th AGM, which took place at Ironmongers’ Hall on Monday 25th January.  It was a succinct meeting which saw a brief review of the past year, acknowledging the challenging climate, but also recognising the many achievements of the association, not least of which is holding membership levels at a consistent level, when the trend in the industry is for association membership to fall.

With February’s International Confex show fast approaching, time is running out for MIA members to take advantage of the association’s reduced cost exhibiting offer.  The MIA is offering its members a reduced cost opportunity to reach the thousands of influential meetings industry buyers that visit the International Confex show by taking one of the 2 remaining pods within the MIA Pavilion.

Forthcoming Events: Monday 8th February 2010

Bridget Baker, Bridget Baker Consulting has spent 30 years in the hospitality business including 20 years as a specialist consultant.  Taking her theme of Conference Trends in Challenging Times she will use current data to explore how you can use this information to ensure that your business is equipped to move ahead of your competitors.

Venue data market leader, venuedirectory.com, is confirming an average £1million in meeting and event business for its clients each week.  This impressive figure is driven by the success of GRATIS, venuedirectory.com’s recently launched web based search, booking and tracking system, which will be formally launched from stand B865 at this year’s International Confex, Earl’s Court, 23-25 February.

Click through to see January's new members.

EDITOR    Richard Jebb           DESIGN & PRODUCTION   Janet Powell