Meetings and Incentive Travel

It’s been a busy 12 months for Shonali Devereaux, as she adjusted to the role of CEO of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). But despite fulfilling all the usual tasks involved in leading the association that supports and grows the business meetings and events industry, Devereaux found time to listen – to the MIA’s 728 members, to other associations and the wider industry.

The build-up to Christmas starts in August when signs of festive treats start appearing on the supermarket shelves. While it might have been easy for those with Scrooge-like tendencies to swerve the prospect of ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ (and the tubs of Quality Street) when the the sun was still shining, it’s now impossible to avoid the fact that holiday season is upon us.

The effects of climate change are already being felt - but is the events industry burying its head in the sand? In this fiery episode of The Meeting Room, Anna Abdelnoor, founder and CEO of isla, the industry sustainability body, spells out precisely what's coming if we don't act now to mitigate the worst impacts of global heating.

The M&IT Awards Meeting Needs Silent Auction is now officially open – with a seven-night Victoria Falls Safari & Spa Experience up for grabs. Bidders have the chance to secure an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most spectacular destinations, with experiences ranging from safari drives to spa indulgence, and sunset cruises to starlit bush camps.

How do you combine virtual, hybrid and in-person formats - and avoid the feel of a Zoom meeting? That was the challenge facing cybersecurity provider Sophos when it sought to host a sales extravaganza that required communicating with its local, regional, and global teams.

Despite increasing pressure on budgets and the prevalence of remote working, face-to-face meetings and events are thriving, a study of 383 association professionals has found. But they must be organised by a trusted organisation, be relevant to their interests, and should help delegates to make meaningful and lasting connections, according to the findings.

ABPCO director Heather Lishman is taking early retirement in December 2025, following the ABPCO Excellence Awards at Manchester Central. Here she reflects on her 14-year tenure at the association, which has seen record growth, deeper industry engagement, and stronger member support than ever before. After more than a decade at the heart of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), Heather Lishman is stepping down as association director at the end of this year.

Mama Shelter, the lifestyle hotel brand under Ennismore and Accor, will open its first Asian property in Singapore on 23 September 2025. Located on Killiney Road in the Somerset district, the 115-room hotel will offer a range of informal, design-led spaces suitable for meetings, private events, and group dining. The property’s rooftop level features two mosaic-tiled pools, tropical landscaping, and a dedicated restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean-style sharing plates.

Event specialists Jules France and Marie Moss have announced the launch of Phoenix ICE, a new business offering event planning and management services to clients in the UK and internationally. With extensive backgrounds in the meetings and events sector, the pair bring a wealth of experience to the new venture.

NEC Group Conventions – home to ICC Birmingham, NEC Birmingham, and the Vox Conference Venue – has identified three clear trends shaping agency activity in 2025. In June, the business unveiled a newly restructured, all-female sales leadership team, following strategic investment into its sales operations. The newly created Agencies division, led by 20-year NEC Group veteran Kelly Moore, manages relationships with more than 110 agencies, venue finders, and production companies.