The Meetings Industry Association’s (MIA) has unveiled the shortlist for its prestigious 2025 miaList.
The miaList, which has been recognising inspiring individuals and teams since 2011, was open across a record 15 categories – the most in its history – in recognition of the breadth of excellence across the thriving business meeting and events sector.
The 2025 miaList individual finalists for the 10 available positions are:
- Amy Manton, The Delegate Wranglers
- Chelsea Rolfe, University of Leeds Conferences and Events
- Christine Ferris, Legacy Hotels & Resorts
- Claudia Platt, Radisson Hotel Group
- Christopher Jones, CCT Venues
- Deborah Collins, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Emma Johnston, The Venues Collection
- Gail Tomlinson-Short, Warwick Conferences
- Haley Woodman, Crowne Plaza Newcastle
- Kate Mullen, Whittlebury Park
- Lisa Morris, The Venues Collection
- Mark Field, Victory Services Club
- Nykeith Lee, National Museums Liverpool
- Ros Wilson, Edgbaston Stadium
- Sammy Connell, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
- Sarah Simpson, The Milner York
- Sasha Dearden, BMA House
- Sigita Pjampite, Switch Hospitality Management
- Tia Goadby, Leonardo Hotels
- Tayyba Adeel, Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5
Outstanding professionals, students and apprentices who have been in the industry for less than a year will also be recognised under the Rising Star category, where Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented to celebrate exceptional emerging talent. The 2025 finalists include:
- Angie Cannavan, Inntel
- Evie Measom, Eventurous
- Fleur James, Lime Venue Portfolio
- Gabby Beetham, University of Leeds
- Katie Gallagher, Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle
- Kathryn Harrington, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
- Lela Halil, The PS Events Group
- Michaela Best, Melia Hotels International
- Sasha Wright, Draycote Hotel and Whitefields Golf Club
- Scarlet Barker-Niland, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
The team and organisation-based categories will be opened to a public vote starting on 1 September, and will also be presented with bronze, silver, and gold honours to highlight the best contributions and inspiring success stories from across the sector.
Events & Operations Team of the Year
- Cavendish Venues
- Central Hall Westminster
- Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
- Glaziers Hall
- ICC Wales
- Sheer Edge
- Whittlebury Park
Sales & Marketing Team of the Year
- Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter
- Glaziers Hall
- Marriott MCR – A Collective
- Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
- QEII Centre
- Searcys at 116 Pall Mall
- Silverstone
Destination Team of the Year
- Experience Oxfordshire Venues
- Meet in Wales
Venue of the Year (Over 300 Delegates)
- Celtic Manor Resort
- Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference
- Hinxton Hall Conference Centre
- ICC Wales
- Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
- Spaces at The Spine
- Silverstone
Venue of the Year (Under 300 Delegates)
- 116 Pall Mall
- Chester Zoo
- Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
- Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter
- Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
- Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre
- Lumiere London Ltd
- The Parkgate Hotel
Agency of the Year
- Access Bookings Ltd
- Blackberry Events
- C2Events Ltd
- Canvas Events
- Eventurous
- Inntel
- Sheer Edge
Supplier of the Year
- Eventurous
- First Travel Solutions
- Glaziers Hall
- Leopold Marketing
- TranslateAble
Event of the Year
- Amway Founders Council – Principal. Global Events
- CUBO Summer Conference 2024: Innovative Practices: Unlocking the Future of University Commercial Services
- Dinner in the Aquarium
- East Midlands Elite Charity Event
- The One Global Unity Forum, Montenegro
- Unlocking our Full Potential
- Whittlebury Park x British Grand Prix
Initiative of the Year
- Edwards & Finn Consultancy Ltd
- First Travel Solutions
- LGH Hotels Management Ltd
- The Power of Events
ESG
- Access Bookings Ltd
- BMA House
- Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre
- Edgbaston Stadium
- Glaziers Hall
- Lime Venue Portfolio
- The De Vere Group
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- KERB
- Lumiere London
- NASUWT Events 2025
- Searcys at 116 Pall Mall
- Warwick Conferences
NEW FOR 2025: Innovative Chef of the Year
- Dean Cole, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Matthew Martins, Holiday Inn East Kilbride Kew Green Hotels
- Robert Pearce, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
NEW FOR 2025: Executive Leader of the Year
- Andy Barnsdale, The Milner York
- Billy Harris, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
- Jane Pinder, The University of Manchester
- Luke Balcombe, Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle
- Margaret Reeves, RefTech
- Paul Casement, Brighter
- Tori Ackling, Legacy Hotels
Shonali Devereaux, chief executive of the MIA, said: “This year’s entries for the miaList have set an outstanding benchmark, not only in quality but in the breadth of the entries, showcasing the strength, talent and exceptional work taking place across our sector. It will be a privilege and incredibly rewarding to be able to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our finalists at our awards ceremony in November. We hope the celebration will amplify the sense of pride felt in our industry and in our people.”
The awards will be presented after the trade association’s much anticipated MIA Conference at The Belfry Hotel & Resort on Thursday 6 November. To find out more information and purchase a ticket to the 2025 ceremony, visit www.mia-uk.org/miaList.
