Since lockdown and the total ban on conferences and meetings, all Meet Cambridge venues – Cambridge Colleges, hotels and other unique properties in and around the city – are closed for business.
Events professionals at all venues have been working with clients and exploring ways to re-start their business operations in line with Government guidelines when allowed.
Now 30 venues have demonstrated their allegiance to the mia as they start to navigate new approaches to delivering conferences and events post COVID-19.
Throughout the current pandemic, the mia has been working tirelessly to ensure its members are offered crucial support. The unrelenting work has seen the trade association provide a series of free webinars delivering first-class business intelligence and an intense period of lobbying to highlight to Government the unique challenges faced by the sector, as well as delivering contract guidance and vital reopening and operating safety protocols.
Judith Sloane, Manager at Meet Cambridge said: “The mia has been a constant source of support and advice during these very testing times and we are pleased that so many of our venues are valuing these resources and reconfirming their commitment to membership.
“Part of the membership process involves the AIM accreditation, the UK’s only recognised quality standard for venues and service providers in the meetings, conferences and events industry. This accreditation provides reassurance to organisers that the venues they are considering using operate within regulated quality guidelines.”
Two Conference Managers underlined the importance of the mia.
Bill Brogan, Conference & Catering Manager at St John’s College said: “It is good to be associated with such a special, professional group as the mia which is the market leader within our industry.”
Caroline Bobb-Semple, Conference Manager at Homerton College added: “The benefits speak for themselves in such a challenging and unpredictable time. The mia offers up-to-date information, a voice to represent our interests to Government as well as training, webinars relating to current business issues and the opportunity to engage with others in the events sector.”
Jane Longhurst, Chief Executive of the mia said: “We are delighted that 30 of Meet Cambridge’s conference and events venues will be continuing to benefit from mia membership. As we navigate the current unchartered waters, there has never been a better time to be part of a trade body that’s committed to doing all that it possibly can to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the sector and ensure business returns.”
Image: Leah Gibson, Events Executive at Meet Cambridge, talks to representatives from venues who are supporting the Meetings Industry Association by renewing their membership.