MIA announces new structure and renewed focus

Oct 28, 04 | 2:24 am

UK association appoints first ever Chief Executive

The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has today announced a restructure of the organization designed to add further value to its membership and prepare for a period of sustained growth in the association.

Jane Evans has been appointed as the associations first ever Chief Executive. Jane, who has extensive experience of the meetings industry, joins from the Institute of Electrical Engineers where she was Head of Event Services responsible for an events budget of over £2.5million.

Commenting on her new appointment, Jane said “What really inspired me to join the MIA was their commitment to standards within our industry. I see tremendous opportunities for the association and its members through a constant improvement in standards, adding to the UK’s international reputation.“ In her new role Jane will focus on key strategies including marketing communication and member benefits whilst maintaining a strategic outlook for the association.

In a further move designed to free up greater cash resources for member programmes and provide the MIA with a professional event management service, the MIA has appointed leading association management company, The Secretariat, to manage the association’s day to day administration and member communications. Yasmin Chopin, Managing Director of The Secretariat comments; “We are absolutely delighted to be working with the MIA as they are a perfect match for the style of associations we work with. The management of the association is clearly a key role for us, but just as importantly, we will be quickly introducing an enhanced member communications programme to further develop relationships with members in all sectors”

Chairman of the MIA, Paul Kennedy said; “As we find ourselves in an industry that is ever changing, we have been working proactively over recent months to focus on the delivery of high quality and measurable member benefits, and business to business opportunities, adapting to these changes with our members totally in mind. The appointment of a Chief Executive is a key part of this strategy and Jane brings with her a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills that will compliment those already in place within the association.”

About the Meetings Industry Association

The Meetings Industry Association is a leading professional organisation for the meetings industry in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1990, MIA is the forum for all committed business professionals, and members elect their own voluntary Council and Chairman.