How Lene Corgan is shaping the next chapter of Meeting Needs
When Lene Corgan stepped up as chair of Meeting Needs earlier this year, it marked the culmination of a decade-long journey with the charity foundation.
After serving as vice chair for six years, Corgan was ready to take the reins, bringing her deep knowledge, industry connections, and a passion for making a tangible difference to her new role.
“Meeting Needs has been part of my life for 10 years now,” she reflects. “I’ve seen it grow from a charity that mainly appeared at the M&IT Awards into an organisation with a much broader reach and a high profile across the industry.”
The charity’s evolution has been remarkable. In its early days, fundraising activities were modest - selling raffle tickets at two annual events. Today, Meeting Needs boasts a diverse calendar of activities, from the Royal Parks Half Marathon to a newly launched Meeting Needs Golf Day. “It’s amazing to see fresh ideas come from both long-standing supporters and new board members,” Corgan says. “Dan Bardgett from XSEM and Matt Curran from Chew Events planned the golf day, and it’s fantastic to see that kind of enthusiasm in action.”
The decision to step up as chair in June came naturally. “I’ve worked alongside four previous chairs, and over the last couple of years I was doing a lot alongside Chris Parnham as a de facto co-chair. The timing just felt right - my kids are older now, so I can dedicate the time, and I’ve grown into the role through experience.” She laughs: “Mostly, anyway!”
The voluntary nature of the work, she admits, makes the commitment substantial but deeply rewarding. “You need to want to do it. It’s about giving time and energy, but the connections you make with the industry and the impact we create make it so worthwhile. People stay involved for years because they enjoy it and they see the difference we’re making.”
One of Corgan’s early priorities as chair is expanding the charity’s reach. “This year at the M&IT Awards, for the first time, we invited volunteers from outside the board, including Fast Forward 15 mentees, to sell raffle tickets. The response was fantastic. Engaging the wider community is something I want to focus on more - it’s not just about us as a board; it’s about creating opportunities for others to get involved.”
Cyclical events remain a cornerstone of Meeting Needs’ fundraising, such as the M&IT Awards, which Meeting Needs has supported for more than two decades. Corgan notes, “We’ve always valued that long-standing partnership. The relationship with these events has been vital in raising awareness and funds.”
This year's Events R Talented gala dinner raised more than £29k for Meeting Needs, the biggest ever amount raised for the foundation at a single event. Yet diversification is key. Corgan explains: “Our charity partner scheme is a £500-per-year scheme where industry companies commit to making an annual donation. In return we can support their CSR strategy. They get regular updates and we encourage that they nominate charities they want to support.
“We want to grow this programme further. It’s a reliable revenue stream and helps us plan for the future, rather than being reliant solely on events.” Another initiative, Donate to Visit, allows suppliers visiting agencies to make a small donation instead of bringing gifts like pastries or bottles of wine. “It’s a no-brainer - easy for visitors, practical for agencies, and it raises funds for the charity. We’ve even added a leaderboard for a bit of friendly competition.”
Community engagement, particularly with younger industry professionals, is another focus. “There’s an appetite to get involved even if people don’t want to be on the board,” Corgan says. Her idea, tentatively called Friends of Meeting Needs, aims to give volunteers a flexible way to contribute, support events, and potentially step into board roles later. “It’s great for succession planning and keeps the charity dynamic and inclusive.”
Board membership itself is flexible yet structured. Corgan explains, “We have three committees - Strategy & Comms, Fundraising, and Giving - and each board member sits on at least one. We meet six times a year, half online and half in person, with committees often meeting monthly. Members also help at a minimum of two fundraising events a year. Beyond that, it’s about willingness and enthusiasm.”
She admits the board sometimes has more ideas than resources. “We’re creative people, so it’s easy to get carried away. We’ve learned to sanity-check ideas - like the time someone suggested a charity softball day in Regent’s Park. It sounded fun until we realised the logistics involved!”
Yet the collaborative spirit of Meeting Needs is what sets it apart. “Whether someone becomes a charity partner, runs a marathon, or helps at the Awards, there’s a way to get involved. It’s wonderful to see how many people now know what Meeting Needs is - you don’t have to explain it anymore, which is a testament to how far we’ve come.”
This year's Events R Talented gala dinner raised more than £29k for Meeting Needs, the biggest ever amount raised at a single event.
This year's Events R Talented gala dinner raised more than £29k for Meeting Needs, the biggest ever amount raised at a single event.
Part of Corgan’s commitment is maintaining continuity while fostering innovation. She is still in touch with past chairs like Jennifer Jenkins and Jason Wilcock, and often speaks with Meeting Needs founder Martin Lewis. “Martin’s institutional knowledge is invaluable,” she says. “He’s seen everything, having that history is priceless.”
Corgan sees enormous potential. “We’ve raised incredible sums over the years, all from people running raffles and volunteering their time. The impact on the charities we support is tangible - from schoolbags for children to international projects changing lives. That’s what motivates us.”
As chair, Corgan’s vision is clear: expand fundraising channels, engage a wider community, and ensure sustainability. “I’d say to anyone who wants to get involved, just reach out. There’s so much you can do, from running a personal fundraiser to joining Friends of Meeting Needs or supporting Donate to Visit. Every contribution counts.”
Looking ahead, Corgan is determined to build on the charity’s strong foundations. “We’ve got a high-profile calendar, innovative initiatives, and a passionate board. My role is to ensure we stay true to our mission, engage as many people as possible, and keep creating impact. That’s what being chair is all about; leading, supporting, and inspiring others to make a difference.”
