The Meetings
Industry Association (MIA) and Manchester Central have joined the All-Party
Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) as its latest corporate members.
Their addition reflects
the APPG’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration between the events
industry and policymakers. They join a growing group of organisations supporting
the APPG, including beam, SEC, Racoon Media, Experience Oxfordshire, Togather,
Hire Association Europe, and the Association of Event Venues (AEV).
Shonali Devereaux, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association, said: “It’s a
privilege to be part of the APPG for Events and contribute to the wider
conversation around the future of our industry. The MIA is committed to
advocating for venues, agents, suppliers and professionals across the UK, and
this platform allows us to do that at the highest level. Collaboration with
policymakers is critical to fostering a sustainable and thriving business
events sector.”
Lori Hoinkes, chief
executive of Manchester Central, said: “I’m delighted to officially join the APPG for Events.
It’s so important that we continually advocate for our industry and this forum
is integral to maintaining meaningful dialogue between industry leaders and
Parliament.
“I’m passionate about ensuring Manchester Central, and Manchester
as a city, are at the heart of these conversations. As a venue that is a key
driver of growth, in one of the UK’s fastest growing economies, we’re well
positioned to demonstrate the importance of the events industry and its ability
to create real value.”
A spokesperson for the
APPG said: “We are very pleased to welcome both the MIA and Manchester Central
as corporate members of the APPG. Their involvement further strengthens our
mission to represent the full breadth of the UK events sector in Westminster.
“Now more than ever, it
is vital that our industry engages directly with policymakers to showcase its
value, tackle key challenges, and unlock future opportunities. We encourage
other organisations to follow their lead and support the work of the APPG as we
continue to elevate the events industry’s voice in parliament.”
The APPG, which is
chaired by Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford, now has a total of
43 members, including 34 parliamentarians and nine corporate members.
PR and communications
agency Davies Tanner, through its The Business of Events think tank, manages the APPG and acts as a special advisor to the group.
