Party of the year! Eventprofs bring the glamour at the M&IT Awards 2024

Photo Credit: image supplied

It was a glittering night at The M&IT Awards 2024, with 900 event professionals in attendance at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London to celebrate the great and good of the industry.

ICC Wales sales director Danielle Bounds took home the coveted Personality of the Year award, while there were double Gold Award wins for Principal. Global Events and Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island.

The 'Oscars of the industry' kicked off with a rip-roaring set from the London Community Gospel Choir that had attendees dancing in the aisles as comedian Tom Allen took to the stage to commence hosting duties.

M&IT editor Paul Harvey welcomed eventprofs to the awards, before headline sponsor IHG Hotels & Resorts addressed the audience. Then came the first big emotional moment of the evening, as Meeting Needs board director Shonali Devereaux introduced music charity Electric Umbrella who performed a powerful version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

The first award of the night saw Conference Care MD Andrew Deakin hand out the Chris Peacock Rising Star of The Year Award, named in honour of Conference Care founder Chris Peacock, who died from bowel cancer last year. Deakin announced Principal. Global Events sales and marketing manager Eleni Kyprianou as the winner of the award, praising her “multiple extraordinary achievements, her commitment to her role and the wider industry”.

“I’m completely shocked and I’m honoured to have won an M&IT Award tonight. I’m so happy to be here and I’m excited to celebrate,” said Kyprianou after winning.

It was a great night for Principal. Global Events, as it was one of two double Gold Award winners, also taking home Best Intermediary Agency Mid-size (21-40 employees).

The other double winner was Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island, which clinched Gold Awards for Best UK Hotel and Best UK Conference Centre – both first-time M&IT Awards wins for the venue.

Other victors included an 18th consecutive Best UK Convention Bureau win for Glasgow Convention Bureau, while KDM Events, Vista Events DMC Greece, Conference Care, Quadrant Events and Alton Towers Resort were also repeat M&IT Award-winners.

Writing on Twitter/X, Glasgow Convention Bureau said: "Over the moon to have been named the UK’s Best Convention Bureau for the 18th consecutive year at this evenings @meetpie
#MITAwards2024. Huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and congratulations to all the finalists!"

After dinner, Events R Talented winner Oriah, venue search consultant at BCD Meetings and Events, had the crowd in the palm of her hands with a stunning rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

Danielle Bounds, sales director at ICC Wales won the final award of the night, the Personality of the Year award, earning a standing ovation. Presenting the award, ICCA president and ExCeL London executive director James Rees praised Bounds’ commitment to excellence and her work with Martyn's Law, where she has been a driving force for industry change.

Rees said: “Her positive spirit and collaborative approach inspire those around her to strive for greatness – as one of her nominees said, she’s ‘extraordinary everyday’.

“Her multiple nominations referred to her all-round brilliance, calling her an inspiration and an absolute powerhouse. She is a true ambassador for her venue, her country - and our industry.”

The night saw industry charity foundation Meeting Needs raise more than £20,000 with a table raffle and auction, before eventprofs danced the night away into the early hours and enjoy networking and catching up with colleagues and peers.

Organised by Northstar Travel Group, the glittering and glamorous M&IT Awards are in their 37th year. Taking place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London for the first time, this year’s event was a who’s who of the UK events industry bringing together 900 industry professionals to recognise the phenomenal people, businesses, creativity and resilience that drives the industry forward year after year.

“The M&IT Awards hold a special place in the meetings and events calendar because its winners represent the best of our industry and – equally importantly – are chosen by the industry,” said Paul Harvey, editor, M&IT.

“A huge and heartfelt congratulations to everyone who won on Friday night. To our many deserving finalists who were pipped at the post this time and those who were in the room feeling award-envy, we say, there’s always next year and you’ve got to be in it to win it. Entries for 2025 are expected to open over Christmas / New Year so keep an eye out for the announcement in the M&IT newsletter – you can subscribe for free at https://mitmagazine.co.uk/ to stay connected, curious and current.”

The Gold Award winners list in full:

The Chris Peacock Rising Star of the Year presented by Conference Care

Eleni Kyprianou, Principal. Global Events

Best UK Representation Company sponsored by Sonder Hotels

hotel republic ltd

Best Destination Management Company sponsored by Virgin Voyages

Raising Stones Events (joint winners)

Vista Events DMC Greece (joint winners)

Best Overseas Convention Bureau sponsored by The Meetings Show

Visit Monaco Convention Bureau

Best UK Convention Bureau

Glasgow Convention Bureau