RepsUnited, the newly-formed coalition of UK representation companies, has hosted its first get-together at the Jumeirah Hotel in London.
The Covid-secure Missed You Madly event brought together around 100 event professionals at the Belgravia venue, with reps networking over drinks with UK-based hotels, venues and agencies.
Mags Shaw of Mags Worldwide said: “It was a privilege to be part of the RepsUnited UK Missed You Madly evening at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower this week.
“We’ve come together as a group of independently owned MICE professional representation companies all passionate about the global products and services we represent and the niche industry in which we operate. We are still navigating difficult times but the support we have shown each other in the run up to the event and the shared opportunity reconnecting with our clients, has been tremendously uplifting and motivating.”
The event also raised money for event industry charity Meeting Needs.
Nikki Buse of destinations UNLIMITED said: “It was an amazing evening. We enjoyed getting back to what we love best, live events and the human connection after a long 20 months.
“We networked the night away enjoying drinks & food, as well as raising money for our industry charity.”
Kai Schomann of hotel republic said: “During the pandemic we all came together and organised a joint event with our UK MICE buyers. 18 hotel and DMC and destination representation companies that are normally competitors, but we realised that together we are stronger.
“Several entertaining zoom calls and many e-mails later we met at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah. We all invited clients we know and networked the night away with delicious drinks and canapés.”
Reps United was formed following a discussion between a collection of UK-owned DMC, hotel and venue representation companies on how they will proactively work together to make it easier for the industry in the post-lockdown era. The objective of Reps United is to collaborate for information sharing as a collective rather than as individual companies.
Prior to the creation of Reps United, representatives worked separately and there was a lack of cohesion and collaboration from DMC, hotel and venue representatives. Now, however, these independently owned representation companies are aiming to push for a stronger industry going forward.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
