MIA Unveils Finalists for the 2026 miaList Awards

The Meetings Industry Association announced its shortlist for the 2026 miaList, honoring standout individuals, operational teams, and industry initiatives across 14 distinct categories, eHotelier reported [1]. Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony hosted at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, marking the latest edition of the program established in 2011 [1].

Who is competing for the 10 individual miaList positions?

Sixteen hospitality and event specialists are competing for the 10 coveted individual titles on the 2026 miaList, according to eHotelier [1]. A panel from across the business meetings and events industry evaluated every submission [1]. The individual shortlist features hotel operators, academic conference teams, and corporate planners: Abbie Tindal of Access Bookings, Daniela Flight of Jumeirah Carlton Tower London, Gail Aldridge of The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Hayley Hardy of Imago Venues, Jessica Kendrick and Kieron Bowen of Eventurous, Lisa Clarke of Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Lucy Nicholls of The PS Events Group, Matt Whiteman and Lizzie Harwood of The Venues Collection, Michelle Osborne of Nottingham Venues, Robert Mitchell of Company of Cooks at the Imperial War Museums, Susi Lennie of Crowne Plaza by IHG – Newcastle, Stephenson Quarter, Tracey Whyte of University of Birmingham, Tom Marsden of The University of Manchester, and Tayyba Adeel of Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 [1].

What is the new Inspirational Leadership Award?

The Inspirational Leadership Award debuts this year as an evolution of the former Executive Leader Award, designed to recognize exceptional dedication, professionalism, and leadership, eHotelier reported [1]. Dedicated in memory of the late Gail Tomlinson-Short—a respected events professional and long-standing association member—the accolade highlights five industry leaders: Andrew Secker of RBH Hospitality Management, Jacqui Bagnall of Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Leo Lloyd of Leopold Marketing Limited, Margaret Reeves of RefTech, and Sam Glenister-Batey of University of Leeds Conferences and Events [1].

Which newcomers made the Rising Star shortlist?

Rising Star nominees represent professionals, apprentices, and students who have worked in the business meetings sector for under a year, with the judging panel set to award Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors, eHotelier stated [1]. Finalists include Alannah Elliott from Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Alexander Carroll from Kimpton Clocktower, Ellen Reed from The University of Manchester, Emily Hill from The Venues Collection, Emily Richardson from Hotel Football, Isabel Harrison and Scarlett Barker-Niland from The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Leah Mitchell from Arena Racing Company, joint entrants Lucy Jones and Jamie Maycock from Eventurous, Roxanne Luckin from Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Solangie Garzon Vargas from 1 Wimpole Street, and Tori Hodges from University of Birmingham [1].

How do the venue and team categories break down?

Team, venue, and initiative entries compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions across both operational and commercial groupings, according to eHotelier [1]. Capacity tiers separate small and large properties, while dedicated categories evaluate operational delivery, marketing campaigns, agencies, and suppliers [1].

Which sustainability and inclusion initiatives gained recognition?

Sustainability and community impact earned separate spotlights across two dedicated program categories, eHotelier reported [1]. The ESG Initiative category shortlists Celtic Manor Resort, Clean the World Global, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, IET Venues (representing Savoy Place in London and Austin Court in Birmingham), NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, University of Birmingham Conferences and Events, and University of Leeds Conferences and Events [1]. Meanwhile, the Inclusive Events Initiative category recognizes projects from HB Cares Autism Initiative, Lumiere London Underwood Flagship, MEN (Meetings and Events Network), The Business of Events and ICC Wales, The Eastside Rooms, and University of Leeds Conferences and Events [1].