The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 miaList, with inspiring individuals, teams and initiatives recognised across 14 categories.
Since 2011, the miaList has celebrated those going above and beyond across the business meetings and events sector, with every entry judged by an esteemed judging panel from across all corners of the industry.
Speaking on the 2026 shortlist, Shonali Devereaux, chief executive of the MIA, said: “Announcing the miaList is one of my favourite moments of the year, and I am immensely proud to see so many inspiring stories represented on our shortlist. It is a wonderful reflection of the talent, commitment and achievements across our sector, and a real moment of recognition for everyone behind this year’s entries.
“Seeing the shortlist announced always makes November feel that little bit closer, and I’m really looking forward to bringing everyone together for the awards ceremony. It is always a special evening, and I’m sure there will be plenty of proud and emotional moments as we celebrate so many achievements together.”
The 2026 miaList individual finalists for the 10 available positions are:
- Abbie Tindal – Access Bookings
- Daniela Flight – Jumeirah Carlton Tower London
- Gail Aldridge – The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Hayley Hardy – Imago Venues
- Jessica Kendrick – Eventurous
- Kieron Bowen – Eventurous
- Lisa Clarke – Hilton Birmingham Metropole
- Lucy Nicholls – The PS Events Group
- Matt Whiteman – The Venues Collection
- Michelle Osborne – Nottingham Venues
- Robert Mitchell – Company of Cooks (formerly Restaurant Associates) – Imperial War Museums
- Susi Lennie – Crowne Plaza by IHG – Newcastle, Stephenson Quarter
- Tracey Whyte – University of Birmingham
- Lizzie Harwood – The Venues Collection
- Tom Marsden – The University of Manchester
- Tayyba Adeel – Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Presented for the first time this year, the Inspirational Leadership Award will recognise an individual who has demonstrate exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication. An evolution of the Executive Leader Award, it will be presented in memory of the late Gail Tomlinson-Short, a respected event professional and long-standing MIA member widely known for those qualities. The 2026 finalists include:
- Andrew Secker – RBH Hospitality Management
- Jacqui Bagnall – Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
- Leo Lloyd – Leopold Marketing Limited
- Margaret Reeves – RefTech
- Sam Glenister-Batey – University of Leeds Conferences and Events
Outstanding professionals, students and apprentices who have been in the industry for less than a year will also be recognised under the Rising Star category, where Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented to celebrate exceptional emerging talent. The 2026 finalists include:
- Alannah Elliott – Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
- Alexander Carroll – Kimpton Clocktower
- Ellen Reed – The University of Manchester
- Emily Hill – The Venues Collection
- Emily Richardson – Hotel Football
- Isabel Harrison – The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Leah Mitchell – Arena Racing Company
- Lucy Jones & Jamie Maycock – Eventurous
- Roxanne Luckin – Crowne Plaza Newcastle
- Scarlett Barker-Niland – The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Solangie Garzon Vargas – 1 Wimpole Street
- Tori Hodges – University of Birmingham
The team and organisation-based categories will also be presented with bronze, silver, and gold honours to highlight the best contributions and inspiring success stories from across the sector. This includes:
Venue of the Year (Under 300 Capacity)
- British Library
- Chester Zoo
- Churchill War Rooms – Company of Cooks (formerly Restaurant Associates) – Imperial War Museums
- Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross
- Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
- Event Essex
- Imago Venues – Burleigh Court Conference Centre & Hotel
- Lumiere London Underwood Flagship Venue
- Make Venues – Woodland Grange
- Nottingham Venues – Jubilee Hotel and Conferences
- Queen’s House
- Rhodes House, Oxford
Venue of the Year (Over 300 Capacity)
- British Motor Museum Meetings & Events
- Carden Park Hotel
- Celtic Manor Resort
- Central Hall Westminster
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole
- ICC Wales
- Nottingham Venues – East Midlands Conference Centre and Orchard Hotel
- Regent’s Events
- St James’ Park – Newcastle United Football Club
Agency of the year
- Blackberry Events
- Eventurous
- Lemon Lane
- Premier Events
Supplier of the Year
- Just Smile Ltd
- Leopold Marketing Limited
- Selling Savvy
Event of the Year (Over 300 Attendees)
- University of Birmingham
- Whittlebury Park – Formula 1 British Grand Prix Weekend
Event of the Year (Under 300 Attendees)
- Event Essex
- Experience North East England – Media Gateway 2026
- The Lowry – 25 Years of Excellence
- Whittlebury Park – France & Ireland Women’s Rugby World Cup
Events & Operations Team of the Year
- {10-11} Carlton House Terrace
- 30 Euston Square
- Central Hall Westminster
- Church House Westminster
- Events@No6
- First Travel Solutions
- ICC Wales
- Jumeirah Carlton Tower London
- Make Venues – Broadway House
- NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
- Royal Armouries
- St James’ Park – Newcastle United Football Club
- The Meetings Show – Events & Operations Team of the Year
- The University of Manchester
- Warwick Conferences
Sales & Marketing Team of the Year
- Chesford Grange
- Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter
- Headingley Stadium
- ICC Belfast
- Imago Venues – Commercial Team
- Regent’s Events
- Royal Armouries
- The Milner York
- The Victory Services Club
- Valor Hospitality – UK Sales and Marketing team
ESG Initiative
- Celtic Manor Resort
- Clean the World Global
- Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
- Hinxton Hall Conference Centre
- IET Venues: IET London, Savoy Place / IET Birmingham, Austin Court
- NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
- University of Birmingham Conferences and Events
- University of Leeds Conferences and Events
Inclusive Events Initiative
- HB Cares Autism Initiative: From Awareness to Action
- Lumiere London Underwood Flagship
- MEN (Meetings and Events Network)
- The Business of Events and ICC Wales
- The Eastside Rooms
- University of Leeds Conferences and Events
The winners of each category will be announced and presented at East Midlands Conference Centre on Wednesday 4 November.
To find out more information and purchase a ticket to the 2026 ceremony, visit www.mia-uk.org/miaList.
