Five of the key associations active in the UK meetings industry announced their commitment to a wide-ranging collaboration designed to further strengthen the profile of the UK meetings industry and deliver enhanced member benefits.

The five associations identified are those which focus in large part on the meetings industry, and consist:

• Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO)
• British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD)
• Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA)
• Meetings Industry Association (MIA)
• Meetings Proffessionals International UK Chapter (MPI UK)

Under a formal agreement, contained within a Memoranda of Understanding, the five associations are committed to the introduction of enhanced member benefits across all participating associations along with the general raising of standards within the meetings industry. In addition, they have committed to four key areas of collaboration, which include;

• A joint annual Meetings Industry conference
• An annual Meetings Industry calendar of events & activities
• A regional professional education and events programme
• Cross promotion of all participating associations

In a joint statement released at International Confex, the heads of the five participating associations said; “Today is a landmark moment for the future of the UK meetings industry. Collectively, and in a true sprit of collaboration and partnership, we are now able to move forward with the clear objective of raising standards within the industry and delivering tangible benefits to our respective members. This is good news for the associations’ involved, good news for the members of those associations and above all good news for the UK meetings industry.”