ICC Wales wins gold at the 2025 miaList for venue innovation and client satisfaction
The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has unveiled the prestigious 2025 miaList, celebrating outstanding achievements in the UK business meetings and events sector at a ceremony hosted in the new Masters Suite at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. The event highlighted exceptional talent, leadership, and innovation across the industry, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in business events.
A standout winner was ICC Wales, awarded the Gold Award for Venue of the Year (Over 300 Delegates), a recognition of its ongoing dedication to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional client service. ICC Wales hosted 181 events in the past year, achieving an impressive client satisfaction rate of 94.7%, with 80% of clients planning to return. This accolade underscores ICC Wales’ status as a leader in the UK’s business events landscape. Other shortlisted venues in this category included The Celtic Collection’s Celtic Manor Resort and Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, the latter actively encouraging public voting to complement the judging process.
For venues accommodating fewer than 300 delegates, Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre secured the top spot, reinforcing the significance of flexible yet high-quality event facilities across the sector. The evening also recognised the inaugural Executive Leader of the Year award, which was presented to Paul Casement of Brighter, applauding his visionary leadership and the impactful development of the Brighter brand within the previous year.
The miaList extends its recognition beyond venues to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable contributions within their organisations. Ten individuals were honoured, including professionals from University of Leeds Conferences and Events, Legacy Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, and NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, reflecting the sector's diverse talents and dedication.
Awards also celebrated rising stars and dynamic teams: Michaela Best from Melia Hotels International received the Rising Star gold award, and Whittlebury Park’s Event & Operations Team was bestowed the top prize in their category. Other notable categories included Supplier of the Year, Agency of the Year, and awards highlighting excellence in sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), with BMA House winning the ESG Award and NASUWT Events taking the DEI accolade.
Shonali Devereaux, MIA’s Chief Executive, expressed her pride in the sector’s resilience and innovation during her first miaList ceremony, describing the awards as the "Pride of the Industry." She highlighted the passion and determination driving sustained progress in the business events sector, expressing optimism for continued evolution and future achievements.
An expert panel of judges drawn from a broad cross-section of the industry assessed nominees, including representatives from the QEII Centre, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Leopold Marketing, and NASUWT, among others. The collective expertise ensured a rigorous and credible selection process, reflecting the high standards the industry aspires to maintain.
The miaList Awards not only celebrate individual and organisational excellence but also serve to inspire the wider sector by showcasing best practices, innovation, and leadership. As the UK business meetings and events industry continues to navigate evolving challenges and opportunities, such recognition plays a fundamental role in encouraging continuous improvement and sector growth.