Meeting Needs Showcase Highlights 22 Years of Industry-Led Charitable Impact
Meeting Needs brought together 85 industry supporters at One Aldwych for its annual showcase event, celebrating another successful year of fundraising, grant giving, and meaningful social impact across the UK and overseas. Hosted in partnership with One Aldwych, the event united supporters, partners, volunteers, and beneficiaries to demonstrate how the meetings and events industry continues to make a positive difference in communities around the world.
More Than £2 Million Raised to Support Community Projects
Since its establishment 22 years ago, Meeting Needs has raised an impressive £2.062 million and awarded 444 grants to small charities and community initiatives. The organisation continues to fund projects that create practical, long-term benefits, helping individuals and communities improve their lives through education, skills development, healthcare, and social support.
This year’s showcase highlighted the wide-ranging impact of these initiatives, from digital education programmes in Zimbabwe to creative health and wellbeing projects across the UK.
Events R’ Talented Team Receives Prestigious David Hackett Award
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the David Hackett Award for Outstanding Contribution to Meeting Needs. The 2026 honour was awarded to the Events R’ Talented team-Matt Curran, Ken Findlay, Graeme Saunders, and Paul Tidy-in recognition of their exceptional commitment and fundraising efforts.
Since its launch in 2018, Events R’ Talented has become a dedicated supporter of Meeting Needs, bringing together professionals from across the events industry while raising significant funds for charitable causes. In the past year alone, the initiative generated £29,186 for Meeting Needs, directly supporting projects that deliver meaningful assistance where it is needed most.
Industry Support Continues to Drive Positive Change
Speaking at the showcase, Meeting Needs Chair Lene Corgan thanked supporters for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the charity’s mission.
She praised the contributions made by industry partners and congratulated the Events R’ Talented team on receiving the David Hackett Award, recognising their outstanding efforts in supporting Meeting Needs and helping transform lives through fundraising initiatives.
Zimbabwe Digital Skills Project Among Key Beneficiary Stories
The event also showcased several projects benefiting from Meeting Needs grants, including support for the Jafuta Foundation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Funding provided through Meeting Needs will supply 30 computers for the Batoka Centre of Hope, enabling 30 young Zimbabweans to gain valuable digital skills and access modern technology. The initiative aims to improve educational opportunities and equip participants with skills that can enhance future employment prospects.
Be More Dandelion Supports Women’s Recovery Through Creative Health
Another featured beneficiary was Be More Dandelion, a charity founded by former events industry professional Fiona Bool.
Through its Dandelion Project, the organisation offers creative health programmes, movement therapy, and trauma-informed support designed to help women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves, and move forward after challenging life experiences.
The project demonstrates how relatively modest grants can create significant and lasting improvements in people’s wellbeing and personal development.
Meeting Needs Continues to Bridge the Events Industry and Community Impact
The showcase highlighted the direct relationship between industry fundraising and meaningful social change, illustrating how Meeting Needs serves as a bridge between the meetings and events sector and smaller charities that often rely on targeted financial support to deliver impactful projects.
By funding practical initiatives with measurable outcomes, the organisation continues to maximise the value of every donation and partnership.
Annual Showcase Reinforces Commitment to Social Responsibility
As one of Meeting Needs’ flagship events, the annual showcase provides an important opportunity to thank supporters while demonstrating the tangible results of their contributions.
With more than £2 million raised and hundreds of grants awarded since its creation, Meeting Needs continues to showcase the positive role the meetings and events industry can play beyond business, creating lasting social impact through collaboration, generosity, and community-focused initiatives.
