Meetings Industry Association Announces New Vice Chair
The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has appointed Jessica Southworth as its new Vice Chair. The appointment marks another important step in strengthening the association’s leadership as it continues to support the UK’s business meetings, conferences, and events sector.
Jessica will work alongside Andrew Mosley, who was reappointed as chair during the association’s Annual General Meeting earlier this year, and **Shonali Devereaux> to help shape the MIA’s future strategy and represent its growing membership.
Jessica Southworth Brings More Than 20 Years of Hospitality Experience
Jessica Southworth joined the MIA Board in February 2024 and has since made significant contributions to the association through her extensive experience in hospitality and commercial leadership.
With more than two decades in the industry, she has held senior positions at Hilton Liverpool and Hotel Football, where she progressed through a range of commercial leadership roles. More recently, she was appointed Cluster Sales and Marketing Director for both Hotel Football and Manchester’s luxury Stock Exchange Hotel, reflecting her continued professional growth within the hospitality sector.
Focus on Strategic Growth and Member Representation
In her new role as Vice Chair, Jessica Southworth will work closely with the MIA leadership team to support the association’s strategic priorities. Her responsibilities will include strengthening member engagement, promoting collaboration across the meetings and events industry, and ensuring the association continues to represent the interests of businesses operating throughout the sector.
The appointment comes at a time when the business events industry continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth.
Jessica Southworth Shares Her Vision
Commenting on her appointment, Jessica Southworth said that her career in hospitality has given her firsthand insight into the positive impact the industry has on businesses, people, and destinations.
She expressed her passion for creating opportunities, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the continued development of the meetings and events sector. Southworth added that she is looking forward to working alongside Andrew Mosley, Shonali Devereaux, and the MIA Board to represent members while helping deliver the association’s long-term ambitions.
MIA Chief Executive Welcomes the Appointment
Shonali Devereaux, Chief Executive of the Meetings Industry Association, welcomed Jessica’s appointment, highlighting the valuable contribution she has already made as a board member.
She noted that the diversity of experience within the MIA Board remains one of the association’s greatest strengths and praised Jessica’s leadership during a period of significant growth at Hotel Football. Devereaux said Jessica’s recent promotion to Cluster Sales and Marketing Director demonstrates her ability to build successful organizations, making her well-positioned to take on the Vice Chair role.
She also expressed her enthusiasm about working more closely with Jessica, Chair Andrew Mosley, and the wider board to support the association’s objectives over the coming year.
Experienced Industry Leaders Continue to Guide the MIA
The Meetings Industry Association Board includes a diverse group of professionals representing hotels, venues, conference centers, destination organizations, and event service providers across the UK. This broad representation enables the association to address the evolving needs of the business meetings and events industry while supporting innovation, professional development, and best practices.
MIA Strengthens Leadership for the Future
The appointment of Jessica Southworth as Vice Chair reflects the Meetings Industry Association’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, collaboration, and industry development. With extensive hospitality experience and a proven commercial background, Southworth is expected to play an important role in advancing the association’s strategic goals while supporting members across the UK’s thriving meetings and events sector.
