Nominations Officially Open for the 2026 miaList
The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has officially launched nominations for the 2026 miaList, inviting professionals, teams, venues, and organisations from across the UK business meetings and events sector to showcase their achievements. Featuring 14 prestigious award categories, the miaList continues its tradition of recognizing innovation, leadership, and excellence within one of the country’s most dynamic industries.
As one of the most anticipated events in the annual meetings and events calendar, the miaList celebrates the individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the sector through creativity, professionalism, and outstanding performance.
A Prestigious Platform for Industry Recognition
Over the years, the miaList has established itself as a respected platform for highlighting the remarkable achievements of businesses and professionals working across the meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and events landscape. The awards recognize excellence in event management, venue operations, sustainability initiatives, sales and marketing, and leadership while encouraging innovation throughout the industry.
The 2026 awards ceremony will take place on 4 November 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, where industry leaders, partners, and professionals will gather to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and honour the year’s top performers.
Inspirational Leadership Award Pays Tribute to Gail Tomlinson-Short
One of the major highlights of this year’s awards is the introduction of the Inspirational Leadership Award, replacing the former Executive Leader Award. The updated title reflects the broad and evolving nature of leadership across the meetings and events industry.
For 2026, the award will be presented in memory of the late Gail Tomlinson-Short, a highly respected event professional and long-standing MIA member who was widely admired for her professionalism, commitment, and dedication to the sector.
The award aims to recognize individuals who inspire others through exceptional leadership, integrity, innovation, and long-term contributions to the meetings and events community.
Complete List of 2026 miaList Award Categories
The 2026 miaList includes a wide range of categories designed to recognize excellence across different areas of the industry:
- Event of the Year (Under 300 Delegates)
- Event of the Year (Over 300 Delegates)
- Venue of the Year (Under 300 Delegates)
- Venue of the Year (Over 300 Delegates)
- ESG Initiative
- Inclusive Events Initiative
- Destination Initiative
- Supplier of the Year
- Events & Operations Team of the Year
- Sales & Marketing Team of the Year
- Agency of the Year
- Rising Star Award
- Inspirational Leader of the Year
- miaList Individuals (Members Only)
These categories acknowledge both organisational achievements and individual excellence, reflecting the diversity and innovation that define the UK’s meetings and events industry.
Open to Professionals Across the UK Meetings Sector
The MIA has confirmed that nominations are welcome from anyone working within the UK’s business meetings and events industry. However, the miaList Individual categories remain exclusive to MIA members.
Every nomination will be carefully reviewed by an experienced panel of independent judges representing different areas of the meetings and events profession. The judging process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and recognition of genuine excellence across the sector.
MIA CEO Highlights the Importance of the Awards
Speaking about the opening of nominations, MIA Chief Executive Shonali Devereaux emphasized the significance of the miaList in recognizing the people and organisations that continue to drive the industry forward.
According to Devereaux, the miaList remains one of the association’s most valued annual initiatives, offering an opportunity to celebrate exceptional achievements and acknowledge those making a meaningful impact throughout the sector. She also highlighted that receiving a nomination is an important accomplishment in itself and praised the consistently high quality and inspiring nature of submissions received each year.
Her comments reflect the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting excellence, innovation, and professional development within the UK meetings and events industry.
Key Dates for the 2026 miaList Awards
Professionals and organisations wishing to participate should note the important deadlines for this year’s awards process.
Nominations will officially close at 5:00 PM on 17 July 2026, after which the judging panel will begin reviewing submissions. The official shortlist of finalists will be announced on 12 August 2026, with winners being revealed during the awards ceremony on 4 November 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre.
The event is expected to attract leading industry professionals and provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations that continue to raise standards across the UK meetings and events sector.
Strengthening Innovation and Excellence Across the Industry
The 2026 miaList represents more than just an awards programme—it serves as a platform for recognising innovation, collaboration, leadership, and best practices across the UK’s business meetings and events industry. By celebrating outstanding contributions from professionals, venues, agencies, suppliers, and teams, the initiative continues to inspire higher standards and encourage future growth throughout the sector.
As nominations officially open, the MIA once again invites the industry to acknowledge the people and organisations making a lasting difference and shaping the future of business events in the UK.
