UK: The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has welcomed several new venue members, which have also achieved the mia’s AIM Secure accreditation in recognition of COVID-safe environments.
Recent venue members include:
- Mercure London Heathrow (Accor)
- Mercure Telford Centre Hotel (Accor)
- Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel (Accor)
- Mercure Cardiff North (Accor)
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Tobacco Dock
- NMC Venue
- Wallacespace Group
- The Belfry Hotel and Resort
- Social Justice and Human Rights Centre
The AIM Secure accreditation is an enhanced national standard for venues and features vital infection prevention and control protocols. It forms part of the mia’s package to support and assist the sector for reopening.
Dana Lewis, director of meetings, events and leisure at Accor Hotels, said: “Accor Hotels has been extremely impressed with the proactive approach, advice and guidance that has been given by the mia – especially during the recent COVID-19 crisis. We are actively encouraging both our managed and franchised partners to become members of the association.”
Roy Gilmore Kerr, director at Wallacespace, said: “Wallacespace is glad to become a new member of the mia, as it continues to provide an industry leading blueprint for a COVID-compliant re-opening. In addition, the mia is providing a unified voice that has access to government and can campaign for the relief that will keep our industry alive and be able to contribute fully to the economy once it has recovered.”
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia said: “We are delighted that the sector is recognising the benefits of being part of the mia and achieving our new AIM Secure standard to provide event planners confidence that they are committed to offering a safe environment for both delegates and staff. It has been a challenging time for all within the industry, and the mia is committed to continuing to provide all the necessary support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 while feeding ongoing intelligence directly into government to ensure it is aware of our plight.”
London’s Tobacco Dock is the location for IHM’s URBAN LIVING FESTIVAL 2020: stay-live-work on 25th-26th November. The event is the only leadership and investment event for urban innovators and investors in hospitality, real estate and living.
