UK: The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has introduced a new AIM Small Venues quality standard, tailored for boutique hotels, private dining restaurants, inns and stately homes.
Eligible venues include those where meetings and events account for a small proportion of annual turnover (less than 10 per cent) or have less than 200 square metres of dedicated event space.
The new standard features infection control protocols, akin to what’s expected of venues achieving the mia’s AIM Secure accreditation. This standard was introduced last year as an enhanced national accreditation for venues to certify the quality of meeting and events facilities.
Speaking about the AIM Small Venues scheme, Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia, said: “We are delighted to be launching this standard to specifically support venues such as boutique hotels, inns, private dining restaurants, stately homes and golf clubs as they move towards recovery. AIM Small Venues has been specifically tailored to be inclusive and enable smaller properties the opportunity to showcase their ability to deliver a first-class events service in appropriate facilities and demonstrate their pledge to offering a healthy and hygienic environment for the safety of both staff and customers. Once a venue has achieved the industry recognised standard, they will be regarded amongst the best in the industry.”
She added: “We are delighted with the response from the properties that we have discussed this with already as they recognise that business meetings and events provide an opportunity to grow an additional revenue stream. Many organisations are now keen to reunite their workforces with face-to-face meetings, but it is imperative for organisers to be able to choose a venue that is capable of hosting their meeting professionally as well as following the correct protocols for the safety of everyone. Displaying the mia’s AIM Small Venues standard will go a long way to doing just that.”
Qualifying AIM Small Venues will be required to complete a self-assessment process which looks at the provision of facilities, legal compliance and customer service levels. Selected properties must also agree to an independent assessors visit during the accreditation year.
Further information about mia’s AIM Small Venues standard can be found here.
