Hotel brands Hilton, Sandals, Leonardo Hotels and Alton Towers Resort were among the winners at the prestigious M&IT Awards in London on Friday. Dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the events industry, the M&IT Awards were launched in 1987 and honour the remarkable accomplishments of industry leaders and innovators.
Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island clinched two trophies – for Best UK Hotel and Best UK Conference Centre – both first-time M&IT Awards wins for the venue. Hilton was named Best Hotel Brand, Sandals Royal Bahamian Best Overseas Hotel and Alton Towers Resort Best UK Unusual Venue.
20 awards were presented on the night including an 18th consecutive Best UK Convention Bureau win for Glasgow Convention Bureau.
Organised by M&IT part of Northstar Travel Group, the glittering and glamorous M&IT Awards are in their 37th year. Taking place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London for the first time, this year’s event was a who’s who of the UK events industry bringing together 900 industry professionals to recognise the phenomenal people, businesses, creativity and resilience that drives the industry forward year after year.
“The M&IT Awards hold a special place in the meetings and events calendar because its winners represent the best of our industry and – equally importantly – are chosen by the industry,”
said Paul Harvey, editor, M&IT.
“A huge and heartfelt congratulations to everyone who won on Friday night. To our many deserving finalists who were pipped at the post this time and those who were in the room feeling award-envy, we say, there’s always next year and you’ve got to be in it to win it. Entries for 2025 are expected to open over Christmas / New Year so keep an eye out for the announcement in the M&IT newsletter – you can subscribe for free at https://mitmagazine.co.uk/ to stay connected, curious and current.”
The winners list in full:
The Chris Peacock Rising Star of the Year presented by Conference Care
Eleni Kyprianou, Principal. Global Events
Best UK Representation Company sponsored by Sonder Hotels
Best Destination Management Company sponsored by Virgin Voyages
Best Overseas Convention Bureau sponsored by The Meetings Show
Visit Monaco Convention Bureau
Best UK Convention Bureau
Best Event Provider sponsored by Jockey Club Venues
Best Intermediary Agency Small (up to 20 employees) sponsored by Atlantis Dubai
Best Intermediary Agency Mid-size (21-40 employees) sponsored by Barbican
Best Intermediary Agency Large (40+ employees) sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts
Best Positive Impact/Event Legacy Award sponsored by MMGY Hills Balfour
Lightbulb Teams – Immersive CSR Team Building Experiences
Best Sustainable Initiative sponsored by The Sustainable Events Course
Best Diversity and Inclusion Award sponsored by Destination Vancouver
Best Technology Provider sponsored by Wonderful Copenhagen
Best Overseas Conference Centre sponsored by Association Meetings International
PortAventura Convention Centre
Best Overseas Hotel sponsored by Pearl Representation
Best Hotel Brand sponsored by The Meetings Show Asia Pacific
Best UK Unusual Venue sponsored by Soaring Worldwide
Best UK Conference Centre sponsored by The Delegate Wranglers
Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island
Best UK Hotel sponsored by M&IT Magazine
Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island
Personality of the Year sponsored by ExCeL London
Danielle Bounds, Sales Director, ICC Wales