The miaList, which has been recognising inspiring individuals and teams since 2011, was open across a record 15 categories – the most in its history – in recognition of the breadth of excellence across the thriving business meeting and events sector.
The 2025 miaList individual finalists for the 10 available positions are: Amy Manton, The Delegate Wranglers, Chelsea Rolfe, University of Leeds Conferences and Events, Christine Ferris, Legacy Hotels & Resorts, Claudia Platt, Radisson Hotel Group, Christopher Jones, CCT Venues, Deborah Collins, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Emma Johnston, The Venues Collection, Gail Tomlinson-Short, Warwick Conferences, Haley Woodman, Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Kate Mullen, Whittlebury Park, Lisa Morris, The Venues Collection, Mark Field, Victory Services Club, Nykeith Lee, National Museums Liverpool, Ros Wilson, Edgbaston Stadium, Sammy Connell, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, Sarah Simpson, The Milner York, Sasha Dearden, BMA House, Sigita Pjampite, Switch Hospitality Management, Tia Goadby, Leonardo Hotels and Tayyba Adeel, Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5.
Shonali Devereaux, chief executive of the MIA, said: “This year’s entries for the miaList have set an outstanding benchmark, not only in quality but in the breadth of the entries, showcasing the strength, talent and exceptional work taking place across our sector.”
Outstanding professionals, students and apprentices who have been in the industry for less than a year will also be recognised under the Rising Star category, where Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented to celebrate exceptional emerging talent. The 2025 finalists include:
- Angie Cannavan, Inntel
- Evie Measom, Eventurous
- Fleur James, Lime Venue Portfolio
- Gabby Beetham, University of Leeds
- Katie Gallagher, Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle
- Kathryn Harrington, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
- Lela Halil, The PS Events Group
- Michaela Best, Melia Hotels International
- Sasha Wright, Draycote Hotel and Whitefields Golf Club
- Scarlet Barker-Niland, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Awards will also be awarded in categories such as Events & Operations Team of the Year, Sales & Marketing Team of the Year, Destination Team of the Year, Venue of the Year (Over 300 Delegates), Venue of the Year (Under 300 Delegates), Agency of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Event of the Year, Initiative of the Year, ESG and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
New categories were also added for 2025. In the category Innovative Chef of the Year, the nominees are:
- Dean Cole, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- Matthew Martins, Holiday Inn East Kilbride Kew Green Hotels
- Robert Pearce, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
In the category Executive Leader of the Year, these are the finalists:
- Andy Barnsdale, The Milner York
- Billy Harris, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
- Jane Pinder, The University of Manchester
- Luke Balcombe, Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle
- Margaret Reeves, RefTech
- Paul Casement, Brighter
- Tori Ackling, Legacy Hotels
The awards will be presented after the trade association’s much anticipated MIA Conference at The Belfry Hotel & Resort on Thursday 6 November.
