Event report - 2012: A year of growth in the meetings industry?

Over 50 meeting professionals from a variety of backgrounds participated in MPI UK & Ireland’s economy focussed educational event. Keynote speaker Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at Markit Group, started his address by comparing actual economic figures of the previous 5 years, compared to the announced figures. Chris also shared his economic predictions for the year ahead with cautious optimism for the UK, steady growth for the US and a more negative outlook for the Eurozone.

The keynote address was followed by a panel debate chaired by Vikki Carley, Deputy Editor of Conference News, where six meetings industry experts exchanged their views on the year ahead. Special thanks go to our panellists (Nicola Handley - Barclays Bank, Selina Grocott - CWT Meetings & Events, Esther Crowne - IHG, Steven Small - Marketing Manchester, Simon Mills - Twickenham Experience and Izania Downie -  Active Network Events) for sharing their time and knowledge with MPI UK & Ireland Chapter.

MPI UK & Ireland Chapter President Samme Allen (Barbican Centre) would like to extend, “a big thank you to all the team at MPI and our sponsors who made last night's event happen. With the numbers of delegates and initial feedback, it is clear that MPI UK & Ireland's vision to make its members a success by providing high quality and relevant content and networking opportunities is working. By working with our venue partners to create an interesting event for both planners and suppliers and investing in our programme, the results speak for themselves.”

MPI UK & Ireland VP Knowledge June Clark (Reed Exhibitions) added, "what a great start to the 2012 MPI UK and Ireland's "knowledge team" programme. Particular thanks go to Liz Rice (MetroBroadcast) and Jane Baker (CWT Meetings and Events) for their work in securing a great keynote speaker, Chris Williamson (Markit) and an expert industry panel."

The London Stock Exchange was an extremely appropriate venue and the participants enjoyed their time in the very rooms where numerous television broadcasts have been filmed and key monetary announcements have been made. The London Stock Exchange provided excellent hospitality that will surely not be forgotten. The photos below will give you a glimpse of this wonderful event.