Published by Neil ThompsonJane Longhurst, former chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia), has been recommended for an OBE for her services to the business events sector in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List.
Before her retirement last November, Jane was the driving force behind the business meetings and events industry’s fastest growing trade association.
During her successful 18-year tenure she remained committed to championing, collaborating with and uniting the many different parts of the sector while also advocating best practice to raise industry standards launching the AIM accreditation scheme and celebrating talent with initiatives such as the prestigious miaList.
The honour particularly recognises her pivotal role during the pandemic. COVID-19 saw her working tirelessly around the clock leading a simultaneous government, media and member relations strategy, where she provided insight, clarity and guidance alongside a comprehensive suite of business support tools that were signposted by government.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been recommended for an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and that the work being conducted by the business meetings and events sector has been recognised in what was an extremely dark time for our industry,” said Jane.
She added: “There were so many incredible people working tirelessly throughout the pandemic pulling out every stop in support of the industry, so to have been singled out with an honour is extremely humbling. This recognition alongside the unanimous supportive feedback from members and high retention rates during my time at the mia would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the wider mia team.”
Steve Jones, chair of the mia, said: “We’re delighted that Jane’s name appears on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List – particularly in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year. After Jane’s many years of commitment and dedication to both the mia and the wider business meetings and events sector, being awarded an OBE is certainly a fitting tribute. We’d like to extend our congratulations to Jane.”
