Published by Neil ThompsonThe Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has agreed a partnership with train operator Avanti West Coast to highlight the importance of sustainable and efficient business travel to its members.
The partnership, which commenced this month (October), will provide MIA members with regular updates and travel trips as Avanti invests in a dedicated MICE Business development role to create a streamlined booking solution for delegates when travelling to meetings and events.
As part of the agreement, Avanti West Coast, which operates train services connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, will be presenting their offer at the miaSummit exhibition taking place in Liverpool on 7 November.
The transport company will also sponsor one of the MIA’s popular miaConnect agent events while information on Avanti West Coast’s dedicated business services will be available to members via its website and newsletters.
“Avanti West Coast services connect key cities in England and Scotland and, with this development, will be able to offer support to many of our member venues who welcome millions of delegates through their doors each year, it is a logical step to partner with a provider of sustainable travel so our members can add viable business travel solutions to their offering.”
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive, MIA
Anna Doran, sales and distribution director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Meetings Industry Association. Rail travel is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, and through this partnership, we aim to make it easier for professionals in the meetings and events industry to reduce their carbon footprint.
“To further support this initiative, Avanti’s business development manager, Sophie Morton, will provide a dedicated focus on the MICE market and support event bookers with bespoke rail packages. Together, we can transform how business travel is approached, offering greener alternatives without compromising convenience or comfort.”
