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The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) reported positive year-end financial and membership growth figures for its 2010/11 financial year. The figures were released in preparation for the association’s AGM, which takes place on 19th March at BMA House in London and will be followed by the much anticipated mia-List Celebratory Lunch.
Operating Profit and Income Growth
In a time of continued economic difficulty, the mia’s income broke the trend and grew by £11,841 in 2010/11. The association also reported a growth in operating profit of 14.1 per cent.
Substantial Membership Increase
Alan Robinson, honorary treasurer, comments, “There has been excellent growth in AIM accreditation income this year, indicating the scheme is rapidly becoming established as the industry standard. This is further reflected in our year-end membership numbers which stood at 481 fully accredited venues, suppliers and destinations, up an impressive 23.7 per cent from 389 fully accredited members in 2010. The substantial increase in mia membership reflects the work the association has done to evolve into a modern and forward thinking organisation. Additionally, as membership income works on an accruals basis, the increase in income from new members places the association in an advantageous position as we move into what is going to be a difficult trading year for everyone.”
Jane Longhurst, chief executive comments, “In line with our strategy we have concentrated our efforts heavily on extending the reach of AIM,” she says, “A new AIM ezine ‘Meeting Makers’ was launched targeting buyers, our exhibition focus was refined enabling us to exhibit with our members as an AIM Accredited Village at Office*2011 and our buyer focused website aimaccredited.co.uk was given a major make-over.”
Discussing the future strategy for AIM, she continues, “Moving forward through our 2011/2012 year our strategy for AIM remains consistent and with the right staff in post we are confident of achieving our predominant objective of raising awareness of the standard for the benefit of the whole industry.”
The year-end report outlines a number of new member focused initiatives which will be launched by the mia during the next 6 months, including a monthly schedule for the already popular General Managers Business Lunches, and a new hard copy mia magazine, which will inform and entertain.
Continued Investment in Services
Commenting on the mia’s strategy for 2012 and beyond, Longhurst said, “It will come as no surprise that we are incredibly encouraged by these positive figures especially during such difficult trading conditions. There is no room for jubilation however, trading conditions remain challenging for our members and will do for some years to come, by continuing our programme of investment in services and new initiatives relevant to our members’ needs, the mia will seek to ease the burden on them and help them achieve a sustainable level of business.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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