Diversity Alliance founder Gabby Austen-Browne wins inaugural Editor’s Choice trophy at this year’s M&IT Awards, which united 750 event professionals on Friday
It was a glittering night at The M&IT Awards 2025 on Friday, with 750 event professionals in attendance at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London to celebrate the great and good of the industry.
Gabby Austen-Browne wins first M&IT Editor’s Choice award
The inaugural M&IT Editor’s Choice award saw Diversity Alliance founder Gabby Austen-Browne honoured for her work to transform the events industry into one that’s more diverse, inclusive and accessible. Presenting the award, M&IT editor Paul Harvey said: “Her work changes lives. Her voice matters. And her legacy – of courage, of resilience and of refusing to accept the status quo – is already being felt by a generation of future event professionals.”
After winning, Austen-Browne said: “It’s an absolute delight to win the Editor’s Choice Award, it’s a big shock, but it’s such an amazing feeling to feel like I’m being recognised for my work and it’s really an honour to be recognised by my peers as well.”
This year’s Personality – Chris Parnham
Chris Parnham, CSO of veSpace International, took home the coveted Personality of the Year award earning a standing ovation. (veSpace also scooped gold in the Best Intermediary Agency Large (40+ employees) category). Presenting the award, ICCA president and Excel London executive director James Rees praised Parnham as a “true driving force” in the meetings and events industry for more than 30 years, who has transformed businesses, inspired teams and shown resilience in the face of enormous challenges.
Rees said: “He stepped up when the industry needed him most, taking on the role of chair at Meeting Needs after the tragic loss of Chris Peacock. Under his leadership, the charity was restructured, strengthened and repositioned as a foundation, securing its mission and future growth.He is admired not just for what he has achieved, but for how he has done it – with authenticity, generosity and a genuine commitment to the people around him. A mentor, a thought leader and a unifying force, he exemplifies the very qualities this award is designed to celebrate.”
After winner, Parnham said: “Wow. Okay, I’m still a bit stunned after that, but it was really nice to hear all those wonderful things about my very long career. I basically take other people’s glory, which I’ve done for the last 25 years, whether it’s the people I work with or the wonderful people at Meeting Needs, hopefully I’ve done good things by them and hopefully inspired some people along the way to also do good things. Look out for your friends and colleagues. Karma comes around. So, be good, be nice.”
The ‘Oscars of the industry’
The ‘Oscars of the industry’ – whose headline sponsor is IHG Hotels & Resorts – kicked off with a rip-roaring set from the Greatest Show following by M&IT editor Paul Harvey, headline sponsor IHG Hotels & Resorts and Meeting Needs current chair Lene Corgan addressing assembled guests.
The first award of the night saw the Victory Service Club’s Daisy Basilio take home the Chris Peacock Rising Star of The Year Award, named in honour of Conference Care founder Chris Peacock, who died from bowel cancer in 2023. Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island retained its gold award for Best UK Conference Centre for the second year running, while other victors included a 19th consecutive Best UK Convention Bureau win for Glasgow Convention Bureau, and further wins for KDM Events, Vista Events DMC Greece and Quadrant Events. Celtic Manor Resort was named Best UK Hotel.
“The M&IT Awards are such a highlight in the meetings and events calendar because the winners don’t just showcase the very best of our industry – they’re chosen by the industry itself,” said Harvey, editor of M&IT.
“Huge congratulations to all of Friday night’s winners – every award was richly deserved. And to our fantastic finalists and anyone who left feeling a touch of award envy, remember there’s always next year, and you’ve got to be in it to win it. Entries for 2026 are expected to open in the New Year, so keep an eye on the M&IT newsletter for the announcement.”
During the ceremony, Events R Talented winner Holly Ritchie had the crowd in the palm of her hands with a stunning rendition of You Got the Love. And eventprofs danced the night away into the early hours, enjoyed networking and catching up with colleagues and peers.
Organised by Northstar Travel Group, the glittering and glamorous M&IT Awards are in their 38th year. Taking place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, this year’s event was a who’s who of the UK events industry bringing together 750 industry professionals to recognise the phenomenal people, businesses, creativity and resilience that drives the industry forward year after year.