Countdown to the M&IT Awards 2025: One month to go

The 2025 M&IT Awards are just one month away, taking place Friday 19 September at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. And what can I tell you about this year's event?

Well, it’s going to be absolutely fantastic. It’s the Oscars of our industry after all: everyone's favourite event of the year, the social event of the year, the networking event of the year, the glitziest, most glamorous event of the year. With incredible, red carpet-worthy outfits and THE Vernon Kay from the telly as our host. 

There will be more than 700 of the event industry’s finest in the room – nearly 100 of whom will be anxiously, patiently waiting to see if they’ve won one of our 18 awards, including a brand new award this year chosen by yours truly – the M&IT Editor’s Choice award.

One of last year’s winners – Daniel Mitchell from Inntel – said this: “Before joining this industry, I hadn’t experienced anything quite like the M&IT Awards. They’re more than just a celebration – they’re a chance for people facing similar challenges to come together, share successes and lift each other up.

“Every industry is competitive – but I’ve been genuinely surprised by how welcoming this one is. The ‘leave your competition at the door’ mindset is real. It’s a space where people champion one another, and that’s inspiring to be part of.

“For Inntel, winning M&IT awards has had a real impact. We’ve had clients comment on how our wins helped reinforce their decision to partner with us. It shows we’re not just saying we’re good – others are recognising it too.

“And of course, there’s something pretty special about the night itself. It’s a rare moment to swap the office for a dinner jacket, spend time with colleagues and connect with industry professionals in person. We’re proud of our culture – but evenings like these give it a whole new sparkle.”

There are a handful of tickets still available, which can be purchased online from www.MITawards.co.uk. And, here are some more thoughts from last year’s winners why the M&IT Awards is such a special event in our industry calendar.

Danielle Bounds, ICC Wales: “The lovely thing about the awards is that it's all your favourite people all in one room together. So, it is a bit like a wedding. Everyone that you kind of love and care for throughout the industry and that you've, you know, really built such strong relationships with, is there.”

Karen Johnson, Alton Towers: “Representing Alton Towers Resort at the M&IT Awards is always a real privilege. It’s one of the few times in the year when the entire industry comes together to celebrate the people, venues and partnerships that make the events world so special.  Personally, it’s a brilliant opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections. There’s a genuine sense of community in the room and it’s inspiring to be surrounded by so much passion and creativity. From a business perspective, it’s invaluable. It allows us to strengthen relationships, explore new opportunities and showcase what Alton Towers Resort can offer as a unique and versatile event venue.”

Brad Davies, KDM: "We attend the awards because it is a once-a-year opportunity to be in the same room as, and catch up with, all our industry colleagues and peers. We have won the Gold Award for Best Event Provider six times in a row, so we greatly enjoy the recognition that comes from this!”

Vicky Gardner, director, ZiaBia: “We love the M&IT Awards and have been going for many years now – it's always such a good fun night seeing old and new faces. Great networking in a social way with our industry friends! For us we enter the awards for our team and if we are a finalist this is great recognition for them and a chance to celebrate with the winners.”

Tia Goadby, director of sales, Hinckley Island: “It is a great night, highlight of our, of our year, and will be for years to come...”

Eleni Kyprianou, Principal. Global Events: “The M&IT Awards was an unforgettable evening! It was amazing to be in a room full of industry friends, reconnecting and celebrating everyone’s achievements.”

Graeme Saunders, Sandals: “We attend the M&IT Awards as it's one of the go-to events each year and a great opportunity to meet new contacts but also catch up with industry friends/colleagues in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.”

Kai Schulman, hotelrepublic: “We love the M&IT Awards, and we've been loads of times. Last year, we had a table for hotelrepublic with 10 of our hotels, which was great. We were all together and we had a great night.”

Andrew Deakin, Conference Care: “It's a great night, and we want to be there, and we desperately, desperately want to win. I think the best part of the night for me is the networking; it's just immense.”

Rebecca Petit Jean, Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority: “I think my favorite part is the networking that we do during the night. It's so rewarding.”

Gary Strain, client success manager, Lightbulb Teams: “Winning M&IT’s Best Positive Impact / Event Legacy Award 2024 was a proud achievement for our team and a testament to what we can accomplish with our clients. Celebrating the experience alongside like-minded industry professionals made the moment even more meaningful. We had a great night!”