Glitz, glamour and glory: industry unites for M&IT Awards 2025

It was a glittering night at The M&IT Awards 2025, with more than 700 event professionals in attendance at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London to celebrate the great and good of the industry.

Chris Parnham took home the coveted Personality of the Year award, while other awards saw Celtic Manor Resort named Best UK Hotel, and wild celebrations as veSpace International scooped gold in the Best Intermediary Agency Large (40+ employees) category. 

The inaugural M&IT Editor’s Award saw Diversity Alliance founder Gabby Austen-Browne honoured for her work to transform the events industry into one that’s more diverse, more inclusive, and more accessible.

The 'Oscars of the industry' kicked off with a rip-roaring set from the Greatest Show, before M&IT editor Paul Harvey welcomed eventprofs to the awards and headline sponsor IHG Hotels & Resorts addressed the audience. Meeting Needs chair Lene Corgan then took to the stage to introduce Letty McMaster of Street Children Iringa to highlight the charity's work.

Host Vernon Kay proved hugely popular, with his humour and presenting chops a big hit with the audience. 

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, with judges praising her passion, dedication and professionalism. 

Leonardo Hotel & Conference Venue Hinckley Island retained its gold awards 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.

During the ceremony, Events R Talented winner Holly Ritchie had the crowd up and singing along with her stunning rendition of I’m Every Woman.

Presenting Gabby Austen-Browne with the penultimate award of the night, the inaugural M&IT Editor’s 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.” 

The final award of the night saw Chris Parnham named the Personality of the Year, earning a standing ovation. 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.

The night saw industry charity foundation Meeting Needs raise money with a table raffle and auction, before eventprofs danced the night away into the early hours and 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 more than 700 industry professionals to recognise the phenomenal people, businesses, creativity and resilience that drives the industry forward year after year.

“This year’s M&IT Awards were absolutely fantastic, there was such a great feeling in the room and it was so wonderful to see what it meant to all the winners. The 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 Paul 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.”