Leading International industry associations, the International Special Events Society (ISES) and Meeting Professional International (MPI) conducted their first Executive Committee meeting this month. It was agreed that ISES Past President Zanine Adams and MPI Past President Anthony Hyde, will co-chair the committee, made up of the Presidential teams of both associations.

The Executive committee was created to explore membership benefits across both associations and to acknowledge the industry’s frustration with an already oversubscribed trade association presence. The following actions were agreed at the meeting:
- Both associations will jointly promote activities to each other’s membership base
- In the future both memberships will benefit from preferential rates to encourage cross event attendance
- Future event planning will be co-ordinated to avoid date conflicts as well as ensuring complementary and diverse education, led by each association’s niche; ISES representing the creative events industry and MPI representing meeting professionalism and educational forums
- ISES and MPI would once again actively participate together in the industry Christmas event ‘Mistletoe’, encouraging wider industry associations to participate.

Speaking of the initiative Richard Foulkes, ISES President commented, “There are already a number of trade associations that support the meetings and events industry which is not only confusing but can also be expensive for potential members. This joint initiative will bring together two International, established and specific trade associations that can learn from each other; demonstrate economies of scale and importantly work harder for their membership”.

Fiona Pelham, current MPI President adds “We have acknowledged an opportunity to demonstrate a higher value membership by exploring a collaborative working relationship with ISES. We are two very complementary UK associations, both with international networks that respect each other’s niche. Together we can share best practice and provide richer education and opportunities to connect”.