Head of Business Events at Meet Bristol & Bath achieves coveted industry award

The Meetings Industry Association recently revealed the winners of its 2023 miaList, which recognises “inspiring individuals and teams who continually go the extra mile” and play a pivotal role in making their organisations successful. 

Helen Applin, Head of Business Events at Visit West/Meet Bristol & Bath, was a recipient of an miaList Individual Award which recognises outstanding individuals in the UK meetings and events industry who have made significant contributions to their organisations and the industry as a whole.

Image: Meetings Industry Association 

Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive of the MIA, said: “Securing a place on the miaList is no mean feat, particularly this year, so we’d like to congratulate all of those that have made this year’s roll of honour and those who made our competitive shortlist. We were blown away with the number of entries to this year’s miaList, and to celebrate so many talented individuals and teams with our biggest event yet was incredibly gratifying.”

Meet Bristol & Bath have had an outstanding year, as during 2023 they have also been shortlisted within the Business Services category at the Bristol Life Awards, and Best UK Convention Bureau at the M&IT Awards. 

Kathryn Davis, Managing Director of Visit West said: “We are thrilled that Helen has been recognised by the Meetings Industry Association.  Not only is she extremely knowledgeable and professional, with over 20 years of industry experience, but she has been developing new initiatives, and creating new partnerships, bringing together inward investment, academia and the local visitor economy to drive more business events to the region, boosting the local economy.  The services offered through Meet Bristol and Bath are recognised by event organisers locally, nationally and increasingly globally, and Helen has been instrumental in post-covid recovery for this sector, one of the last to return post-Covid.”

“I am especially pleased as Helen was the first intern to work with me more than 21 years ago, back when the company was the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau.  We all knew that she would develop a great career in the industry and delighted that this experience is now benefitting businesses across the west of England.”