Institute strengthens meetings presence
The Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) has today (September 29) announced a strategic alliance with meetings trade association Eventia.
ITM's chairman Caroline Strachan said the relationship would strengthen the Institute's consolidated approach to both travel and meetings management.
"We see this as a positive step forwards for the industry and believe it will bring great benefit to each organisations membership moving forward," Ms Strachan said.
"Eventia has developed as a strong association in the meetings and events sector and we see the two organisations fit together very well."
Izania Downie, Eventia's ceo, said the relationship with ITM dated back almost three years to an early joint project.
Since then the two industry bodies have worked on corporate social responsibility initiatives, Ms Downie said.
Ms Downie added that there were "great synergies" between Eventia and ITM making the alliance "a natural step".
David Taylor from meetings and events company Grass Roots will represent Eventia on the ITM Meetings and Events working party to be chaired by Fay Sharp of Zibrant.
Ms Downie said Mr Taylor would work to develop tools and standards for ITM as well as ensuring Eventia's members are properly represented.
ITM said the tie-up was just one of a number of a "series of planned activity in the coming years."
Eventia said its members had voted in favour of the alliance at its summer EGM.
www.itm.org.uk www.eventia.org.uk