The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has appointed Jessica Southworth, cluster sales and marketing director at Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel, as its new vice chair.
Southworth, who joined the MIA board in February 2024, brings more than two decades of hospitality and commercial experience to the position and will help shape the association’s strategic priorities and representation of the UK’s business meetings and events sector.
She will work alongside MIA chair Andrew Mosley, who was reappointed at the association’s AGM earlier this year, and chief executive Shonali Devereaux.
Southworth’s career has included roles at Hilton Liverpool and Hotel Football, where she has progressed through several senior commercial positions. She was recently appointed cluster sales and marketing director across Manchester’s Hotel Football and luxury Stock Exchange Hotel.
In her new MIA role, Southworth will help champion members’ interests, encourage greater collaboration across the industry and support the association as it works to strengthen its voice within the wider business events landscape.
Speaking about her appointment, Southworth said: “Having spent my career in hospitality, I’ve seen first-hand the impact this industry has on people, businesses and destinations.
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others, encouraging collaboration and ensuring our sector continues to evolve. I’m excited to take on the role of vice chair and to work with Andrew, Shonali and the board to represent our members and help drive the MIA’s ambitions forward.”
Devereaux said Southworth had brought “exceptional value” to the organisation since joining its board, pointing to her commercial experience and recent career progression as strengths she will bring to the vice chair position.
“The strength of our board has always been grounded in the range of perspectives around the table,” she added. “I look forward to working even more closely with her in her new position, alongside Andrew and the wider board in the year ahead.”
The appointment comes as the MIA continues to represent organisations and professionals operating throughout the meetings and events sector.
Its wider board includes representatives from venues, hotels, event agencies and industry suppliers, including ACC Liverpool, Warwick Conferences, Park Plaza Hotel Group, Central Hall Venues, Meet & Potato and Jigsaw Talent Solutions.
