Kay England, chief executive of Imago Venues and director of campus services at Loughborough University, has been elected as chair of the Meetings Industry Association’s (mia) council.

The mia is one of the fastest growing associations in the conference, meetings and events sector and was founded by a proactive group of hotel and conference centre operators and booking agents to lead the conference, meetings and events industry. With 700 accredited members, it provides accreditation, industry awards, research and a voice to government.

In her new role Kay will lead the mia’s council as it determines the association’s agenda and activity.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia said:

We are delighted to welcome Kay as chair of the mia. During 2018, and indeed into 2019, we will be focussed on three core areas of activity to support members, these are operational excellence, innovation and business performance; Kay’s input and strategic advice across this activity will be invaluable.

Commenting on her appointment Kay said: “I am looking forward to the challenge my time as chair will bring. It is an opportunity to work with industry colleagues and experts at the cutting-edge of what we offer as a venue. Imago Venues is going from strength-to-strength, I firmly believe that this appointment to such a high-profile association is great for the credibility of the Imago Venues’ brand, Loughborough University and the town as a whole.”