The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has announced the appointment of Jessica Southworth, cluster sales and marketing director at Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel, as its new vice chair.
Southworth joined the MIA board in February 2024 and since played an active role drawing on more than two decades of hospitality experience including roles at Hilton Liverpool and Hotel Football, where she has progressed through a series of senior commercial roles.
She takes on the vice chair role having recently been appointed cluster sales and marketing director across Hotel Football and Manchester’s luxury Stock Exchange Hotel.
Working closely with chair Andrew Mosley, who has reappointed at the association’s AGM earlier this year, as well as MIA chief executive Shonali Devereaux, Southworth will help drive the board’s strategic priorities, champion the interests of members and strengthen the association’s representation across the business meetings and event sector.
Speaking on her appointment, Jessica 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 chairs and to work with Andrew, Shonali and the board to represent our members and help drive the MIA’s ambitions forward.”
Shonali Devereaux, chief executive of the MIA, said: “The strength of our board has always been grounded in the range of perspectives around the table, and Jess has brought exceptional value throughout her time as a board member.”
She added: “Her involvement in what has been a year of significant growth at Hotel Football, culminating in her recent appointment to, cluster sales and marketing director, has shown that she understands what is needed to build a successful organisation, so I’m delighted she is stepping up to vice chair. I look forward to working even more closely with her in her new position, alongside Andrew and the wider board in the year ahead.”
Other MIA board members include:
- Alison Hogberg, Countrywide Hotels
- Barry Cope, ACC Liverpool
- Charles Sargeant, Whittlebury Hall
- Jason Gutteridge, venuedirectory.com
- Jon Kelly, Meet & Potato
- Justine Meek, Warwick Conferences
- Manju Goel, Park Plaza Hotel Group
- Nicky Harding, Meet Devon
- Robert Kenward, Jigsaw Talent Solutions
- Samantha Van Leeuwen, PwC
- Sarah Franczak, Central Hall Venues