The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Charlotte Podlewska, a highly experienced sales and business development professional, to support the association’s strategic growth initiatives.
Charlotte brings over 15 years of experience across the meetings, events, hospitality and visitor economy sectors, with a career spanning both public and private sector roles. Her deep understanding of how destinations, venues and industry bodies can collaborate to drive growth, raise standards and strengthen commercial outcomes will support the outcomes outlined at the recent MIA conference.
Formerly Business Development Manager at Grace & Tailor and previously within Leeds City Council’s Visitor Economy Team, Charlotte led national and international tourism sales activity, secured major events and conferences and worked closely with the MIA to champion advocacy, quality and sector leadership. Alongside this, she has advised organisations on strategic sales and marketing as a Managing Partner of Soror Pro Consulting. Her wider experience also includes senior sales roles within global and independent hotels and venues, bringing a relationship-led and commercially focused approach to her role with the MIA.
Charlotte will be attending International Confex on 25-26 February and looks forward to meeting members and industry colleagues at the MIA Pavilion where the MIA team will be welcoming visitors throughout the event.
On her new appointment, Charlotte Podlewska said: “Having collaborated with the MIA for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of its work in empowering venues, suppliers, agents and destinations to thrive. Supporting organisations in this way has never been more important, and I look forward to working with members, partners and industry colleagues to help shape a resilient and thriving future for UK business meetings and events.”
MIA chief executive, Shonali Devereaux, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Charlotte to the MIA team. She brings a wealth of commercial experience across the full breadth of our membership, alongside a deep understanding of our industry. I am particularly excited by the creativity and innovation she brings to the role. Combined with her passion for the sector, this will be invaluable in strengthening meaningful, two-way relationships with our members and commercial partners, and in ensuring we deliver genuine value for both them and the wider industry.”
