On Sunday 10th October, 40 representatives from the meetings industry gathered together to embark on a 13.1 mile challenge in support of Meeting Needs. The Half Marathon was the culmination of weeks of dedication to training and fundraising.  The result will be in excess of £29,000 raised for the meetings industry charity. It also means that the charity has reached the milestone of raising over £100,000, since 2016, from the event.

The runners are all active members from the meetings industry, with agencies, venues, DMCs and other industry suppliers all represented. They trained together and supported each other—both in person and virtually—for months as they prepared to run London’s Royal Parks and most iconic sights in support of Meeting Needs.

Jason Wilcock, Chair of Meeting Needs said “ We are so proud of our incredible runners who came together to take on this challenge for Meeting Needs. This was also the largest group of runners ever to fundraise for us, with experienced and first-time runners taking part. It is a testament to their dedication that we raised more funds than ever for great causes”

The funds will go directly to good causes in the UK and overseas, supporting at least five projects, changing the lives of people who very much need our help.

Kate Conway, Executive Board Member of Meeting Needs said: “ Since Meeting Needs first fielded a team of 10 in 2016, our runners from the meetings industry have raised an incredible £100,000. It is such an amazing milestone to have reached.

A What’s App group saw our runners supporting each other throughout their training programmes, creating some gentle competition!

Organisations across the events industry were represented including: Associated Luxury Hotels International, Conference Care, Worldspan, DRPG, BCD Meeting & Events, Hotel Republic, DMC Advantage, Fresh, Bluehat Teambuilding, BVA BDRC, Mabrouka Events, , Cheerful Twentyfirst, Mayfair Townhouse, TAG Group, Rockitfish, Belmond, Clayton Hotels, SongDivision, Malmaison& Hotel du Vin, Johanna P Consultancy, Pilot Lite, IHS Markit and NTB Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions.

We are already planning for the 2022 event, so if you would like to join the fun (it is – honest!), network with industry colleagues, get fit and raise funds for a great charity, then please contact – kconway@meetingneeds.org.uk.”

It’s not too late to show your appreciation of the commitment these individuals showed by boosting the total raised even further by making a direct donation to one of our runners  at: https://virginmoneygiving.com/fund/MNRPHM