Three fresh faces have been added to the board of trustees of event industry charity foundation Meeting Needs to replace four board members who have stepped down after serving Meeting Needs for a total of 20 years.

Bernice Heard of Hyatt Hotels, Dan Bardgett of XSEM and Mags Shaw of Mags Worldwide have joined the board after the retirement of Shonali Devereaux, Matt Curran, Karen Small and Hannah Kelly this year.

Meeting Needs Chair Chris Parnham said: “When I put out a call for new board members last month, I didn’t dare to hope that we’d be able to welcome such a high calibre of industry personalities as Dan, Mags and Bernice. They are all very welcome, and I look forward to working with them over the coming months. We also need to thank our outgoing trustees, all of whom have made a magnificent contribution to Meeting Needs, serving the foundation for 20 years between them. The key to the success of Meeting Needs is our low overheads with only one part-time member of staff. The operation is managed almost exclusively by volunteers and we are indebtedness to every one of them.”

Mags has 25 years experience in the international conference and incentive sector, representing some of the world´s top destination management companies. She said: “I’ve long admired Meeting Needs Charity as a wonderful industry charity , I also like the fact it gives donations to small independent charities both UK and overseas.”

Hyatt National Sales Director Bernice said: “I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that organizations like Meeting Needs have in uniting us for a common, greater cause. I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to join this dynamic organization.”

Dan Bardgett is the Managing Director of XSEM, a leading brand engagement agency based in Leeds. For the past three years, he has supported Meeting Needs by participating in the Royal Parks Half Marathon and raising cash.  He says: “Each year I’m astounded by the fundraising efforts and the meaningful difference the proceeds make for the small charities the foundation supports. I’m excited to now contribute further and play a small part in supporting the foundation’s continued growth by joining the board.”

  • To learn how you can work with Meeting Needs, please contact Margaret Mann at mmann@meetingneeds.org.uk