Meetings Industry Meeting Needs

Meetings Industry Meeting Needs is a UK-registered charity (charity number 1110830) founded by key figures within the UK's conference and events industry. The organization’s primary mission is to raise funds for causes connected to the meetings, events, and hospitality sectors that otherwise lack sufficient resources or access to public funding to support their activities or beneficiaries.

Objectives and Activities

The charity supports a diverse array of individuals and smaller organizations within the events industry, particularly those facing challenges such as illness, disability, financial hardship, or other difficulties. It also funds causes both within the UK and overseas that have a meaningful link to the events sector and are considered under-resourced.

Fundraising initiatives play a central role in the charity’s work, including partnerships with prominent events such as the M&IT Industry Awards and sponsorship programs. The funds raised enable Meeting Needs to award grants that can be life-changing for smaller charities and vulnerable individuals associated with the meetings and events community.

Impact and Initiatives

Meeting Needs has been involved in various impactful projects, including:

• Sponsoring the Community Grub Hub in Aldershot to provide food for approximately 80 families weekly over six months.
• Co-funding the installation of solar power at a school in Limbe, Malawi, directly benefiting around 500 vulnerable schoolchildren.
• Supporting individual fundraising efforts by industry professionals, such as runners participating in the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for the charity’s causes.

These examples demonstrate the charity’s commitment to both domestic and international projects that align with its mission to support the events community and related vulnerable groups.

Governance and Financials

As of the financial year ending May 31, 2023, Meetings Industry Meeting Needs reported a total income of £120,116 and total expenditure of £135,140. The charity is managed by a board of 15 trustees who serve without remuneration, ensuring that funds raised are directed primarily toward beneficiaries and charitable activities.

The organization does not operate trading subsidiaries, and its fundraising is supported through partnerships and donations from within the events industry.

Partnerships and Support

Meeting Needs collaborates closely with event industry stakeholders and encourages the establishment of Charity Partners who help to promote and support its fundraising campaigns. Supporters can also participate through initiatives like the "Donate to Visit" campaign, which integrates fundraising with business activities.

The charity maintains a presence within the industry through events, media partnerships, and outreach campaigns, fostering a strong sense of community support and care among meetings and events professionals.

This charity plays a vital role in nurturing the welfare of people and smaller entities within the UK meetings and events sector, extending its influence to international projects that align with its vision of community support and sustainable assistance.

[1] https://www.meetingneeds.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4014913/charity-overview [3] https://www.meetingneeds.org.uk/category/fundraising/ [4] https://www.mitawards.co.uk/meeting-needs [5] https://www.abpco.org/about/meeting_needs_-_our_charity_partner.aspx