HBAA, the events and hospitality association, has appointed Membership Support Services (MSS), a newly-formed subsidiary company of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA), to manage its administrative and back office functions, in a three-year contract that begins with immediate effect.
The HBAA Board of Directors and MSS have worked together to agree the contract, which will see MSS manage the day-to-day operation of the HBAA account, including membership services, finance and bookkeeping, plus provision of marketing support. It’s a new phase in the relationship between the HBAA and the MIA, building on a historically collaborative approach.
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the MIA, said: “The MIA board and I are pleased to announce the launch of subsidiary company MSS and our first contract, the HBAA. It’s a pivotal step forward in the MIA’s plans for investing in the growth and development of the MIA and its nationally recognised quality standard for accredited venues and service providers in the meetings, conferences and events industry, AIM.”
Speaking of the deal, Juliet Price, consultant executive director of the HBAA, said: “Both HBAA and MSS are excited about working together to continue raising the level of professionalism of HBAA. We are jointly committed to delivering high standards of customer service, greater benefits to HBAA members and ongoing cost savings.”
The HBAA’s membership encompasses agencies and venues that specialise in the procurement and supply of accommodation, meetings and event facilities and services, both in the UK and internationally, on behalf of corporate clients.
Since 1997 the HBAA has been supporting businesses and individuals to develop professional standards with a united voice and, underpinned by its industry-recognised Code of Practice, the association sets the standard for the events and hospitality sector.
To find out more about the HBAA, visit www.hbaa.org.uk. For further information about the MIA, visit www.mia-uk.org.