mia to debate AI and Brexit at Future Fit Conference

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) is planning a giant leap into the future with expert-led discussions on sustainability, AI and Brexit at its upcoming Future Fit Conference.

On Monday 11 March the mia, which has more than 800 members, will host a day of expert-led insights into the future of the meetings industry.

Held at America Square in London, the Future Fit Conference will hear from keynote speakers on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality, sustainability and the potential opportunities posed by Brexit.

With nearly 40 years of industry experience, expert speaker at the event Richard Lewis believes it’s important to be prepared for the positive impact technological advances will have on the business meetings and events industry.

He said: “Without a doubt, disruption will continue at a faster pace than ever before and our industry will not be immune from change.

“In fact, it is about time we woke up. AI, AGI, robotics, blockchain, AR and Infotech will positively impact almost every aspect of travel and tourism.

“Disruptors will disrupt the disruptors. New entrants will challenge legacy operators and we have seen nothing yet.”

Delegates will hear speakers scrutinise AI as a money saving tool, address issues surrounding single-use plastics in the industry and discuss the current economic forecast.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of mia, said: “Future Fit will offer delegates the enviable chance to discover what the future holds for our industry.

“The fantastic programme is designed to engage, educate and perhaps even make delegates feel a little bit uncomfortable.

“As a sector we have the opportunity to be bold and develop new and innovative plans to drive business growth by embracing and taking advantage of both the technological advances set to occur over the coming years and the opportunities presented by Brexit.

“At the same time, we have a huge responsibility to ensure that the sector takes its social responsibility seriously and how small steps can be made for larger gains by reducing our reliance on single-use plastic.”

Opening the conference is veteran broadcaster and journalist Declan Curry who will discuss the current economy and the challenges and opportunities for a post-Brexit UK.

Mia chair Kay England will tell delegates how the association is championing best practice with its #20PercentLess campaign.

The #20Percentless campaign is supported by the Zoological Society of London’s project officer Rachel Shairp, who is a leader of #OneLess.

Their sessions will highlight the necessary steps the industry should be taking to change its behaviour and safeguard our future.

Atsushi Ishii and keynote speaker Azeem Azhar will take to the stage to reveal the opportunities presented by AI.

Giraffe Innovation’s Rob Holdway will be looking at plastics and packaging alternatives and 15Hatfield’s Warren Campbell will be quizzed by conference chair Peter Hancock about best practice and the steps they are currently putting in place.

Professor David Russell, will discuss the importance of ecological consciousness amid cleaning and waste, food procurement, food logistics and guest services ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai.