A record number of agents and venues came together at 116 Pall Mall to enjoy a productive debate over dinner at the Meeting Industry Association’s (mia) Connect Agent Dinner last month.

Glowing praise from the 75 attendees of the event at 116 Pall Mall on 11 November proved that both venues and agents found it hugely beneficial to network within such an informal setting.

Guests attending the event were welcomed with a drinks reception before being given the chance to debate the industry’s hottest topics and pose burning questions over dinner.

Topics discussed on the night included sustainability and single-use plastics; preferences of RFP presentation; thoughts on industry exhibitions and events and what agents can do to make venues’ role simpler.

To ensure questions were answered fully and to maximise networking opportunities, each table was hosted by a different agent, with agents moving tables in between courses.

The event was heavily attended, attracting a record number of agents, who included Venues for Business, Conference Care, Right Angle Events, Hospitality Guaranteed and Venue Queen.

Feedback from attendees was hugely positive with many praising the format of the event and the quality networking opportunities.

Kathleen Edwards, head of venues at glh Hotels, praised the ‘great format’. She said: “The networking prior to dinner was superb. The canapé dessert was a great idea and gave more opportunity to network rather than being sat at a table all evening. Our table champion Rhiannon Thomas was exceptional in managing the table, ensuring conversations were balanced and feedback was rich.”