London. The UK meetings and events industry will have an Institute of Event Management for professional development following the organisation’s incorporation last week, and endorsement from John Penrose MP, Minister for Tourism & Heritage.

In a letter to Planning Board Chair Susan Spibey, Mr Penrose wrote, “Business Tourism contributes £36bn a year and plays a vital role in the UK’s economy. Nevertheless, I want us to capture an even higher share of the international market. To do this we need to capitalize on the professionalism of our business tourism offer … The government supports the aims of any organization which seeks to raise the skills base, and I wish you future success with this venture.”

“This news follows a huge amount of hard work on behalf of the Institute to establish a credible and endorsed organisation for the events industry, commented Spibey. “This news moves us closer to the establishment of a working organisation with accredited professional development courses.”