Meeting Needs Surpasses £2 Million Raised as Industry Gathers to Celebrate Impact

Meeting Needs welcomed 85 industry supporters to One Aldwych in London on 8 June for its annual showcase event, celebrating another year of fundraising success, grant giving and tangible social impact across the UK and internationally.

Hosted in partnership with One Aldwych, the event brought together supporters, partners, volunteers and beneficiaries to highlight how funds raised by the meetings and events industry are helping small charities and community projects deliver meaningful change where it is needed most.

Now in its 22nd year, Meeting Needs has raised more than £2.06 million and awarded 444 grants, supporting initiatives that create lasting benefits for individuals and communities. This year’s showcase reflected the breadth of that impact, from digital skills development in Zimbabwe to creative health and wellbeing programmes in the UK.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the David Hackett Award for Outstanding Contribution to Meeting Needs, which was awarded to the Events R’ Talented team — Matt Curran, Ken Findlay, Graeme Saunders and Paul Tidy.

Since its launch in 2018, Events R’ Talented has been a dedicated supporter of Meeting Needs, using its platform to unite industry professionals while raising substantial funds for the charity. In 2025 alone, the event generated £29,186 for Meeting Needs, helping to fund projects that provide direct support to communities and individuals in need.

Lene Corgan, Chair of Meeting Needs, said: "We are deeply grateful to all of our industry supporters, whose commitment and generosity make it possible for us to support beneficiary projects in the UK and abroad, changing lives. And a big congratulations to the Events R' Talented team on receiving this year's David Hackett award for Outstanding contributions to Meeting Needs a well deserved recognition of their fantastic support".

The showcase also shone a spotlight on the organisations benefiting from Meeting Needs grants. Attendees heard how support for the Jafuta Foundation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, will help provide digital skills training for 30 young people. The grant will fund 30 computers for the Batoka Centre of Hope, giving participants access to technology, education and skills that can improve future employment and life opportunities.

Guests also learned about the work of Be More Dandelion, founded by former event planner Fiona Bool. Through The Dandelion Project, the charity uses creative health practices, movement and trauma-informed support to help women rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves and move forward after challenging life experiences.

Together, the beneficiary stories demonstrated the diversity of projects supported by Meeting Needs and the direct link between industry fundraising efforts and meaningful social outcomes. They also reinforced the charity’s role in connecting the meetings and events sector with grassroots initiatives that often require relatively modest funding to achieve significant impact.

The annual showcase remains one of Meeting Needs’ most important opportunities to thank supporters, demonstrate the outcomes of their generosity and inspire continued engagement across the sector. By bringing the industry closer to the people and communities it supports, the event encourages ongoing fundraising, donations and partnerships.

Having now raised more than £2 million and distributed hundreds of grants, Meeting Needs continues to demonstrate the positive contribution the meetings and events industry can make far beyond the events it delivers.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.