The Meetings Industry Association (mia) is launching the mia Conference and Event Management Awards to recognise the talent of those about to embark on a career in the sector.

The new awards are part of the mia's strategy to attract and retain staff in the industry, and offer educational institutions the chance to nominate their highest performing conference/event management undergraduates and postgraduates for recognition.

The winner of each category will receive a £400 voucher to attend a wide range of professional development events offered by the association as well as a framed certificate.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia, said: "Since the mia was established in 1990, we have been committed to both attracting and retaining talent in the sector as well as championing the continual improvement of quality and standards.

“Building on the success of our prestigious miaList, which celebrates the outstanding passionate individuals in the meetings, hospitality and events industry, we were keen to also start recognising the brightest and best students who have excelled on their courses and are looking to start a career in the industry."

She added: "Over 1.3 million business events are held in the UK annually and as a sector, events are worth £39.1 billion to the UK economy, contributing to exports, inward investment, infrastructure development, cultural appreciation and national pride. We therefore want to encourage enthusiasm among the next generation as the sector offers a wonderfully exciting and varied career."

The mia Conference and Event Management Awards are open to students who have completed a BA, BSc or MA or MSc. Educational institutions are invited to submit nominations for the undergraduate award by 30 June and postgraduate award by 31 October.