The board of the Institute of Travel Management has voted to change the association’s name to ITM to “represent a new, revised name of Institute of Travel and Meetings”.
Although a name change does not require membership approval, the board will take the proposal to the next AGM which will take place at its annual conference scheduled for March 25-27 2009 in Liverpool.
Commenting on the change, ITM chairman Caroline Strachan said: “We feel this move is absolutely necessary for a variety of reasons. First of all it recognises the increasing convergence of the business travel, meetings and events sectors in both procurement and supply.
“Secondly, it recognises the increased numbers of members we are attracting who are dedicated to the meetings and events sector. And lastly, it sets in stone the commitment we made when I took up the chairman’s position to incorporate meetings and event content into our everyday activity.”
The association is creating a meetings and events working party which will be holding its first breakfast forum for buyers of meetings and events on November 25 with MeetEngland in London.
Sessions will also be dedicated to meetings and events issues at the annual conference.