Shonali Deveraux was appointed CEO of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) in November 2024, bringing with her 30 years of experience in high-profile events, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. With two decades in senior leadership roles and board positions, including vice-chair of the Tourism Alliance, Shonali is a driving force in the industry.
A passionate advocate for mentorship and diversity, Shonali volunteers with the Fast Forward 15 mentorship program and the Meeting Needs foundation. As a co-founder of the Diverse Speaker Bureau, she also champions inclusivity by amplifying underrepresented voices in key debates.
Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Shonali has inspired future generations of event professionals as a lecturer in Events and Tourism at the University of Hertfordshire, while empowering her industry peers as an emcee and facilitator across a range of industry events.