Welcoming the move, Leigh Harry, president of JMIC said: "The addition of AACVB to our Council further enhances JMIC's ability to fully represent the global meetings industry at a time when there is a greater need than ever for action on key industry issues.

"In particular, it will help us further raise the profile of the industry on an international basis, and to demonstrate that this sector has a truly global impact.

"As we have said previously, it is important that we present a strong and united front when the need arises, and that need has never been greater than at the current time."