A CONFERENCE sales manager at a local hotel has had her commitment and dedication to the industry rewarded.

Julie Cassidy of The Aztec Hotel and Spa in Almondsbury has been shortlisted for this year’s MIA (Meeting industry Association) List.

The prestigious award recognises the hardworking, enthusiastic and inspiring people who make a positive impact in their place of work within the meetings and events industry.

Those who make it onto the MIA List have been nominated by their employers and peers and have been through a tough judging and assessment process which culminates in a celebratory lunch at Church House Conference Centre in London, where the final MIA List for 2014 will be revealed on Monday, April 7.

Mrs Cassidy has worked at the Aztec Hotel and Spa for seven years. Previously, she worked for Holiday Inn in Stratford-upon-Avon and after completing her training in Newcastle upon Tyne.

She is one of 23 finalists hoping to be named in the final 10 truly dedicated people to appear on the MIA List for 2014. Those nominated come from all areas of the meetings, conference and events business.

The selection to narrow the nominees down to the final ten is a rigorous one. The judges are looking for dedication, commitment and a willingness to go further in pursuit of excellence.

Mrs Cassidy has already been taken through a two-part interview process as part of the selection process.

She said: “I found the interview process very exciting. I was interviewed on camera, which was a new experience. The lunch and informal chats with the judges were also really interesting.”

Video interviews with each candidate were also conducted and then watched by the judges.

“The thought of doing a video was very daunting but I think it is always good to challenge yourself,” she said.

Commenting on her nomination she said: “I am very excited to have been put forward for such a prestigious award within the meeting and events industry and very much looking forward to the next stage in London.”

Chris Hill, General Manager of The Aztec Hotel and Spa said: “This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication that Julie has shown in their role of conference and event sales manager at the hotel.

“All the team at the hotel wishes Julie the very best of luck at the MIA List.”

Mrs Cassidy will be joined in London on April 7 by a host of her colleagues from the Aztec Hotel and Spa.