ICC Wales and The Celtic Manor Resort have scooped a gold and two silver awards at The M&IT Awards, one of the largest awards ceremonies for the UK business events industry, which took place at Battersea Evolution in London.

The Newport-based businesses jointly secured gold in the Best Tech-Forward Venue category.

Earlier this year, ICC Wales launched its series of free digital events and masterclasses, ICC Wales Live, to help people to develop their knowledge and skillset. The award also recognised its comprehensive audio visual and communications offerings as well as Celtic Manor’s launch of a new app for contactless check-in to the hotel and booking meals and activities.

Both venues also combined to win silver in the Best Crisis Response category after providing accommodation for key workers throughout the pandemic, and event space for NHS Wales to train new employees for its Covid testing sites and continue blood donations.

In addition, they assisted the return of elite sport by staging tournaments behind closed doors at golf’s Wales Open on the European Tour and snooker’s Welsh Open.

The Celtic Manor Resort, part of The Celtic Collection, secured a silver award in the Best UK Hotel category.

Ian Edwards, chief executive of ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We have enjoyed success at the M&IT Awards for a number of years but it is particularly pleasing to be recognised this year for the way in which we have responded to the enormous challenges of the last 18 months. I am incredibly proud of our amazing team who went above and beyond to deliver world-class service in difficult circumstances.

“This is also the first time that ICC Wales has been entered for the awards and to win two awards in collaboration with Celtic Manor is a fantastic achievement considering the new venue was only open for six months before the pandemic struck.

“These awards are voted for by the industry professionals who are our conference and events clients, so it is very rewarding to know that we have managed to continue meeting and exceeding their needs during this difficult period. We are delighted to be seeing them once again and getting back to delivering amazing events now that the sector has finally reopened.”