ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection, including The Celtic Manor Resort, have secured three award wins at this year’s M&IT Awards, one of the largest awards ceremonies for the UK business events industry, which took place on Friday (13th September) at Grosvenor House in London.

ICC Wales Sales Director Danielle Bounds secured the prestigious Personality of the Year award in recognition of her inspiring work with Martyn’s Law and her positive influence as a passionate champion for the events industry.

ICC Wales Dragon
26.08.19
©Steve Pope, Fotowales

ICC Wales also secured the Silver award for Best UK Conference Centre, reaffirming its status as a top-tier destination for large-scale events and conventions. The Celtic Manor Resort celebrated Silver success in the Best UK Hotel category while The Celtic Collection was a finalist for Best Hotel Group.

Celtic Manor Resort

Presenting the individual award to Danielle, ICCA President and ExCeL London Executive Director James Rees said: “Danielle’s efforts extend beyond her immediate team, contributing to the broader community through educational initiatives and industry-wide collaborations. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her work with Martyn’s Law and the Protect Duty Report, where she has been a driving force for industry change.

“As Deputy Chair of the ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter she has been instrumental in ensuring that the Chapter offers a platform for collaboration and connection while encouraging members to play their part in being innovative, forward-thinking and fit for the future. She is a true ambassador for her venue, her country – and our industry.”

 

After collecting the award to a standing ovation, Danielle said: “Winning this award is a deeply personal achievement for me, and it reflects years of dedication and passion for the events industry. I have always believed in the power of collaboration, creativity, and hard work, and this recognition feels like a culmination of the incredible journey I’ve been on. From starting out in the industry to leading sales at ICC Wales, I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing people and deliver exceptional events that showcase the best of what we can achieve.”

 

Ian Edwards, CEO, ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection, expressed his pride in the wins: “We are delighted to see ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection recognised on such a prestigious platform. The individual award for Danielle is richly deserved and a fantastic endorsement of her unwavering commitment to, and passion for, the events industry.  She leads by example and is a fantastic role model as we strive to deliver excellence and showcase Wales as a top choice for the global events industry.”

About ICC Wales

An £83.7m joint venture between Celtic Manor and Welsh Government, ICC Wales can accommodate more than 5,000 delegates and includes a 4,000sqm pillar-free main hall, a 1,500-seated auditorium, 15 flexible meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium with views of the surrounding Coldra Woods and a 2,500sqm outdoor plaza.

ICC Wales is located within the grounds of the Celtic Manor Resort and managed by the Celtic Manor Resort’s expert leadership team responsible for the successful delivery of the 2014 NATO Summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup.

 

The Celtic Collection

The Celtic Collection is a prestigious family of experience-focused UK business and leisure destinations. Born from the legacy of the world-renowned Celtic Manor Resort, the group’s flagship destination situated in the beautiful Usk Valley at the gateway to South Wales, the Celtic Collection brings together premium accommodation with exemplary service and world-class facilities. Each of its resort and hotel venues is unique, with its own style and personality, but at the heart of every one is the quality and unparalleled experience associated with the iconic Celtic Manor Resort brand.

Celtic Manor Resort, a flagship destination in South Wales, was voted the Best UK Hotel for nine of the last 10 years at the M&IT Awards. Host venue of the 2014 NATO Summit and 2010 Ryder Cup, the Celtic Manor Resort houses three championship golf courses, luxury spas, a range of restaurants, exceptional conference facilities and team building and family activities.

The Celtic Collection also includes the 148-room Coldra Court, the Newbridge on Usk country inn with six rooms, Tŷ Hotel Magor with 129 bedrooms, and 10 luxurious Hunter Lodges.

The 170-bedroom Parkgate Hotel was opened in Cardiff in Autumn 2021 in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union, and The Celtic Collection partners with the Port of Milford Haven to manage the St Brides Spa Hotel and Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront in Pembrokeshire. A third Tŷ Hotel Newport opened in June 2024.