London Exhibition Centres
London is one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. Fantastic transport links to Britain and Europe, luxurious hotels, wonderful nightlife, and the capital's status as a hub of international business combine to make it the ideal conference venue. All preferences and budgets are catered for, intimate meeting rooms contrasting with impressive modern spaces.
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace,
Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green London, N22 7AY
Live Music
Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY
Tube: Bounds Green Station
After a shaky start - destroyed by fire 16 days after 'The People's Palace' first opened in 1873 - Alexandra Palace re-opened again two years later becoming the place from where the BBC beamed its first broadcast in 1935. The palace title maybe a little misleading - it's charm being more shabby chic than regal. Still, it's a great venue for the regular rock concerts, raves and exhibitions staged, with two massive indoor spaces. And, perched above the city, it boasts beautiful surroundings and wonderful views over London.
Silk Street, City, London, EC2Y 8DS
Tube: Barbican Station
, Moorgate Station
Described by the Queen as 'one of the wonders of the modern world' , the Barbican Centre has also been voted 'London's ugliest building'. Ugly or not, this multi-faceted performance and arts venue is truly wondrous. Open 363 days a year, it offers the most diverse program of any London venue. As well as being home to the London Symphony Orchestra, the centre's giant Barbican Hall attracts a host of international classical, jazz, rock, and world music stars. Two theatres offer a year-round program of some of the finest in international performing arts, while three cinemas mix mainstream films with specialist seasons. The Barbican Art Gallery, several smaller exhibition spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, live music in the foyer, and a host of talks, signings, and events for children are also on offer.
52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
Tube: Angel Station
Exhibitors love this venue and it's easy to see why. The Business Design Centre in Islington is in a great location just one mile from The City and two from The West End. It also perfectly combines architectural beauty with modern facilities, offering a huge space to host the most stylish of events. One of its best features is the natural light that pours through the high barrel-vaulted roof of the Mezzanine. The ground level, Gallery Hall and Conference Centre combine to offer 6,000 square metres of flexible space in total and room enough to seat up to 1,500 visitors.
Storey's Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH
Tube: St James's Park Station
, Westminster Station
Combining its dual functions as an event/conference venue and a Methodist church, the imposing Central Hall Westminster also offers visitors (curious about exploring the inside of this Edwardian structure) free admission. Of the 30 meeting rooms, the largest holds 2,160. While refurbished to meet the needs of a modern functions host, the venue still has a strong period feel to it and has featured in a number of films, including 'Calendar Girls' and 'Jekyll and Hyde'. Gandhi, Churchill and the Price of Wales have all spoken here. The hall also played host to the first General Assembly of the United Nations in 1946.
ExCeL London
ExCeL London ,
Royal Victoria Dock London, E16 1XL
Venue Hire
Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL
Tube: Canning Town Station
A stunning architectural achievement, gigantic amounts of floor space accompanied by shops, bars and hotels, London's purpose built ExCel Exhibition Centre, opened in 2000, is an exciting venue in the city. The range of flexible, high-spec rooms is second to none, as is their customer support service. Though not as close as other venues to the major airports and central London, it's very close to City Airport and the presence of a DLR stop inside the centre means it remains convenient for public transport.
80 Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE
Tube: St James's Park Station
, Victoria Station
The architecturally unique Royal Horticultural Halls boasts two halls and a conference centre. Lindley Hall overlooking leafy Vincent Square is a popular venue for corporate events. Since it re-launched in 2001 it has been the location for Paul Smith's fashion shows and Decanter Wine Awards. Originally built in 1904, this classical Edwardian structure has state-of-the art contemporary facilities including a fully integrated sound system. Next door, Lawrence Hall has gorgeous high vaulted ceilings. This art deco style, multi-purpose hall has become well established for hosting niche market trade events such as antiques shows, wine fairs and classic car auctions as well as seasonal Royal Horticultural Society shows.
Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London, W14 8UX
Tube: Kensington (Olympia) Station
The Olympia Exhibition Centre is the most popular in London for major public exhibitions. Located down the road from fashionable Kensington, this venue is as familiar to shoppers as it is to companies, and was selected as one of Britain's 'Superbrands', alongside Shell, Samsung, and Rolls Royce. The facilities here are first rate and the in-house technical and support staff are the most experienced in Britain. They can cope with just about any request.