London’s new developments are set to build even further on this post-pandemic success story, writes Ellie Evans

According to Samuel Johnson, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life – and it’s clear there’s no lack of appetite for the capital from event organisers or attendees.

The opening of the Elizabeth Line in May 2022 drastically reduced commuter times for 1.5 million people and gave the city a post-pandemic shot in the arm.

Meanwhile the expansion of London ExCel and revamp of London Olympia are set to attract even more visitors in the coming years along with two exciting new districts.

The East Bank development at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is already home to two university campuses, which will soon be joined by a performing arts theatre, a new V&A museum, and new BBC Music Studios. And eight miles west, one of the biggest regeneration projects in Europe, Battersea Power Station, boasts a vast selection of restaurants and cafés, a 2,000-person capacity events venue and 250-plus apartments.

“There’s a real buzz around London business events right now," says Suzanne Singleton, Head of Associations and Citywide Bids at London & Partners. "London remains a top choice for event organisers in part because of its security, we see many delegates choosing our capital over other destinations due to this. Its accessibility, thanks to the great transport systems available. The diversity, over 200 languages are spoken in London. As well as the commitment to sustainability, where we’re working towards a net zero carbon and zero pollution city by 2030."

"London continues to attract business events through its ongoing product evolution and deep-rooted expertise in key sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, technology and creative services," adds Paul Black, Head of Business Events at VisitBritain.

"The combination of high sector leadership and appealing product diversity allow London to continue to attract prestigious association congresses, sector trade shows and corporate events."

How ExCeL London's new expansion will look when it opens in October

Communal space at the new Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s

London map

A bumper year for the conference sector

October will see the opening of ExCeL London’s massive £220m extension, expanding its facilities by a quarter to make it the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe.

“Events, delegate numbers and future interest across conferences, associations and, in particular, corporates, is incredibly buoyant,” says Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL. “For London, our data shows that the capital remains a world-class destination thanks to the city’s rich cultural heritage, its connectivity, its sustainability goals, along with being ranked as the world leader in life sciences, FinTech and AI sectors.”

Last year was its busiest on record, hosting around 400 events and welcoming four million visitors, one million from overseas. The capital’s strengths in medical research are securing it big wins in particular, including Diabetes UK’s Professional Conference 2024, the European Society for Organ Transplantation and the European Society of Cardiology congress, the world’s biggest gathering of heart specialists which attracted more than 32,700 delegates when it last came to the city in 2015.

Across town, the seven-storey QEII Centre in Westminster also celebrated a stellar performance last year, with 2023-24 set to be its best turnover ever; high-profile events included the Norwegian Developers Conference, AI UK 2024, the annual Isokinetic conference and the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference.

Mark Taylor, CEO, The QEII Centre, said: “Some sectors in particular, for example the tech sector, appear to have really solid and expanding delegate attendance levels. We will shortly be hosting a global tech event which will hit a new record attendance level. People want to back at live events.”

Work is underway on ExCeL London's 25,000sqm expansion

The QEIICC welcoming the British Orthodontic Society last year

“All eyes are on Battersea Power Station after its £9bn makeover.”

The British Orthodontic Society's congress at the QEIICC in September 2023

Case study:

The British Orthodontic Society welcomed 1,000 delegates to the QEIICC in September last year, when the venue, and its views of London's skyline, took the event to new heights.

"By having the venue in London, we were more able to attract overseas delegates and speakers," says Trevor Hodge, chair of the British Orthodontic Conference Committee.

Off-site events included a speakers' meal in the House of Lords’ Dining Room and a gala reception for more than 800 at the Science Museum, but London's popularity means organisers have to plan well in advance to secure venues of the right scale, he warns; mitigating for potential rail strikes also presented a challenge.

What’s new in the capital?

All eyes are on Battersea Power Station after its £9bn makeover: not only is it home to London's first art'otel capable of hosting 250 guests but Control Room A and Control Room B offer new and exciting options for up to 250 and 200 respectively – there's also a cinema that can seat 350.
As part of its £1.3bn redevelopment, Olympic London is building a new conference centre for 2026: the main auditorium will have capacity for 850.
The newly opened Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s features seven meeting rooms including a 900-person plenary room.
155 Bishopsgate added a second floor last year, doubling its capacity to accommodate 1,000 delegates in total.
1 Kings Cross will open in October with capacity for 1,500: the Main Hall features a 13m-high ceiling and there's also an expansive mezzanine level.

The British Orthodontic Society's congress at the QEIICC in September 2023

Control Room B at Battersea Power Station

Who to contact:

Suzanne Singleton
Head of Associations and Citywide Bids at London & Partners
E: [email protected]
W: www.conventionbureau.london