Events Archives | Westminster Venue Collection

Find the most sustainable event venues in London

Posted on 11th April 2024 by patchmarketing_info

As the world sharpens its focus on climate change and what we can do to slow it down, the event industry – along with a whole host of other businesses – is raising its game.

Finding a sustainable event venue is gradually working its way up organisers’ lists of priorities and here at Westminster Venue Collection, our members are leading the way in event sustainability. So, if you’re hoping to be part of the solution you’ll be looking to hold more sustainable events, and that begins with finding a venue with fabulous green credentials.

In this feature, we’ll take you through the questions you need to ask your venue to make sure you’re choosing the most environmentally friendly site for your event. We’re also going to show you what some of our members are doing to combat climate change as well as asking some seasoned planners for their other tips on what individual organisers can do to reduce their carbon footprint even further.

Questions to ask your venue to create a sustainable event

Venue

Is your venue certified carbon neutral?
Do you use green energy?
Is your branding made from reusable materials?
Is your venue paperless?
What is your waste management policy?
Are any materials used recycled?
Does your venue have a Clear Air Route?
What sustainable lighting options do you provide?

Catering

Do your menus contain local produce and responsibly sourced ingredients?
Are your menus seasonal?
Is catering served using reusable containers/dishes?
What happens to any surplus food and drink? Do you have a waste management strategy?

Suppliers

Do you insist on all suppliers having certain sustainability criteria?
What distance will you travel to supply the venue?
Can I hire sustainable lighting for my event?

It’s also worth asking your venue if there’s anything else they’d like to tell you in reference to their sustainability efforts. They are likely to have lots to say on the subject, so give them the chance to showcase what they’re doing. It’s all information that will help you decide where to hold your event, and how to reduce your event’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable events in Westminster

If you’re choosing a green venue, why not go the whole hog and choose a green location? Westminster Greener City Action Plan is a scheme which launched in 2015 and has set specific targets for a number of environmental issues in the borough, due to be completed in 2025. The plan includes a wide variety of sustainability goals in a range of areas including waste management, noise pollution, air quality, water as a resource, sustainable travel and much more.

How to make an event more sustainable – the venues going above and beyond

We’ve asked a few of our members to tell us a bit about their green credentials:

WVC member, Broadway House, is part of Make Venues and the wider Make Group. The full organisation has pledged to the SME Climate Hub to half emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Here are just a handful of examples of the sustainability initiatives they have in place.

A combination of LED lighting, ‘switch off’ signs & automatic light sensors to save on electricity.
Staff car sharing schemes.
Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme in place to encourage staff to move to electric vehicles.
Responsible planting initiatives attract wildlife to our venues, including bird baths and a bug hotel!
Food waste is turned into fertiliser and cooking oil into biodiesel.

Another one of our venue’s leading the way in sustainability is Royal College of Music. The prestigious venue is set to reach net zero and decarbonise the estate by 2035. For the second year, the Royal College of Music was awarded first place in the People and Planet University League table for universities with fewer than 5,000 students, an independent league of UK universities ranked on their environmental and ethical performance.

Recent carbon management projects have included upgrading the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall lighting to LED fixtures, and the installation of proximity sensors to control lighting automatically, both resulting in significantly reduced energy consumption. Underpinning all the work of the RCM, they also ensure that their accredited suppliers have an up-to-date Sustainability Policy which is in line with their own.

Westminster is packed full of historic, listed buildings. This status can pose challenges for venues wanting to stay ahead of the curve with their environmental upgrades, but Church House is a fabulous example of a beautiful, old building that is keeping up with state-of-the-art green tech, without compromising its historic integrity.

The iconic venue, known for hosting diverse events and gatherings, has transitioned to energy-efficient LED lighting systems, marking a commitment to environmental stewardship. LED lights are renowned for their energy efficiency, longevity, and minimal environmental impact, making them an ideal choice for institutions seeking to reduce their ecological footprint.

By replacing traditional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED alternatives, the venue will achieve significant energy consumption savings while contributing to broader environmental goals. This initiative underscores Church House’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices within its venue and operations.

Sustainable event ideas and expert tips

You’ll be hard pushed to find a venue that isn’t ticking at least some of the eco-friendly boxes we’ve talked about in this piece, but if you’re looking for those who are taking things to the next level keep your eye out for the following:

Free bike storage
Living food walls/micro farms within the venue
Low-flow toilets and water-free urinals
Venues with green space are a helping hand to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
No-waste – and we’re not just talking single-use plastic – think leftover food charities and compost

What else can organisers do to make an event more sustainable?

Holding an environmentally friendly event isn’t just the responsibility of the venue you choose, there are lots of things you – as an event organiser – can do, too.

Starting with a plastic/paperless pledge is always a good way to kick things off.
Green goodie bags and off-setting your carbon emissions can also make a difference.
Encouraging your guests to get involved can also have a big impact. This could include using public transport to attend your event, committing to a single-use packaging/product-free day and asking them to store any info they need for the day digitally, rather than on a paper copy.

Find the most sustainable event venues in London with our venue finder

If you’re looking to host a sustainable event in London, simply fill out an enquiry form on our website and you’ll hear back from any venue in our portfolio with an event space that fulfils your brief.

If you have any questions about WVC membership, please drop us an email via [email protected].

Historic Conference Venues in London: Why the past is the future

Posted on 26th February 202423rd April 2024 by patchmarketing_info

London is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. Millions of people travel to London every year to enjoy its buildings, sights and tourist attractions, meaning event organisers planning conferences in the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a venue with a story to tell. So, how do you choose the right conference venue for your event? And why should historic venues be on your event shortlist?

Are historic buildings a good choice as conference venues?

The list of things to consider when choosing the perfect historic conference venue is long, but we’ve boiled it down to our top tips for brevity.

The building’s story

If you’re looking for a building with a tale to tell, take the time to investigate its stories. Perhaps the venue was once owned by a famous historical figure, or maybe some very well-known faces once visited, or it might be that a particularly significant event took place within its walls. Communicating these stories to your guests will enhance your relationships and encourage small talk amongst your attendees. It will also help cement the fabulous memories your delegates will have after your conference.

‘Our clients love the historic surroundings and being amongst portraits of well-known scientists, such as Isac Newton or Steven Hawkings.’ says The Royal Society’s Mariana Dumitrascu. ‘Each corner of our event spaces has an exciting story to tell and delegates love to explore and learn during their events.’

Conference venue facilities

It’s more than likely that your historic venue wasn’t originally designed with conferences or contemporary events in mind and, while we don’t want to discourage you following your heart once you’ve fallen in love with a property, we would urge you to put your feelings to one side and be ruthless in your analysis of its facilities before you commit to ensure the meeting space is fully equipped for your event.

Is the venue accessible?
What state-of-the-art AV facilities do you have available?
Are there any restrictions in place I should be aware of?
What extent of event branding is possible in the venue?

All properties in the Westminster Venue Collection group have been sympathetically updated, and in some cases re-configured, to meet the needs of hi-tech, high-end events. With many of the buildings having been granted Grade 1 listed status, organisers can also rest assured that maintaining the spaces’ historical importance has been perfectly prioritised providing you with the hi-tech event facilities needed to create a seamless conference experience.

Venue conference capacities

As every event organiser knows, you can’t ignore the numbers. The most important you need to think about are the budget and venue capacity. If the venue is stretching you too far or doesn’t have enough space for your guest list, you need to move on – even if you’ve already lost your heart to it.

Westminster Venue Collection’s members accommodate a wide range of capacities, search for conference venues using our capacity filter if you have a specific large capacity event in mind.

Central Location

Never underestimate the importance of the location of your venue – whether you’re opting for a historic venue or a contemporary one. Choosing a venue in a convenient location with excellent public transport links will break down one of the first perceived barriers presented to your invitees. If you’ve got guests coming in from further afield who are looking for overnight accommodation, then it’s important to ensure your conference room is situated amongst lots of hotels to suit varying budgets. If you’d like to offer guests nearby accommodation, see which hotels are part of Westminster Venue Collection – you’ll find our referral program will get you the best rates!

You might also want to think about the pre-event and post-event activities your delegates might want to indulge in – think about shopping, theatre, sightseeing and other business opportunities. Being situated in Westminster means our venues benefit from proximity to the River Thames (great for views and attractions) as well as being a short walk or tube ride to Covent Garden.

The corporate event team

Finding an in-house event team with whom you feel a connection is an important factor when choosing a historic conference venue. You’ll come to lean on the venue staff throughout your project and you’ll end up with a very close, working relationship. You will have to place your trust in them, so make sure you’re confident they are people you can work with.

How modern conferences work in historic venues

The juxtaposition of old and new during a modern conference at a historic venue is a powerful tool. Not only does the contrast create fascinating talking points for delegates, it also creates a unique atmosphere which takes people out of their day-to-day head space. Changing people’s environment, particularly for anything unusual or inspiring, is a fabulous way to get creative juices flowing and to encourage them to think outside of the box.

Why host your next event at a historic conference venue

Many historic venues in Westminster aren’t open to the general public, which means hiring one of these buildings for an event – be it a conference, product launch or drinks reception – helps add to its sense of occasion. Your guests will appreciate the exclusive access your event is offering them which will go a long way towards creating a truly memorable day or evening.

Historic Conference Venues in Westminster

If you think Westminster could offer you the perfect venue for your next event, start shortlisting your favourite venues ready to send your event brief. You will only hear back from the best historic venues in London who can fulfil your requirements. Please feel free to get in touch via [email protected] if you have any questions.

The Inner Temple: Creating the Ultimate Office Christmas Party

Posted on 16th August 2023 by patchmarketing_info

The Christmas season is a time for merriment, joy and gathering. One of the highlights of the festive period is undoubtedly the office Christmas party.

At The Inner Temple, Christmas is one of our favourite times of year as festive parties work perfectly within the traditional and historic setting of the venue.

Planning a memorable Christmas Party may seem daunting but with careful organisation, you can create an unforgettable experience. Here are some ideas to create the ultimate Christmas party:

1. Find the perfect venue

To find the right venue, there are a host of great event agencies who can help you or go on event websites to look at different venue options. We recommend filtering down the venues by location and the capacity you need, and then seeing which of
those venues suits you in terms of atmosphere. Enquire for quotes and with the ones where the options and costings suit what your company is looking for, you can book in site visits. There is nothing like seeing the venue in person for a real sense of the space. Make sure you enquire well in advance as peak dates get booked up quickly!

2. Set the theme

A well-defined theme sets the stage for a great Christmas party. Consider whether you want a cosy gathering, for instance an Alpine ski lodge with soft lighting, bar stools, faux fur blankets on the chairs and ferns adorning the tables. Or if you want a traditional party, choose a venue with classic features and traditional theming such as Christmas trees, beautiful ornaments, twinkling lights, garlands, and poinsettia. Once you have decided on a theme, transform your space into a festive wonderland. Work with your venue to see what theming they provide, and then add to that.

3. Plan engaging activities and entertainment

To ensure your Christmas party is entertaining and engaging, incorporate activities throughout the evening. For a small party consider hosting a secret Santa gift exchange so everyone ends the evening with a present to take away. Or organise fun games such as a Christmas themed scavenger hunt: split everyone into teams and leave clues around the venue that ultimately ends in finding a Christmas themed trophy or prize. For a more interactive experience, set up a DIY craft station where guests can create personalised wreaths or Christmas decorations.

4. Curate a festive menu

Delight your guests with a mouthwatering menu that captures the essence of the holiday season. Incorporate traditional dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham, accompanied by flavourful sides such as pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, roasted vegetables, and accompanying condiments such as cranberry sauce. Don’t forget to inform your venue of any dietary requirements and have vegetarian and vegan options available. Enhance the culinary experience by serving drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, or a festive cocktail. You could also see if the venue can offer dessert stations for the evening rather than a plated dessert, to allow more time for dancing, along with a wider range of sweet choices for guests to choose from. A well-thought-out menu will not only satisfy your guests’ taste buds but also adds to the overall festive ambience.

Planning the ultimate office Christmas party requires attention to detail, creativity, and a dash of festive magic.

The Inner Temple is the perfect location if you are looking a traditional Christmas setting. The Inner Temple, we still have some remaining dates left for Christmas so enquire today for availability. Cheers to a holiday season filled with unforgettable celebrations!

Westminster Venue Collection Announces Showcase Event Theme ‘History on Every Corner’

Posted on 11th August 202311th August 2023 by patchmarketing_info

The Westminster Venue Collection is thrilled to unveil the theme for its highly anticipated annual showcase event: ‘History on Every Corner.’

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless elegance of our magnificent Westminster venues. Join us as we explore the captivating stories that weave through the streets, squares, and buildings of Westminster, London’s historic heart.

Embrace the Past to Inspire Your Future Events in Westminster

At Westminster Venue Collection, we understand the power of history in creating unforgettable experiences. Our curated selection of prestigious venues boasts a remarkable heritage, with each location holding the key to countless captivating tales. From Thames water-front venues to Georgian townhouses with outstanding views. By choosing ‘History on Every Corner’ as our showcase event theme, we aim to inspire event planners like you to tap into the allure of the past when crafting extraordinary corporate events.

Step into Timeless Venues and Experience Living History

Imagine hosting your next corporate event in a venue that has witnessed centuries of impactful moments. From iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament to hidden gems like One Birdcage Walk, our collection of venues offers you the opportunity to provide a unique event experience like no other. Whether it’s the opulence of a grand ballroom or the intimacy of a historic townhouse, each space tells its own unique story, adding depth and character to your event.

Uncover Hidden Gems and Exclusive Westminster Venues

With ‘History on Every Corner,’ we invite you to discover the hidden gems nestled within the tapestry of Westminster. Explore remarkable venues tucked away from the tourist trail, offering an exclusive experience for your guests. These hidden treasures hold the potential to elevate your events to new heights, providing an intimate atmosphere and an air of exclusivity that will leave a lasting impression on event attendees.

Tailor Your Event to Reflect the Venue’s Legacy

One of the greatest advantages of hosting an event within historical venues is the ability to infuse your theme with its rich legacy. From incorporating period-specific decor and detailing to designing activities that pay homage to the venue’s history, you have countless opportunities to create an immersive experience for your attendees. By far the greatest surprise to clients who choose a Westminster venue is just how much they can tailor the venue to suit the brief and theme.

Whether you’re looking for conference and meeting venues in Westminster, exquisite and unique venues for a party or celebration, or modern spaces for team-building events. Host your next event in the iconic Westminster, London.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to the annual Westminster Venue Showcase event, ‘History on Every Corner’.

Tuesday 12th September 2023, at London Transport Museum.

Complete your request for attendance here.

Church House Westminster: How to plan the perfect Christmas party

Posted on 31st July 2023 by patchmarketing_info

Hands up if you’re already thinking about your work Christmas party? .. You’re not? – well read on anyway (you might find this blog useful at some point).

It’s the one get-together that everyone looks forward to and one of the most important events of the corporate year! Planning the perfect festive event often starts months ahead of the date itself.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to planning your Christmas party, to ensure you’re the star at the top of the tree (and not the soggy sprout at the bottom of the serving dish)!

It’s never too early to start planning

We recommend starting in spring or summer. First, you’ll need to start by creating an event brief. Consider the various aspects you’ll need to create a memorable evening – list these; and from there; you’ll be able to work out your necessary budget. The following are key when creating your brief:

Venue choice
Catering options
Entertainment
Timings
Event format

Remember to leave yourself some additional budget for contingency! When budgeting and planning an event like this, it’s worth thinking carefully about the type of company you’re planning for and the people that work there. Is a formal, sit-down meal with a dress code the best option? – or would a relaxed, informal occasion with drinks and a buffet be better? The sooner this is all discussed and decided upon, the sooner you can look at venues to hire.

Of course, if you are stuck staring at a blank wall and have absolutely no idea where to start with planning; or simply don’t have the time – our in-house event planners will work through all the options and ideas that will suit you best!

It’s all in the detail….

Whether you’re an event professional, or have a completely different profession (and happen to have been saddled with the (not so small) task of organising your work Christmas party), one fact that remains true, is that it’s all in the details!…. Don’t forget to consider the following when planning your party:

Timings

What time will guests need to arrive – and what methods of transport are available?

Timing can make or break an event – take into account travel times for guests, and their activities prior to attending. Also, ensure that your guests will be able to reach your chosen venue easily, by choosing a venue that is easily accessible.

Food

Choose tantalising options, and remember to ask your guests what their dietary requirements are.

Choosing your menu is an essential element of your event. You can really add to the experience with expertly procured dishes. Luckily our caterers Searcy’s are experts at creating delicious & sustainable dishes for a variety of dietary requirements.

Entertainment

A DJ, a live band, or even a magician can create the right atmosphere and keep your guest engaged.

If you want entertainment, think about whether you’d like a band/singer or a DJ to play music during the evening. You might even want to push the boat out by getting a guest/celebrity speaker to host your event. Think about who will be attending your event; and what appeals to them.

Health Safety, and well-being

Is your venue fully compliant? Have arrangements for your guest’s safety upon departure been made?

Your guests should be made aware of transport links, safe walking routes and registered taxi companies. You may want to suggest the booking of hotels for guests who may be coming from further afield – we recommend the following nearby hotels.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing your venue – you want to select somewhere that will be just as memorable as the event itself!… somewhere that will impress your guests, with an understated sophistication and charm…(it may be a shameless plug – but we think Church House most definitely fits the bill!) There’s a reason we are loved by well-known corporations, celebrities and even the Royal family.

We currently offer our exclusive-use Christmas package in our premier rooms. The Assembly Hall and The Hoare Memorial Hall offer the ideal setting for a Christmas party to remember.

Take advantage of our all-singing (not to forget, dancing) package that includes complimentary use of our cloakroom; a 3-course meal by Searcy’s; and your own dedicated event coordinator & AV technician; among several additional options.

If you would like to speak to us about our packages, and/or book a show round the venue, get in touch here, or call: 020 7390 1590.

IET London: Savoy Place crowned with Best Venue Customer Service accolade at the London Venue and Catering Awards 2022

Posted on 23rd November 2022 by engineroom

IET London: Savoy Place has seen success in consecutive years at the London Venue Awards, this year winning Best Venue Customer Service.

In addition, the venue received recognition with a bronze award in the Best Venue for Hybrid Events category, competing against highly respected powerhouses in supplying seamless hybrid meeting spaces.

Hosted at the, now regular, Kia Oval in London on Friday 11 November, the awards and their respective judges acknowledged Savoy Place for its approach to developing a strong culture through its quality customer service and adapting to significant change.

Savoy Place has continued to welcome many high-profile visitors and events in London with the team securing strong relationships built through accessibility, consistent staff training as well as a genuine interest in the STEM clients.

Savoy Place is a venue promoting the constant development of a strong culture and innovative solutions to all event needs. With a 626-guest capacity across two lecture theatres, 14 further event spaces comprising of three floors and a roof terrace overlooking panoramic London views, customers are catered for, via various means.

Celebrating with the team on the day, Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues and Facilities said: “It’s very rewarding to be recognised for a second year running for both the venue facilities and the outstanding team behind them. During a period of such significant change, it’s no easy feat to deliver so consistently with exceptional customer service across all manner of events, industries and capacities.

“We have such a tenacious and well-structured team, always going above and beyond for each client, which plays a significant role in securing our repeat business. Our best in class service is hard-earned through comprehensive staff training and the strong focus we place on wellbeing, so we’re very proud to receive this prestigious award recognising what we can achieve for our clients when we invest in our people.

“The day was an excellent chance to be amongst some illustrious talents throughout the industry and we congratulate all worthy winners and finalists.”

Explore Savoy Place’s facilities to find out more about hosting your next event at this award-winning London venue.

Regent’s celebrates success at London Venue Awards

Posted on 17th November 2022 by engineroom

Regent’s Conferences & Events has been recognised for its unique outdoor space and flexibility, winning the Bronze Award for Best Venue with Outside Space in the London Venue Awards 2022.

The awards, which were presented at The Kia Oval, London on Friday 11 November, aimed to recognise and reward outstanding achievement in London-based venues and catering companies.

The accolade comes after a record-breaking summer of success at Regent’s, as the team evolves its outdoor events offering year-on-year. The past 12 months has been no different. Due to the increasing demand for excess space, the lawns have proven to be incredibly sought after. The venue was virtually booked out by April 2022, but even after inevitable COVID dropouts, rail strikes and cancellations, it still saw 90% occupancy – 30% above target.

The outdoor space is unique in its versatility for events. Perfectly positioned for balancing convenience with secluded privacy in the heart of London, the four acres of gardens are just a few steps away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The expanse of landscaped lawns, paired with a hidden, gated Secret Garden offers a fairy-tale-like setting with wildflowers, lush greenery, and excellent views of the city’s horizon. Concealed by foliage, the hidden space is accessed via a walkway covered by a beautiful pergola.

Responding to the award success, Rafael Azzopardi, Interim Head of Catering and Events said: “To pick up another prestigious award for our summer party offering is testament to the consistency in service and facilities over the past few years. It’s brilliant to have the team’s extraordinary effort over the past 12 months recognised, as they continue to produce outstanding events in our outdoor space, despite all sorts of challenges thrown their way. We are quite fortunate to have such a large, private outdoor area in such a convenient location in London, and visitors are frequently astounded by the venue’s rural setting despite being only a short distance from the bustle of the city.

“It’s undoubtedly a fantastic motivation for the team to deliver another season of memorable outdoor events in 2023, as demand for the summer has already picked up.”

Find out more about Regent’s event space.

Groundbreaking re-design of {10-11} Carlton House Terrace begins

Posted on 11th November 2022 by engineroom

Works have begun at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace to bring to fruition a major re-design of the venue – home to The British Academy for humanities and social sciences.

Led by leading architectural firm Wright & Wright, the lower ground floor will be transformed into an exciting new event space. The firm was chosen for its expertise in the design of educational and cultural institutions. The scheme will centre on the addition of the latest hybrid event technology, allowing for worldwide & agile hosts and audiences to experience the grandeur & quality of events at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace.

The major building works are the biggest changes to the venue since its opening 120 years ago in 1902. This £9.6 million development is aided by a lead gift of £5 million from the Wolfson Foundation – part of a major grant of £10 million to support the humanities and social sciences. The project will transform the corridors and rooms on the lower floors into three, double-height event spaces that are technologically equipped for all manner of events, such as conferences, lectures, workshops, festivals, and performances. This follows the significant demand in increase for online and hybrid events the industry has experienced post-pandemic.

As specialists in reconciling historic buildings for the future age, Wright & Wright architects have designed an innovative plan that will provide contemporary spaces that complement the historic details of the beautiful Grade I listed building. Furthermore, with awards in sustainability and eco-conscious design, the firm has ensured that Carlton House Terrace’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the re-design.

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace will be the first Grade I listed property in Westminster to be granted permission to install double glazing, allowing for better climate control, in addition to the entirety of the heating systems being carbon-free through the use of air source heat pumps.

The new configuration of the lower floors of Carlton House Terrace will create vibrant event space that will attract an array of new national and international hosts and guests, who will get to enjoy the historical significance of the building; as well as the first-class technology embedded in the new event space.

The British Academy President, Julia Black, comments:

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The British Academy. The transformation of our building signals a new opening up of our physical spaces, and in turn, brings the remarkable knowledge, perspectives and creativity from across our varying disciplines to audiences in the UK and internationally. The humanities and social sciences have so much to contribute to society; and it is the Academy’s role to provide the best possible platform for them, connecting the best insights from our disciplines with policymakers, leading thinkers and curious minds.”

Stephen Smith, Partner at Wright & Wright Architects also comments:

“The design will unlock existing, underused spaces, transforming the historic building for the future and enabling Carlton House Terrace to serve growing audiences. Our low-energy solution is based on an innovative approach that exemplifies our firm’s core tenets of building new into old sustainably, with a low carbon footprint and environmentally conscious designs that will last well into the future. Reacting to post-Covid realities, this transformation will create flexible rooms for new ways of meeting and sharing in digital, hybrid and in-person formats. We are honoured to help shape the evolution of the rich architectural and social history of {10-11} Carlton House Terrace.”

To keep up to date with the venues key milestones and for a sneak preview of the exciting renovations, click here.

IET London: Savoy Place shortlisted for double London Venue Awards accolade

Posted on 23rd September 2022 by engineroom

IET London: Savoy Place has been shortlisted for both Best Venue Customer Service and Best Venue for Hybrid Events in the London Venue Awards 2022.

Amid recognition of outstanding customer service, the venue has been celebrating the loyalty of its staff, with four of the senior team having dedicated over a decade of service to the IET and its clients. Due to the consistency and expertise offered at Savoy Place, the venue has had over 60% repeat bookers for events over the past 12 months.

Savoy Place’s modern conference facilities with robust IT infrastructure have allowed it to facilitate filming and streaming to multiple rooms. Additional hybrid filming and streaming services supplied to commercial clients by in-house AV specialists, IET.tv, are on track to grow in value by 300% for 2022, compared to 2021.

As the IET’s central London event venue, the building is well used by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) businesses as well as clients from broader industries championing CSR because of its sustainability credentials, including its most recent Greengage Platinum ECOsmart accreditation. With many high-profile visitors and events, Savoy Place is proficient in client privacy, NDA content and full-service packages to provide security. The venue’s Operations Manager also has House of Commons security experience.

On being shortlisted, Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues and Facilities said: “It’s brilliant recognition of the hard work the team has put in over the past 12 months to constantly adapt our client offering while continuing to deliver above and beyond when it comes to customer service. We’ve worked hard to develop a strong culture and thorough training scheme, educating staff on the importance of exceptional operational standards.

“Congratulations to the entire Savoy Place team for being recognised in two categories that highlight both technical prowess and outstanding delivery.”

Explore Savoy Place’s hybrid facilities to find out more about hosting your next event here.

New interactive installation at London Transport Museum will take families on a ‘Green Journey’ this summer

Posted on 20th July 202220th July 2022 by engineroom

This summer London Transport Museum is welcoming families to explore a new interactive ‘Green Journey’ installation that will get visitors thinking about climate change, the role of transport in creating a sustainable city, and how we can all do our bit to ensure a greener future. A green themed trail around the Museum galleries and creative workshops will also run throughout the holidays, helping young visitors to learn about these big concepts in a fun and family-friendly way.

Visitors to The Green Journey installation will be able to explore four themed, hands-on areas to learn about topics such as global warming and its effects on London, the solutions from big businesses that are already underway to help tackle it – such as Transport for London’s hydrogen buses – as well as new green jobs and the people behind them. The space will also help families discover the small changes we can make at home to be more eco-friendly.

Family workshops inspired by the themes of the Green Journey space will also take place on selected dates throughout the holidays. Five workshops will run per day, suitable for children 8-14 years old:

Climate Calling: selected dates between 23July – 4 August (23,26, 28, 30 July and 2, 4 Aug). Learn about the ways climate change affects our city and the role of transport in providing the solution – from TfL’s new hydrogen buses that are helping make London’s air cleaner, to the active travel choices we can all make when getting from A to B. Create your own Climate Calling board game inspired by what you’ve learnt.
Future Innovators: selected dates between 6 – 18 August (6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19 August). What will life in our city look like in the future? What jobs will exist and what skills will we need? Hear about real-life climate change innovators and explore the skills we are going to need to help tackle climate change in the future. Then create your very own climate change super-hero. Let your imagination lead the way.
Activate: selected dates between 20 August – 1 September (20, 23, 25, 27, 30 Aug and 1 September). We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. Discover the small ways you can do your bit to make London greener and create your own set of Family Action Cards to get inspired.

These summer activities are part of London Transport Museum’s 18-month Climate Crossroads programme supported by Mastercard, Mott MacDonald, Cubic Transportation Systems and Sopra Steria. The programme aims to create experiences that get people thinking about what the future of our city could look like and inspired by the great engineering ingenuity of London’s past and also explores what innovations, skills and jobs we need to build this sustainable future.

On Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 August, London Transport Museum will also be hosting Mastercard’s Girls4Tech STEM workshops in the main Museum gallery. Children can drop-into sessions on Cryptology and Big Data, learning about these topics through fun, problem-solving games. The Girls4Tech workshops will be run by Mastercard staff, looking to inspire the next generation to pursue a STEM career.

While at the Museum, families can also see real buses, trams and Tube trains from 200 years of the capital’s transport history. They can learn how to drive a modern-day Elizabeth line train in the Future Engineers gallery and climb aboard a fleet of mini vehicles in the All Aboard play zone.

Between 11:00 and 15:00, visitors can head to Canteen, the Museum’s café by popular eatery Benugo, for a bite to eat, and choose from exclusive transport inspired toys, gifts, homeware, poster artwork and games in the Museum’s shop.

Timed tickets to visit London Transport Museum can be booked online in advance. Adult tickets are £21 and allow free return day-time entry for a whole year. Plus, kids go free!