It’s just months until the International Convention Centre (ICC) opens as part of the £1.3billion redevelopment of the Olympia in London – set to be a spectacular events venue judging by the information and concept pictures.
Not only does this represent a new option in the capital for conference and event organisers, the site’s forward-thinking design, versatility and environmental credentials will hopefully inspire venue owners elsewhere too, ushering in the future of event spaces.
The ICC’s design puts adaptability first. The main auditorium seats 800+, with a second for 400. Seven breakout rooms, a business lounge, and 3,000 sqm of flexible event space mean organisers can scale events up or down with ease.
Sustainability is at the core of the ICC’s values, with post-event reports being shared with organisers which detail and compare energy, water and waste outputs. This will hopefully prompt everyone involved, including logistics firms supporting behind the scenes, to look at ways they can improve their own environmental practices too.
The very latest technology, including impressive audio-visual equipment, will also be in place, ensuring event organisers can meet the high-tech expectations of attendees. Again, a great example for others to follow in terms of what’s possible in an event space.
The Government estimates the events industry contributes more than £39billion to the UK economy, and we have a real opportunity to boost that if additional prime venues are developed in the coming years – attracting not just British organisers, but also increasing the chances of global organisations opting to host events here too.
It would be fantastic to see additional venues overhauled in other locations around the UK, giving organisers multiple options – as well as supporting a wealth of other related sectors, like local hospitality venues, transport companies and logistics firms too.
We have the technology, we have the environmental know-how, there’s no reason why the UK can’t become a world leader in state-of-the-art venues for events of all shapes and sizes.
by Simon Hainsworth Managing Director of Corporate and Sporting Events (CSE)
