World-renowned conference, events and exhibition centre, The QEII Centre, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, marking four decades at the heart of London’s thriving events industry. The milestone comes as the venue reports exceptional sales growth for the third consecutive year, with revenue nearly £1 million ahead of the same period last year.
Since being opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 June 1986, The QEII Centre has welcomed more than eight million visitors from around the world and hosted over 14,000 national and international events, securing its position as one of the foremost destinations for business events.
Positioned in the historic core of Westminster with magnificent views over Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, The QEII Centre was designed to host major international government conferences and meet the needs of commercial event organisers.
The venue has seen a remarkable variety of events in its 40-year history. Most notable events include the NATO Parliamentary Assembly; Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM); hosting the media for Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral and the Coronation of His Royal Highness King Charles III.
Its longest-standing client, at an incredible 34 years, is the British Thoracic Society. Its busiest year on record came in 2012 when it hosted the Italian Paralympic House as part of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The QEII Centre continues to evolve for the future through ongoing investment in the latest audiovisual and event technology, alongside innovative catering offerings such as its Michelin Dinner Packages in collaboration with Green Michelin-starred chef Will Devlin. It has also expanded its services through QEII Stays, a tailored accommodation booking partnership with global meetings and events specialists BCD Meetings and Events, and its Dare to Be Bold campaign, which positions the centre as a creative partner rather than simply a venue.
Saf Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, The QEII Centre, says: “As we mark our 40th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy we are proud of and a future we are excited by. Renowned as a meeting point for global innovators, experts and leaders across a diverse range of fields, The QEII Centre has played host to landmark royal, political, medical, technological, educational and sporting occasions that have helped shape history, and continues to do so. We are a busy, modern, and thriving convention centre, led by a talented team and well positioned for continued success, supported by a strong pipeline of multi-year bookings and revenue performing ahead of expectations.”
