Category: News

Celebrating a record year of growth and development at the Westminster Venue Collection AGM

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On 23rd October 2024, Westminster Venue Collection gathered at The Lansdowne Club for our latest Annual General Meeting.

Following a record year, it was the perfect time to reflect on recent achievements, celebrate successes and of course, welcome our new, expanded Board of Directors.

This year, under the direction of Paul Martins as Chair, and with strategic support from our marketing partner, Patch Marketing, our portfolio has grown by 50%, to over 50 venues.

We’ve had a busy year of events, exhibiting at the London Summer Event Show and The Meetings Show, as well as running our bi-monthly members meetings. In March, we launched our inaugural series of CSI themed familiarisation trips, in partnership with Huxley Events, to showcase the versatility Westminster venues have to offer event planners. Then in September, we hosted our annual showcase at RSA House.

 

At the AGM, we were thrilled to announce that Barbara Wutte from The Royal Society was resuming her former position of Chair, taking over from Paul who she thanked for his leadership. Barbara also introduced the new board formation, which includes a new Vice Chair and four new board members.

Introducing the new Westminster Venue Collection Board

Record growth for Westminster Venues presented at AGM event

Returning Chair and Enquiries Lead – Barbara Wutte

Barbara has been integral to the Collection’s board since 2017, helping to drive its vision and portfolio growth, in the roles of Chair, Vice Chair and supporting board member. Barbara says: “I’m delighted to be returning as Chair and to build on the incredible success we’ve achieved this past year through our progressive strategy. I’d like to thank Paul for his leadership and I’m excited to welcome our newest board members. Together, we will be focused on generating significant returns for our members, through multi-channel marketing campaigns, attendance at key industry exhibitions, hosted showcase and networking events for our ever-growing client base.”

Vice Chair – Clare Brace, IET London: Savoy Place

With over 25 years of industry experience, predominantly in venues and hotels, Clare is a superb addition to the board. As Vice Chair, she’ll support Barbara by sharing leadership duties, as well as take the lead on delivering our annual showcase, which is eagerly anticipated every year.

New board member – Medina Williamson, The Lansdowne Club

Medina lives and breathes hospitality and has done since the age of 16. She’ll be leading on the development of our new website. Education will be her other key focus area, channelling her desire to inspire the next generation by increasing awareness about why events is such a rewarding career.

Lansdowne Club hosts Westminster Venue Collection 2024 AGM event

 New board member – Christine Milburn-Philpott, One Birdcage Walk

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Christine has over a decade of experience working at iconic London venues. She loves finding opportunities for new growth, a skill which she plans to bring to the Westminster Venue Collection as a board member. She will also be supporting Medina with the new website.

New board member – Stephan Trockle – The Embassy, Lumiere London

Stephan and his husband, Fashion Photographer Carlos Lumiere founded Lumiere London in 2007. He’s currently part of the HM Government’s HELP TO GROW: Management Course at King’s College London. Stephan will be supporting the board in the role of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Lead.

New board member – Rafael Azzopardi, Regent’s Events

Rafael has over three decades of expertise in orchestrating high-impact events and enhancing service excellence. As a new board member, he brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and a fervent commitment to education. Raf is eager to support our mission of collaborative excellence, sharing his insights and helping to build a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

The Westminster Venue Collection 2024/25 Board of Directors also includes: The new Westminster Venue Collection board members for 2024-2025

  • Rhiannon Thomas, Central Hall Westminster – Exhibitions Lead
  • Marina Papadopoulou, Church House Westminster – Social Events Lead
  • Kay Davies, Houses of Parliament – Finance Lead
  • Paul Martins, Broadway House at Make Venues – Proactive Membership Growth Lead

With over 175 years of combined industry experience, our new board is expertly placed to support continual growth throughout 2025.

How to find a venue for an event with Westminster Venue Collection

If you’re planning an event in London, our diverse venue portfolio offers a huge wealth of choice in the historic City of Westminster.

Submit your event brief today

To explore Westminster Venue Collection, why not use the search facility on our website to create a shortlist? Or email your brief to [email protected] and we’ll match you to the best suited Westminster venues. You’ll then hear back from the ones that can fulfil your brief and have availability for your preferred dates.

Event Success at Westminster at the 2024 Showcase

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We were delighted to recently host our Westminster Venue Collection annual showcase event for 2024.

Over 100 event professionals joined us for ‘Meet me in Westminster’ – an exclusive evening of networking, decadent catering and unique entertainment – held at the magnificent RSA House. And of course, a rare opportunity for event planners from a range of industries to discover more about 54 leading Central London venues, all in one unforgettable night.

Since 2023, our prestigious portfolio of member venues has more than doubled. From fashionable townhouses, private members’ clubs and luxury hotels to iconic attractions and historic institutes, the Collection represents Westminster’s rich heritage, diversity and versatility as a world-class destination for events.

Every year, the showcase highlights the extensive choice Westminster has to offer for corporate and private events, including weddings, conferences, meetings, gala dinners, Christmas parties, team building, filming, launches and exhibitions. Guests can explore hidden gems, cultural icons, architectural marvels and blank-canvases – with every venue offering something truly unique for hosting incredible events.

Read on to find out more about what happened on the night and what our guests had to say about the experience.

“The event was excellent and saves so much time getting to know the venues and the people who can help with different types of events.”

Meeting the best venues in London

This year, we welcomed event planners from companies including Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, University College London, Government Office for Science, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd and Shard Financial Media. RSA House was buzzing as guests immersed themselves in all that the Collection, and Westminster, has to offer for corporate and private events, and discussed their bespoke requirements.

For our newest members, the Emmanuel Centre, 1 Wimpole Street and Six Park Place (at the Royal Over-Seas League), this year was their first opportunity to learn why our showcase has become a not-to-be-missed annual event!

Courtesy of RSA House’s on-site caterers, Company of Cooks, guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés and bowl food, with menu highlights including Braised beef chimichurri and Potato gnocchi ‘Arrabiata’.

Roving entertainment, provided by Judge The Poet, invited guests to choose any three words at random, to be performed as a spontaneous, rhyming poem. No matter how obscure the word choice, Judge met the challenge every time, with hilarious results!

“Thank you to you and the rest of the team for last night’s event – there were an excellent array of venues that I really enjoyed speaking to.”

Excellent prizes won

Westminster Venue Collection Chair Paul Martins at the 2024 Showcase Event

The evening also included a raffle of prizes generously donated by our members. Lucky guests were thrilled to receive an array of fantastic prizes:

  • Bottle of sparkling wine from Asia House – won by Malcolm, Events Focus
  • Afternoon Tea for Two within the iconic Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground – won by Helen, Goldman Sachs
  • £40 bar voucher for The Thirsty Scholar at ISH Venues – won by Hannah, Afion Media
  • Searcys gin and a selection of tonics from IET London: Savoy Place – won by Julie, Ark Venue Finder
  • One night’s stay and breakfast for two in a King room at the Great Scotland Yard – won by Rachel, CVC Capital
  • Four ticket vouchers for Vue Cinema – won by Sarah, Eton College
  • A Zen Corporate Wellness Gift Hamper from Church House – won by Ann, Pfizer
  • Bottle of champagne from Broadway House – won by Alisha, Federation of Cocoa Commerce
  • Chocolates from the Houses of Parliament – won by Sandra, PBC
  • Two tickets to a Candlelight Concert at Central Hall Westminster – won by Abbie, Langham Hall
  • Dinner for two at the Wild Honey St James Bistro at Sofitel St James – won by Lisa, CLA
  • £50 bar tab at the new RSA bar – won by Vicky, European Bank
  • Two tickets to the Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition and afternoon tea at Ochre Restaurant, National Gallery – won by Stephanie, Pladis Global
  • Afternoon tea for two at Six Park Place – won by Jay, Atlassian
  • Family of four tickets to a screening of The Snowman and The Snow Dog with live orchestral soundtrack performed by the Sinfonia Smith Square – won by Pav, Premier Property
  • Glass of Searcys Champagne and nibbles at Searcys Bar and Brasserie opening at Surveyors House – – won by Lyndsey, Park Lane Events
  • Bottle of wine from the Emmanuel Centre – won by Minnie, LM Globalink

 

“I really enjoyed myself, made some fantastic connections and gathered so much useful information about the different venue spaces.”

A special thanks to our event suppliers

RSA House – a historic Georgian townhouse that seamlessly combines original period architecture with contemporary design and technology. With 12 rooms RSA House hosts the 2024 Westminster Venue Collection Showcase Event available to hire, all offering varying capacities and configurations, RSA House is a versatile and stunning choice of venue for weddings, corporate and private events.

Company of Cooks – for over 25 years, Company of Cooks have been working as a trusted catering partner in many of the UK’s most cherished venues. In keeping with their values, of craft, creativity and community, they shape unique food and drink experiences and create lasting memories.

Andrew Lunn Photography – Andrew is a renowned commercial photographer based in central London. Specialising in live events, portraits and headshots; he helps businesses of all sizes harness the power of visual storytelling to bring their brands to life.

Judge The Poet – Judge is a truly unique entertainer, captivating audiences all over the world with his extraordinary spontaneous poetry. Here in the UK, he has performed at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Wembley Stadium and Glastonbury Festival, to name a few notable venues! For corporate and private events, he offers roving, cabaret show or workshop entertainment.

Generate Media Video – creative content experts, with decades of industry experience. Generate Media work with sustainable companies to elevate their brand and drive more business through curated film, photography and social media campaigns.

Peachy Productions – a trusted event production specialist working with a broad range of clients and venues across London, Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex. Peachy Productions offer an extensive inventory of furniture, as well as cutting-edge lighting, sound, video, rigging and staging equipment, to corporate and private events of every size or scale.

“Meeting so many venues under one roof in one night is invaluable. I left with a wealth of information about the latest developments, new event spaces, refurbishments and Christmas party availability within the Collection.”

Enquire with the best event venues in London

Within Westminster Venue Collection, you’ll find your perfect central London venue for events. Our portfolio includes a diverse selection of modern and traditional exhibition spaces, museums, auditoria, conference rooms and banqueting halls. Whether you’re organising a conference, meeting, launch event, gala dinner, exhibition; or planning a wedding reception or other private celebration, our shortlisting and enquiry service couldn’t be easier.

Simply send your event brief to [email protected], or search on our website to create a shortlist of spaces that are best suited to your requirements. To save you time, only venues with availability that match your brief will be in touch.

Register your interest to attend our 2025 showcase event

To make sure you’re the first to hear about our 2025 showcase, please register your interest.

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

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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.

WVC Newsletter Image Resizer

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.

CHWBWHistry

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.

Westminster Venue Collection celebrates 20 years at it's 2023 annual showcase event.

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.

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

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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

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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.

Central Hall Westminster hosts ‘The Superpowers of Free School Meals’ conference

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Central Hall Westminster, part of Central Hall Venues group, played host to The Superpowers of Free School Meals conference, a joint initiative to showcase the benefits of England’s Free School Meals policy, on Tuesday 8th November.

Hosted by Leyla Kazim, BBC Radio 4’s presenter of the Food Programme, the event highlighted the positive effect of the policy from academic attainment to school attendance. The event was held during National School Meals Week by the ‘Feed the Future’ campaign coalition including The Food Foundation, Chefs in Schools, Sustain, Child Poverty Action Group, School Food Matters, National Education Union, Bite Back 2030 and Impact on Urban Health. The campaign is run in partnership with the Independent and in association with the Evening Standard.

Held in the Aldersgate Room and attended by over 150 people, it began with a ‘school lunch’ served up by top chefs Tom Kerridge and Melissa Hemsley. Attendees were given a chance to meet people who have benefited from Free School Meals and young campaigners advocating the advantages of a healthy diet on their long-term well-being and development.

Following lunch, a panel session chaired by Laura Sandys, CBE, Founder of the Food Foundation, discussed how good school food can become a priority for all political parties. A second session chaired by Xand van Tulleken, Doctor and TV presenter, debated the many benefits of Free School Meals. There was also a spoken word performance carried out by youth campaigners and a closing session on the emerging vision and future priorities for a better school food system.

Sarah Ainsworth, CEO of Central Hall Venues, commented: “We were delighted to host The Superpowers of Free School Meals conference at our venue during National School Meals Week and see the wide range of discussions on this important topic. As an organisation which exists purely to maintain our historic buildings such as Central Hall Westminster and donate to charitable causes, we love to host events that align with our values.”

Find out more about the wonderful Central Hall Westminster here.

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

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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.

QEII supports WrapUp London campaign in critical year

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London’s QEII Centre is calling on event professionals and the public to donate their unwanted coats and help warm up the capital’s most vulnerable people this winter once again.

The events venue has partnered again with charity HandsOn London to serve as a collection point for its WrapUp London campaign which provides a coat to anyone who needs one, including the homeless, vulnerable families and refugees.

With two thirds of adults in Britain reporting their cost of living increasing in the past month, WrapUp London’s campaign will be more important than ever this year. In London, where nearly half the country’s rough sleepers are, donated coats will be distributed via homeless shelters, refugee centres, organisations supporting the elderly, women’s refuges, children’s centres, and other charities helping people in crisis.

QEII has supported the WrapUp London campaign for five years, serving as Westminster’s dedicated collection point and collecting 3,825 coats for those in need.

In total, HandsOn London has distributed 197,000 coats to the capital’s most vulnerable since it started the campaign 11 years ago.

This year’s campaign starts on the 7th of November and QEII is calling event organisers to spread the word to their delegates so they can get involved and maximise donations.

Mark Taylor, chief executive of the QEII Centre said: “In the past we have been overwhelmed by the donations we have received – playing a consistent key role in this cause is a great honour for our centre. WrapUp London really demonstrates the collective community that is central to the spirit of London, and I hope that our work can be an important lifeline for all vulnerable people during this difficult and cold winter.”

Jon Meech, CEO of HandsOn London said: “We are delighted that the QEII Centre will be able to support WrapUp London for another year. Their generosity enables a collection point to be available in the heart of Westminster and has collected several thousand warm coats for the campaign. Every year the demand for warm coats increases and this year is sadly no exception. As a largely volunteer-led campaign we can only hope to meet this demand with the help of partners like the QEII Centre.”

Explore the hireable events spaces available at the centre.

Westminster Venue Collection appoint a new Chair of the Board of Directors

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Westminster Venue Collection are pleased to announce they have appointed a new Chair of the Board of Directors, Barbara Wutte.

Following the start of Westminster Venue Collection’s new membership year, the Board of Directors and members came together for their Annual General Meeting at the beautiful Inner Temple last month.

Kindly hosted by Stacey Barber and her team on 20th September 2022, the meeting provided a great opportunity to give members an update on the recent news and exciting initiatives planned for the organisation’s coming membership year.

It was announced that Barbara Wutte, Head of Conferences at The Royal Society, will take over from Rachel Azzopardi who has been Chair of Westminster Venue Collection for the past four years.

Rachel was warmly thanked for her hard work and dedication, especially through the pandemic, and the Collection wish her well for her next ventures.

During her time on the Board, Barbara Wutte has been a key figure in the membership’s vision and growth, so her appointment came as a natural transition following Rachel Azzopardi’s resignation as Chair.

This year, the Board have decided to appoint a new position of Vice Chair for the organisation. To allow contingency planning, it was also agreed that the role of Vice Chair will then become Chair after a year of tenure.

The new position of Vice Chair will be held by Paul Martins, New Business Development Manager at Make Venues Broadway House, who has championed the collective using successful case studies. The next Vice Chair will then be elected in turn at the next AGM.

Progressively, WVC has launched a new Member Engagement and Events Committee, consisting of Kay Davies of the Houses of Parliament, Marina Papadopoulou of Church House Westminster and Jonathan Chohan of One Great George Street.

Rhiannon Thomas of Central Hall Westminster will head up plans for The Meetings Show and Thomas Mauch of the QEII Centre will continue to direct IT and website development.

Barbara Wutte, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Westminster Venue Collection says: “Member engagement is our top priority. The new WVC vision must be to increase the number of members and to strengthen our brand. This will allow us to market all our member venues with further activity nationally and then beyond”.

The WVC Board encourages venues in the Westminster region who would like to be represented to join this prestigious collection and help shape an exciting new chapter into 2023.

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

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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.