Find a venue1st November 2024
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.
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.
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: 
With over 175 years of combined industry experience, our new board is expertly placed to support continual growth throughout 2025.
If you’re planning an event in London, our diverse venue portfolio offers a huge wealth of choice in the historic City of Westminster.
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.
Hire prestigious, unique and unusual London venues and facilities with Westminster Venue Collection.
Read MoreThe Westminster Venue Collection’s venues range from fashionable townhouses and private members’ clubs, to luxury hotels, celebrated attractions, historic institutes and societies.
Read More
