Events are an essential business tool, as they are an effective way to demonstrate products and services but also facilitate business relationships and forge new connections, so how do you create a memorable event experience that stands out from the crowd?

There are so many aspects that go into a successful event, from the programme and speakers to the pre-event marketing, but one aspect that can make or break the day is the venue. We take a look at how a venue can help transform your event and how the QEII Centre can meet these criteria:

First Impressions: When your delegates arrive, what will they think? The first impressions may well stick throughout the day so it is important to choose a venue with the wow factor that will start the day off on the right note.

The QEII Centre’s large, modern airport-style entrance way not only offers easy access to the building but a wow factor that is enhanced by the warm and friendly welcome offered by the security and concierge team. The digital signage clearly marks the registration areas and signposts where the event is taking place, so you can get to where you need to be quickly and hassle-free. Delegates that haven’t had a chance to grab their first coffee of the day can do so at the Sanctuary.

Location:  The venue should be easily accessible via several modes of transport, in particular public transport. Having a plentiful supply of hotels in the vicinity is also important for delegates who have had to travel a long way or are attending multi-day events.

The QEII Centre is in within 20 minutes walking distance of three major train hubs and is well served by buses, taxis as well as a Santander cycle rack outside the Storey’s Gate entrance. With over 6,000 hotel bedrooms close by, your delegates will always find a high-quality room in striking distance of the venue.

The QEII Centre is surrounded by some of Central London’s most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The Shard and the London Eye are also visible from the upper floors. The QEII is also very well located to take advantage of the world-class shopping, dining, and theatre experiences in and around the West End.

Purpose of your event: Whether your event is a conference, exhibition, awards ceremony, product launch or graduation, you need to choose a venue that fits with the ambience of your event.

With 32 blank canvas spaces, the QEII Centre has experience of hosting all types of events. From conferences and meetings to creating runways for fashion shows or hosting electric cars for a sustainability event, our spaces are easily adaptable. We have also transformed our spaces for showcase events, including turning our lawn into a mini golf course and the Mountbatten into a tennis court.

Capacity: Once the event purpose is established, you will need a venue that can accommodate the layout and number of delegates you need to achieve your goals.

At the QEII Centre, our flexible spaces mean that all layouts are feasible. Our capacities range from 8 to 1,300, so we are able to host all event sizes.

Branding and theming: it is essential that you have a venue that can maximise the impact of your event branding on the day. From the digital signage to theming the rooms, adding vinyl to the walls and displays, choose a venue that has the options you need to make your event branding stand out.

The QEII Centre provides a range of customised branding opportunities that will ensure your event gets noticed both internally and externally. From the flagpoles, canopy and the lawn to stage sets, lighting, screens, and walls, there are so many options for you to brand and theme your event and make our venue your own.

Catering: they say food is the way to people’s hearts, and this is definitely the case at events. By the time delegates come out for lunch, they will be ready to eat, so you will need to ensure the venue delivers fresh, tasty, sustainable catering with portion sizes that will keep them engaged throughout the rest of the event.

Our in-house caterer QEII Taste creates delicious, seasonal menus using the freshest and most sustainable ingredients to give you the best-tasting dishes for the time of the year, keeping your delegates refuelled, refreshed, and engaged throughout the day. Our menus will guide you to make better food choices for our planet, and we have teamed up with Klimato to provide climate labels on all our menus. The majority of our dishes are low carbon and will help you to deliver a sustainable event with great-tasting food.

Experienced teams: it is essential you have a team at the venue who work in partnership with you at every stage of your event, from the site visit to the post-event debrief. Teams that know the venue like the back of their hand and can take share learnings from previous events will be able to provide the best possible customer service.

At the QEII Centre, our staff know every nook and cranny of the building and are always able to offer advice and guidance that will enhance the impact of your event. This attention to detail extends to all aspects, from maximising the use of the space to ensuring your branding and theming is impactful. Over 20% of our staff have been here for more than 20 years, so our teams are in tune with the needs of our clients and are simultaneously adapt to the developments in the events industry.