The event
Around 1,300 delegates convened at conference and events venue The QEII Centre earlier this year for AI UK 2024 – the biggest AI UK to date. The event was held over two days and delivered the institute’s annual showcase of AI and data science innovation to a diverse global audience of academics, public, private and third sector organisations. The event showcased the impact of The Alan Turing Institute’s research, positioning the institute as a global leader for ethical and trustworthy AI and data science.
The spaces
The Alan Turing Institute booked the entire venue for their event, enabling them to personalise the spaces to suit their needs. Outside, branded flags and front of venue signage was used to showcase their sponsors. The reception area featured screen branding, self-check-in kiosks and a showreel on the big screen as well as branded wayfinding and decals on the lift doors on all floors.
The venue’s largest space The Churchill was transformed into The Turing Hub networking space with catering, a poster exhibition and seating options. Branded fabric banners hung from the ceiling, and plants and decorative items completed the look.
Pickwick, the venue’s open-plan space with fabulous views over Westminster Abbey, featured demonstrator stands and catering with branded column wraps. Olivier and Gielgud – the venue’s flexible and smaller-scale spaces, were used for workshops.
The flexible Whittle, Fleming and Mountbatten conference rooms were used to present the event’s education sessions, with specialised lighting to create themed backdrops and branded lecterns.
The light and airy Britten, Cambridge and Windsor spaces were employed for demonstrator stands and catering while the fourth floor was dedicated to smaller meetings, together with a breastfeeding room, wellbeing room / prayer room and back-office space.
Location
The QEII Centre was selected for a second year due to its location in the heart of Westminster, the UK’s political centre. The venue is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament and other iconic Westminster landmarks and major transport routes. Being situated in the heart of historic Westminster, the QEII is within walking distance of St. James’ Park, Westminster and Victoria tube and mainline stations, within easy reach of Charing Cross and Waterloo, and accessible to all five of London’s international airports.
It was also chosen because of its commitment to sustainability – the venue holds the Greengage ECOSmart Gold Award 2023 and the Green Tourism Silver award. Its status as an accessible venue, with step-free access for all meeting and conference rooms, nine-passenger lifts, all of which can accommodate a wheelchair, no fixed seating, ramps, disabled toilets and permanent induction loops, was also a factor in decision-making. The venue was also selected because of its size and facilities, including QEII Live and catering by QEII Taste.