Superbrands UK Annual Vol.20 Olympia

Brand History

1886 Architect Henry Edward Coe reveals Olympia London’s elevation, showing the iconic 170 ft clear span of the roof. On Boxing Day, Olympia London opens its doors to the public with the Paris Hippodrome Circus.

1888 The First Great Horse Show takes place, and remains one of Olympia London’s calendar The home of inspirational events, Olympia London opened its doors in 1886. highlights as The London International Horse Show. Established as a London architectural, cultural and events landmark, it is the capital’s busiest venue, welcoming more than 1.6 million visitors attending 1908 Olympia London hosts the fi rst Ideal Home Show, which is still held at the over 220 events and contributing £1.2bn to the economy each year venue today.

1919 The Cycle and Motor Cycle Show is held at Olympia London.

Market 1955 Olympia London hosts the fi rst The events sector is worth £42.3bn to the Boat Show. UK economy, with conferences and meetings accounting for £19.9bn and exhibitions and 1958 Olympia London hosts the fi rst trade fairs generating £11bn (on direct spend). computer exhibition, the British Electronic Computer Exhibition, Olympia London is one of the capital’s preferred in Olympia National. exhibitions and conferences venues, thanks to its world-class offerings and location – only 25 minutes 1967 Jimi Hendrix, The Animals and from Heathrow airport and reachable by various a young Pink Floyd play Olympia London. public transport connections in Kensington.

Combining seven spaces to form 45,000 sq ft, 1992 The Smash Hits Awards are hosted at the venue. this iconic venue hosts over 220 events welcoming 1.6 million guests each year, contributing £1.2bn Olympia London celebrates 125 years to the UK economy annually. 2012 with specially commissioned works of art, including pieces by artist Product DID YOU KNOW? Recent Developments Peter Blake. Showcasing unrivalled heritage and architecture, 2018 marked the announcement of a £1bn the Victorian Grade II listed building offers investment plan, set to enhance Olympia 2013 Following a multimillion-pound clients more than a venue space, but an All monarchs from Queen London’s world-class offering and to cement revamp and disassociation extension of the award-winning expert team. Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II it as a destination for events, creativity and from Earls Court, the business From operations to marketing and an event entrepreneurship, positioning the venue for is rebranded as Olympia London. industry blog to sustainability; the results have attended an event the next 130 years. are seen in increased footfall, which has risen 2019 A £1bn project to transform Olympia from 700,000 to 1.6 million guests since 2011. at Olympia London The plans, approved by London into a destination for events, & Council, will turn the 14-acre site culture and business is approved into a destination. The award-winning practices by Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Conceptualised by British designer hosting centenary events such as The London Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC are leading Olympia London holds one of the highest Promotion Thomas Heatherwick, it is the biggest International Horse Show and Ideal Home Show. on the design and implementation of the project. Despite its 133-year history, Olympia London employee retention rates in the sector. In 2019, investment in the venue to date. The transformation, set to begin in 2020, as a brand is fairly young, being established 45% of permanent staff had been with the Its elegant Victorian arches have also seen is expected to create more than 3,000 new six years ago following disassociation from venue for 10 years or more. Carrying unrivalled inspirational personalities such as Vivienne construction jobs over the next fi ve years, its bigger sister, Earls Court. industry expertise, the venue’s teams are one of Engaging with the local community is another Westwood hold her fi rst catwalk show as well in addition to approximately 5,400 new jobs the top indicators to drive customer satisfaction. integral part of its values, with initiatives that as performances by Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd; locally once it is completed. It will also bring It has since grown exponentially, reaching include electing a local charity to support not to mention showcasing contemporary themes an extra £9m per year in consumer spending Superbrand status in 2017, and owns the fastest Sustainability is at the core of a world-class offering, each year and backing local causes whenever such as inclusivity with Drag World and the biggest to Hammersmith & Fulham. growing social media audience in its sector which includes grassroots initiatives championing necessary, such as fundraising for the local fashion trade event in the county: Pure London. with a 28% growth rate in 2018 (compared environment, community and education. residents. Achievements Working closely with English Heritage to an average of 5% among direct competitors). The home of inspirational events, Olympia London Over the years, the venue has been recognised to preserve its original architecture, For more than a decade, Olympia London has Over the course of its 133 years, the ‘home opened its doors in 1886 and was established with an array of accolades and in 2018 achieved the project will also bring new features Recent news covering the venue’s redevelopment sent 0% waste to landfi ll with 98% recycled of inspirational events’ has created lifelong as an architectural, cultural and events London Superbrand status for the second consecutive to London, such as a 1,500-seat theatre; has been seen or heard an estimated 215 million and the remaining 2% converted into renewable memories for millions of people. Keeping true landmark. It is a prime choice for exhibitions, year. It was also awarded the Silver Green a 1,000-seat performing arts venue and times over print, online and broadcast. energy. More recently, single-use plastic has to its brand values and showcasing a solid vision conferences and live events; making it one Tourism Awards; acknowledged with the London 670,000 sq ft of creative offi ce space. been one of the focuses of sustainability at the for the next 130 years, Olympia London continues of the busiest venues in London. Holding a strong Healthy Workplace Achievement Certifi cate; In addition, there will be 2.5 acres of new Brand Values venue, with plastic straws and cutlery abolished to ‘wow’ with its rich heritage and bright future. link to the capital’s history, it has survived two and recognised with British Safety Council’s public spaces such as botanical gardens, Refl ecting a strong set of values encompassing and disposable coffee cups recycled via a ‘closed world wars and seismic political changes whilst Five Star Health and Safety Accreditation. restaurants and retail, accessible to everyone. care, commitment, passion, trust and respect, loop’ system. superbrands.uk.com olympia.london