EVENT PLANNER GUIDE 2020 CONTENTS WELCOME TEAM BUILDING 17 TRANSPORT 46 TO LONDON 4 – Getting around London 48 – How we can help 5 SECTOR INSIGHTS 19 – Elizabeth Line 50 – London at a glance 6 – Tech London 20 – Tube map 54 – Financial London 21 – Creative London 22 DISCOVER – Medical London 23 YOUR LONDON 8 – Urban London 24 – New London 9 – Luxury London 10 – Royal London 11 PARTNER INDEX 26 – Sustainable London 12 – Cultural London 14 THE TOWER ROOM 44 – Leafy Greater London 15 – Value London 16 Opening its doors after an impressive renovation... This urban sanctuary, situated in the heart of Mayfair, offers 307 contemporary rooms and suites, luxurious amenities and exquisite drinking and dining options overseen by Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton. Four flexible meeting spaces, including a Ballroom with capacity up to 700, offer a stunning setting for any event, from intimate meetings to banquet-style 2 Event Planner Guide 2020 3 thebiltmoremayfair.com parties and weddings. WELCOME TO LONDON Thanks for taking the time to consider London for your next event. Whether you’re looking for a new high-tech So why not bring your delegates to the capital space or a historic building with more than and let them enjoy all that we have to offer. How we can help Stay connected Register for updates As London’s official convention conventionbureau.london conventionbureau.london/register: 2,000 years of history, we’re delighted to bureau, we’re here to help you conventionbureau@ find out what’s happening in introduce you to the best hotels and venues, Please use this Event Planner Guide as a create a world-class experience for londonandpartners.com London with our monthly event as well as the DMCs who can help you achieve practical index and inspiration – and contact your delegates. We make it easy to +44 (0)20 7234 5833 (UK) planner newsletter. that wow-factor. the London Convention Bureau team for find the best venues, hotels and +1 646 844 0556 (US) assistance with your next London event. activities, while connecting you with london_cvb londonandpartners.com/eye-on- specialists who can help organise @London_CVB london/register: help us promote The city is home to more than 1,000 diverse your event. London by receiving the latest venues, from blank canvas warehouse spaces stats and insights to share with to purpose-built conference centres, grand We can help you save time with: your network. palaces and state-of-the-art auditoriums. There • Free, impartial advice about are more than 159,000 hotel rooms from venues, hotels, PCOs and DMCs. The London Convention Bureau • Creative ideas for delegate is part of London & Partners, budget to boutique and group activities that activities and entertainment. the Mayor of London’s official will help you explore your creative potential! • Travel advice and group discounts promotional agency. We promote Whether it is for 10 or 35,000 attendees, an Tracy Halliwell MBE on travel across London. London internationally as a leading exclusive incentive programme or a city-wide Director Tourism, Conventions & Events • Incentive ideas for clients. city in which to invest, work, study • Site inspection planning. and visit. tech event – London has it all. London & Partners 4 Event Planner Guide 2020 5 160,000+ bedrooms 81 9,700 190+ museums generated more than £100m in orders in 2018 1,098+ 776,000 life science people employed companies in financial and in London professional service jobs 6 Event Planner Guide 2020 7 NEW LONDON Experience a different side Continue to create memorable of London during each visit, experiences at the Hilton London as exciting new spaces open Metropole – one of Europe’s every year. largest conference hotels. There’s up to 4,100 sqm of pillar-free space Take advantage of the state-of-the- and its recently renovated ballroom art AV facilities at 155 Bishopsgate. is not to be missed. This latest offering in theetc.venues portfolio features three suites, with As a global city, it’s no surprise that the largest accommodating up to London continues to wow delegates 600 people for a conference or with its accommodation options. 400 for a seated dinner. The Mandarin Oriental recently completed the most-extensive Head to the river Thames for a restoration in its history – a water-based experience. Jump phenomenal project overseen by aboard the Silver Sturgeon via their reclaimed designer Joyce Wang. DISCOVER new pier at Embankment and treat Edwardian Hotels London is set to your guests to a drink at the open its 12th hotel in the capital, The dramatic steel and glass bar on the Londoner. Located in the popular YOUR Upper Deck. Or why not supersize Leicester Square, this hotel comes your event on the stunning packed with bars, restaurants and OCEANDIVA multi-purpose ship – two Odeon cinemas. Keep an eye LONDON the first CO2 neutral floating venue out for a future film premier taking in the world with space for up to place at this iconic venue. 1,500 guests. For something a little quirky, explore If you’re looking for stunning nhow London, the company’s first wrap-around views of London, UK venture. Situated in the heart of visit the Atmosphere 28 – Sky Loft, east London, this design hotel has situated in the Millbank Tower. three laboratories for hosting The reclaimed wooden flooring events, each with a character of and exposed brickwork create their own. Be sure to end the day the perfect setting for your with a delicious meal next to the corporate event. cosy log fire. Hidden gems: The Londoner The Arch London | The LaLiT London | Prince Philip House 8 Event Planner Guide 2020 9 ROYAL LONDON Uncover London’s rich history with truly regal events in royal palaces and stunning halls. Let your delegates sample a taste of Continue the journey into the Or, dazzle your guests with an event royal life by exploring one of capital’s rich royal history with a trip at Banqueting House in Whitehall. London’s many palaces. Each year, to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A Home to a stunning painted ceiling by from late July until the end of short tube journey from central Rubens, the building was created to September, the lavish Buckingham London, these famous gardens offer host extravagant court entertainment Palace opens its doors to visitors an intimate glimpse into the lives of for James I. and showcases a special exhibition. past royal families. Another of Historic Royal Palaces’ From here, you can stroll through For a truly memorable experience, venues available for private hire is St James’s Park, one of eight choose a royal venue as the setting the Tower of London, where your Royal Parks across the city, to for your event. Soak up almost delegates can enjoy a drinks Westminster Abbey, the historic 400 years of history with a dinner reception and a private viewing setting of some of the most famous or reception at Kensington Palace, of the crown jewels. royal weddings and coronations. which has been home to many popular royals including Queen Experience a British classic at Victoria, Diana, Princess of Wales Fortnum & Mason and try a and at present Prince William luxurious afternoon tea with the and his family. finest selection of delicious treats. The tea came to boast a royal The Landmark London pedigree thanks to a bespoke blend specially created for King Hidden gems: Edward VII. Hampton Court Palace | Royal Mews LUXURY LONDON Discover London’s luxurious offerings, from Michelin- starred restaurants to spectacular views over the city. Embrace some of the finest views from any bedroom back to classic dishes and traditional techniques or for at the InterContinental London – The O2 and you an exquisite private dining experience, choose Roux’s might be lucky to spot some famous musicians who legendary culinary expertise and creativity at The perform in the famous arena. Stay in the capital’s highest Langham, London. hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London with spectacular all round views of the capital. One of the Other sumptuous offerings include traditional afternoon city’s newest hotel openings, Kimpton Fitzroy London tea at Claridge’s or at the Winter Garden Restaurant in has a fabulous Palm Court at its heart. The Landmark London. Taste another classic at the Pie Room at Rosewood London, where one of Britain’s Ensure delegates are well catered for at a top restaurant most iconic dishes is served with dedication. – try seasonal dishes at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London or experience culinary excellence at the Maybourne Hotel Group, which has two Michelin-starred chefs in residence: Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. Michelin- Hidden gems: starred chef Tom Kerridge at the Corinthia Hotel The Goring | The Hari | The Stafford | Banqueting House London created the first London restaurant harking 11 Cadogan Gardens 10 Event Planner Guide 2020 11 TOP 5 1. London is the world’s first SUSTAINABLE FACTS National Park City, with 33% of its area dedicated to green The Mayor of London has set space. Take the opportunity to out an ambition for the city to be enjoy a green getaway and visit zero carbon, zero emissions and one of our 151 registered parks zero waste by 2050. Go green and gardens, 8 Royal Parks and 4 and use these sustainable tips UNESCO World Heritage sites. for your stay in London: 2. Choose London’s sustainable options for travelling. All double decker buses are now hybrid and all single decker buses will be zero emission by 2020. Or flag down one of the famous black cabs – all will have zero emissions by 2033. SUSTAINABLE LONDON 3.