Conference News speaks to Elena Gurgul, director of sales and marketing at the QEII Centre, about the launch of “Our London” and how the blank canvas venue has a lot to offer the world of conferences.
The launch of the new digital storybook, titled “Our London,” marks an exciting initiative by the QEII Centre to celebrate and highlight London as a premier global destination for business and events. The storybook, crafted with the intention of showcasing what makes London unique, serves as a comprehensive guide for event organisers for their future events. The primary goal is to emphasise London as a destination for events, making it a multicultural hub unlike any other city. The guide is designed not only to spotlight London’s iconic attractions but also to delve into lesser-known locations that will attract organisers and delegates to the city of London.
Gurgul says: “The storybook is not just a promotional tool for the QEII Centre but a broader narrative that connects the venue to the city’s vibrant ecosystem. It underscores the interdependence between the venue and the city, highlighting how London’s rich offerings, ranging from hospitality to transport and entertainment, contribute to the success of events hosted at the QEII Centre.”
The guide aims to provide useful insights and practical tips for both domestic and international event organisers, helping them navigate the diverse possibilities that London offers as a destination. Gurgul adds: “It emphasises the importance of London as a key player in various sectors, including international associations, technology, sustainability, and community initiatives.
The creation of “Our London” was a collaborative effort involving various departments within the QEII Centre, along with contributions from key figures such as Tracy Halliwell MBE, director of tourism, conventions, and major events, London & Partners, and Heather Lishman, association director for ABPCO. Their input highlights the significance of business events in London and the advantages of choosing the city for international associations, making the guide a valuable resource for understanding the strategic importance of London in the global event landscape.
Gurgul continues: “In terms of impact, the storybook is expected to enhance the appeal of the QEII Centre and London to event organisers worldwide. By promoting London’s unique attributes and the QEII Centre’s strategic location, the guide aims to attract more business, contributing to both the venue’s success and the wider London economy. However, the process of creating this guide has not been without challenges. The lingering effects of COVID-19 have altered the event planning landscape, with organisers now booking events on much shorter timelines. This has created a sense of uncertainty and a need for venues like the QEII Centre to adapt to new market conditions and client expectations.”
Despite these challenges, the QEII Centre remains a standout venue due to its unique location in the heart of London and its capacity to host large-scale events. The storybook reinforces the Centre’s role not just as a venue but as an integral part of London’s vibrant event-hosting infrastructure. By aligning itself with the broader appeal of London, the QEII Centre is positioning itself as a top choice for organisers looking to host events in a city that offers a rich cultural experience, robust support systems, and a global reputation as a leading business destination.
Gurgul concludes: “We are in the heart of London. We wouldn’t exist in isolation. We want to talk about it and show London as a key destination. So not us, you know, as a solo venue, but also as being part of a much bigger reality.”
