Management of the MICE complex ExCel London is resolutely optimistic that demand will return, particularly for internal meetings. This is borne out by the latest Global Meetings & Events Forecast report published by the dedicated division of American Express GBT. It forecasts that " internal meetings will continue to be the fastest growing category in 2023 in all regions "and notes that, in some regions, they are ". already back to 2019 levels ".
The management of ExCel shares this view, as James Rees, Executive Director of Conferences and Events, points out: " Prior to the pandemic, the importance of internal meetings may have been considered secondary by some organisations. But we're now seeing a significant shift in priorities, with internal meetings set to see the biggest percentage increase this year, at 4.5 % globally ".
ExCel intends to be at the forefront of this growth, and to present itself in all its finery. With this in mind, London's largest events centre has just completed a major refurbishment of its Platinum Suite - a reported six-figure investment. This stand-alone conference centre, with its three levels able to accommodate up to 1100 participantsExCel, therefore, enters the spring of 2023 in a new light. The management of ExCel points to " a new look, a new ambience, (...) new lighting elements "He was delighted with the collaboration between the design team and British artist Liam Roberts.
James Rees therefore intends to capitalise on this in-house investment, but also to make the most of other arguments with MICE customers: " For ExCeL, the refurbishment of the Platinum Suite allows us to further enhance our offering in this sector, while taking into account factors such as being just 12 minutes from central London thanks to the new Elizabeth Line - and three minutes from Canary Wharf. ".
