Venue Updata
From a new private dining experience at Britain's highest pub, to a redesign at a modern classic in Shoreditch, via birthdays in Birmingham and a record year at Excel, it's been a very busy month for venue news and updates from the UK and beyond.
Excel reports record year for new business in 2026
Excel London is set for a record-breaking year for new business in 2026 hosting 23 major new, relocated and peripatetic international events.
High-profile events including London Build and the Digital Accountancy Show are among the shows all electing to make the switch, attracted by the venue’s shared growth strategy, unrivalled transport links and its £350 million investment programme across F&B, technology and digital offerings.
The 23 events include the launches of NoVacancy London (25-26 February), World of Triathlon Live (28-29 March) and the Paper & Tissue Show (11-12 November), together with relocated events such as the London Card Show (17-19 April) and the Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX Europe), (25-26 November).
This year’s 23 new shows also add to the venue’s mounting tally of 73 new or relocated events it’s hosted since 2019, such as The Meetings Show (2021), the London International Horse Show (2021), Reset Connect (2022) and last year’s Retail Technology Show, which enjoyed an 11 per cent growth on its debut.
The trend is already set to continue into 2027 with the London Book Fair recently announcing its decision to relocate with a multi-year relocation deal linked to its wider growth strategy. In total, the additional shows hosted in 2026 will equate to almost 250,000 sqm of event space.
NEC marks 50-year anniversary with new future-facing brand
NEC is marking its 50th anniversary with a future-focused brand that unites its venues under one consumer identity. Over five decades it has hosted more than 36,000 events, welcomed 153 million visitors and generated over £50 billion for the West Midlands. Once known mainly for exhibition halls, it now operates a broad portfolio spanning conferences, arena tours, sport and immersive entertainment across the NEC Campus, bp pulse LIVE, the Vox, Utilita Arena Birmingham and ICC Birmingham.
Investment this year will prioritise immersive experiences, including a new purpose-built venue opening later in 2026. Major upcoming events include DreamHack, long-run attractions such as the Gladiators Experience and the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, plus concerts from global artists and high-profile conferences including IWG Global Summit and the European Robotics Forum.
CEO Paul Reeve said the milestone is less about looking back than positioning the “Nation’s Experience Capital” to attract world-class events and support the UK’s cultural and economic future.
The Hoxton celebrates 20 years with reimagined interiors in Shoreditch
The Hoxton Shoreditch has completed a full interior refresh to mark its 20th anniversary. The project, led by Ennismore’s in-house design team, AIME Studios, has updated the hotel’s 210 bedrooms and public spaces while retaining signature elements such as herringbone parquet flooring, oversized circular mirrors and natural wood fixtures.
Alongside existing room types - Shoebox, Cosy and Roomy - the hotel has introduced a new Cosy Up category, featuring a bar/lounge area designed for leisure travellers. Select rooms can also interconnect, providing flexible accommodation for families or groups.
The redesign incorporates a refreshed colour palette of muted blues, earthy greens and warm amber upholstery, creating a contemporary yet inviting atmosphere. The update reflects both the hotel’s evolving style and its commitment to guest comfort, while maintaining the distinctive character that has made The Hoxton Shoreditch a notable destination in the London hospitality scene over the past two decades.
Wyboston Lakes Resort opens The Box
Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire has added a new events space called The Box.
The 900 square metre, purpose-built space has a capacity for 400 and can host standalone events or be used as an extension for existing events.
Richard Smith, chief commercial Officer at Wyboston Lakes Resort, said the new space, which will open in July 2026, had already booked some events.
"This is a major addition to our portfolio of event spaces, giving organisers more creative freedom and even greater scope to deliver truly unforgettable experiences," he said.
Iconic Luxury Hotels rebrands as Iconic Hotels & Resorts
L+R has announced the launch of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, marking the evolution of its legacy brand, Iconic Luxury Hotels. The new platform combines the heritage of Iconic Luxury Hotels and L+R Hotels, with a focus on strengthening each property’s individual identity while delivering consistent service standards and performance aligned with owners’ objectives.
Backed by L+R’s discretionary capital, the initial portfolio spans five countries and provides a foundation for future growth, including partnerships with third-party owners and capital partners. L+R has committed more than £200 million towards renovations across the collection.
The portfolio includes UK properties such as Cliveden House, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square and Strand Palace Hotel, alongside international assets including Fairmont Monte Carlo (pictured), Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido and Palm House. Further expansion plans are expected later this year.
National sales director Lisa Lernoux-Dock said: "Our portfolio has evolved beautifully - historic country estates, intimate townhouses, vibrant city landmarks, and relaxed beachfront resorts. This new identity reflects that breadth and diversity. What remains unchanged is our commitment to genuine hospitality and our belief that every property should have the freedom to express its own personality."
To support the launch and lead the next phase of growth, Shan Kanagasingham has been appointed chief operating officer of Iconic Hotels & Resorts.
One in three workers never spends time outdoors with colleagues, new Center Parcs research finds
New research has found that employees are craving corporate events that offer what the office cannot: time outdoors. Research from Center Parcs Conferences & Events has found nearly a third of employees (31 per cent) spend no time outside with colleagues, while over half (53 per cent) get less than one hour per month.
While 63 per cent of employees want events in natural settings, 25 per cent feel current corporate events don’t reflect this preference. Hybrid working has increased screen time, and 68 per cent say they want to unplug during work events, highlighting demand for in-person experiences that support wellbeing as well as productivity.
“People have grown tired of ‘tick-box’ events in stuffy conference rooms,” says Julia Green, head of corporate events at Center Parcs. “Employees spend just over two hours a month outside with colleagues - roughly the length of a single meeting. It’s no wonder they’re craving time outdoors to reconnect and reset.”
Hilton Birmingham Metropole celebrates 50 years at the heart of Birmingham
Hilton Birmingham Metropole is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades as one of the UK’s largest hotels and conference venues. Opened in 1976, the hotel has welcomed millions of guests and hosted a wide range of business events, exhibitions and social occasions, reflecting its long-standing role in the Midlands’ hospitality sector. Operated by Hilton, it is currently the brand’s third largest property in the UK.
To recognise the milestone, the hotel will run a programme of activity throughout the year, highlighting its history and the people who have worked there. Plans include events, guest stories and experiences that chart its development over five decades, alongside a commemorative brand identity acknowledging its heritage and future direction.
Nicola Betley, general manager, said: “For 50 years, Hilton Birmingham Metropole has been more than just a hotel – it has been a place where careers are built and communities connect
Lime Venue Portfolio welcomes retreat-style Lakeside Conference Centre in York
Lime Venue Portfolio has expanded its collection of venues with the addition of Lakeside Conference Centre, a contemporary venue designed to inspire innovation, located at the heart of York Biotech Campus.
The new addition gives event planners even more choice within the portfolio in the North of England, while opening the doors to a venue with strong relevance for brands and organisations looking to align with elite research, technology, learning, bioscience, and medicine.
Set within 32 hectares of wooded countryside just outside York, Lakeside Conference Centre combines an atmosphere of escapism with the credibility of a leading science and innovation hub. It offers event organisers the flexibility to run discreet strategy sessions, blue-sky thinking retreats, or content-rich conferences supported by impressive on-site facilities.
One of the standout features is the venue’s 250-seat auditorium, further lending itself to educational events, screenings, and high-impact presentations. Equally, with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural daylight throughout the venue, as well as outdoor and inside break and relaxation areas, the Lakeside environment offers delegates space to reflect, relax, and take stock of conference content.
ICC Wales joins IAPCO
ICC Wales has joined the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), marking an important step in the venue’s continued commitment to excellence and collaboration within the global meetings and events industry. The partnership represents a strategic move in strengthening ICC Wales’ credentials among international associations, PCOs and event planners.
ICC Wales will gain access to the IAPCO Education Programme, including participation in IAPCO EDGE Seminars, which deliver world-class learning for meetings professionals. The venue will also benefit from face-to-face engagement with IAPCO members through selected industry touchpoints, as well as enhanced brand visibility across IAPCO’s communication channels.
Discussing the new partnership, Craig Bingham, MD of ICC Wales (pictured) said: “Joining IAPCO marks a pivotal strategic step for ICC Wales as we deepen our connections across the international meetings community.
“Ultimately, it propels our long-term vision to establish ICC Wales as a world-class venue partner for professional associations and landmark global events, while championing the meetings industry’s ongoing growth and excellence.”
Fairfield hotel to open alongside the British Motor Museum
Work has begun on a hotel that will provide accommodation for delegates attending conferences and events at the British Motor Museum.
The 142-bedroom Fairfield by Marriott hotel, which will be adjacent to the Warwickshire venue, is slated to open in June 2027.
The British Motor Museum - home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars – offers flexible conference and meetings space that holds up to 600 delegates. It also offers 2,255 square metres of exhibition space and 65 acres of outdoor event space.
Toby Batchelor, head of commerce at the museum, said having a hotel nearby would make it easier for the venue to host residential programmes and support early starts and evening events.
“The British Motor Museum is a distinctive and proven venue for business events, as well as a creative and inspiring destination for visitors," he said.
“The hotel is a separate, independently operated business, but we will be working closely with their management and delivery teams to maximise benefits for our delegates and visitors.
"For planners, the Fairfield will add an extra layer of ease, with accommodation close at hand and a consistent standard guests can trust.”
Women in Tech SEO Festival returns to the Barbican for the fifth time
Barbican Business Events welcomed the Women in Tech SEO back to the Barbican for the fifth time, with a full day programme designed for learning, connection and community.
Taking place in the Barbican Hall, delegates explored four key themes, Analyse, Advance, Innovate and Empower, with sessions covering the rapidly evolving search landscape and the practical realities of building visibility, trust and growth in 2026.
Topics included AI search and “agentic” journeys, using data to win stakeholder buy in, purposeful content frameworks, generative information retrieval, AI driven content workflows, and what platforms like Reddit mean for authentic brand engagement.
Francesca Pacinella, account manager at Barbican Business Events said: “Welcoming Women in Tech SEO back for a fifth time is a real point of pride for the Barbican. WTSFest creates a brilliant atmosphere of learning and belonging, and it is exactly the kind of community led event our spaces are built to support. From the Barbican Hall experience to the Conservatory party, we are delighted to play our part in another standout.”
Areej AbuAli, Founder of Women in Tech SEO said: “Returning to the Barbican feels like coming home. The space enables the scale and energy of WTSFest, and it supports what matters most to us, meaningful learning, genuine connection, and a community where people feel welcome.”
The event is expected to take place at the Barbican through to 2028.
Somerset House launches new insights paper spotlighting 25 years of change and what’s coming next for events
Somerset House has launched a new insights paper, An Eventful 25 Years, examining how the events industry has evolved over the past quarter century and where it may head next. Published as part of its 25th anniversary programme, the report draws on views from resident creatives, partners and suppliers to explore shifts in audience behaviour, technology, sustainability, catering, floristry and production.
The paper notes rising demand for immersive, personalised experiences and the growing strategic role of AI, hybrid participation and data in event design. It highlights sustainability as a baseline expectation, from low-waste catering to carbon tracking and sustainable production methods. Food and floristry are increasingly seen as central to storytelling and brand identity, while production innovation continues to accelerate.
Looking ahead, the report forecasts growth in ROI-led planning, carbon-linked budgeting, hyper-personalisation and wellbeing-focused design, signalling a sector in continued transition.
Britain's highest pub launches coal mining-inspired private dining experience
Tan Hill Inn, the highest inn in Great Britain at 1,732 feet, has unveiled a new private dining experience, King’s Pit Cave, in tribute to its coal mining past. The North Yorkshire inn, dating from the early 1600s, sits on the site of The King’s Pit, a profitable coal mine serving the Crown as far back as the 13th century.
King’s Pit Cave features roughly hewn stone walls, flagged floors and handcrafted wooden furniture, seating up to 10 guests. It includes a private entrance, dedicated table service and an exclusive menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients, complemented by access to the Owner’s Reserve wine list.
The room is part of owner Andrew Hields’s £750,000 investment since 2018, which also refurbished nine bedrooms and updated the barn for weddings. The inn balances historical character with modern comforts, offering guests a unique setting for meetings, dining or celebrations in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
