London’s iconic venue, QEII Centre, launched its new-look in Westminster, 13 November, welcoming clients, event agencies, buyers and media to a sparkling party to celebrate the makeover.
A building that used to look more like an East European embassy, has had the architects in to give a much-needed makeover, with the first two stages now complete of a £12m investment.
With walls flooded in icy blue lighting and an ice sculpture etched with an iconic Big Ben scene, guests to the QEII Centre (the word ‘conference’ has been dropped from the title but very much still on the business radar, according to chief executive Mark Taylor) were welcomed into a winter wonderland inspired foyer.
Two friendly huskies were on guard at the door to strengthen the winter theme and provide good photo opportunities.
Taylor introduced the official launch of a rebranding project that, he said, had been 18 months in the making.
“In branding terms, we have not only rebranded in a contemporary design to reflect our vision going forward, but we have also altered our name to simply ‘QEII Centre’ to reflect the diversity of our event portfolio and capabilities. We’re always a centre for conferences, but also for exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, banquets, awards presentations and more; a focal point for knowledge and for fine service.
“The QEII was built as a beacon of British excellence, craftsmanship and technology and we are determined to return the centre to its former standing as London’s finest multi-purpose events facility.”
Guests later gravitated to the tropical themed Pickwick Suite to the sounds of Cuban band Kandela mi Son and the moves of feather-clad Samba dancers from Brazilian Fantasy.
Suppliers to the re-launch event included in-house caterer Leith’s, event management company.