V
irtual alternatives have no doubt served
BACK IN BUSINESS
a purpose during the trying times of late,
It’s not just hotels readying themselves for a
but there’s a key element often missing
wave of events either, with exhibition centres
when people take to their screens from home
putting all of the necessary protocols in place to
rather than attending an event in-person – the
ensure they can throw open their doors. Design
all-important networking. How many times
Centre Chelsea Harbour has announced that
have business opportunities arisen from a
Focus/21 will take place from 19-24 September,
chance run-in, or at the bar in the early hours?
with the 120 showrooms on site presenting their
There are, however, reasons to be optimistic
new season collections alongside a programme
that these encounters will return in the near
of talks, workshops and artisan demonstrations.
future, as governments around the world
Magazine London on the banks of the River
continue to test the waters on large-scale
Thames meanwhile will be home to the inaugural
gatherings in line with the easing of social
Design London – formerly 100% Design – from
distancing regulations. Kickstarting the road to
22-25 September. The purpose-built venue is
recovery, these pilots are providing light at the
located by a dynamic new Design District, which
end of the tunnel for the hospitality sector.
will offer affordable office and studio space
On-Screen or In-Person... With the UK’s pilot events beginning to pave the way for the return of largescale gatherings, London’s hospitality industry is gearing up for an actionpacked end to the year. Words: Ben Thomas
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FLEXIBILITY FIRST
exclusively for the creative industries when it
One of the fundamental learnings from the
opens this summer.
pandemic is the need to be more flexible,
North of the river, Olympia London – set to
something that hotels across the capital are
undergo a £1.3 billion regeneration over the
taking on board as they reopen their event spaces.
next four years, becoming a new neighbourhood
Operators have been proactive in developing
in itself – will welcome Decorex for the second
concepts geared towards hybrid events; Accor
time from 10-13 October, with its line up of high-
teamed up with Microsoft to combine physical
end exhibitors and installations accompanying a
in-hotel meetings with simultaneous virtual
circus-inspired bar designed by Sara Cosgrove.
interactions, and Radisson installed more
And the cruise sector is preparing to bring
advanced technology in its workspaces. The
live events back to UK shores too; docking at
Royal Lancaster London meanwhile introduced
ExCeL London from 1-2 December, Cruise Ship
a Smart Studio for virtual, hybrid or live events,
Interiors Expo Europe is looking to reunite
installing an extended reality stage, broadcast
the industry for two days of networking and
cameras and TV-ready lighting. The eagerly
conference sessions after what has been a
awaited Pan Pacific London will show off its
turbulent 18 months.
tech-savvy ballroom from September, while
And finally, in what will no doubt be a
The Londoner is set to introduce a 864-capacity
jubilant celebration, AHEAD Europe will return
pillarless ballroom, flexible meeting spaces and
to Evolution on 19 November, honouring the
two private screening rooms powered by the
best in hospitality experience and design across
technology of Odeon Luxe.
the continent.
