Samantha Shamkh joined ExCeL London 17 years ago and has overseen the growth of association business , which now accounts for 35 % of the venue ’ s total conference and event revenues . In 2015 , ExCeL had more association meetings than ever , with the European Society of Cardiology event ( ESC 2015 ) breaking all previous records .
Last year ’ s highlights included Euroanaesthesia , The ERS International Congress , ECTRIMS and the Royal College of Psychiatrists , as well as the return EULAR .
This year the venue will host the European Association of Urology ( EAU ), as well as ARLA ( Association of Residential Letting Agents ), The ADI Team Congress , Offshore Wind
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Energy and The British Geriatric Society .
Shamkh ’ s main focus is international associations , particularly those based in Europe , as well as growing national association business .
“ We work closely with each association to understand their objectives , ensuring that they get the most from hosting their congress in London ,” Shamkh explains . With the support of London & Partners , we can help our clients to grow their attendance , achieve a greater global outreach and increase educational or scientific content .”
ExCeL and L & P also help organisers extend the lifecycle of their congress . and organised ESC ’ s Heart Trail , which promoted healthy hearts
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ExCeL ICC London in numbers :
• 4,600 delegate auditorium , expandable to 7,000 delegates
• 90,000sqm adjacent exhibition space
• 23 meeting rooms within the Capital Suite and London Suite
• 6 executive board rooms
• 2,700 seated banqueting space
• Access to an additional 53 meetings rooms and 58 offices
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and lifestyles and encouraged Londoners to participate in an interactive trail from Southbank to Tower Bridge . They also supported a Diabetes UK local roadshow by negotiating complimentary promotional space in Canary Wharf .
Last May the venue launched ‘ ExChange at ExCeL ’ – a series of seminars for association executives , an idea born out of client feedback . “ It became clear that industry wanted a forum to network and share new ideas . From that ExChange at ExCel ,” says Shamkh . “ Our first event welcomed 25 guests and focused on how organisers can use content and communications to build a successful event community , helping to extend the lifecycle of their event .”
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