Association Event Network | Page 13

March 2017 Venue View 13

ExCeLling for associations

Many large organisations and venues have dedicated association staff , such is the importance of this industry sub-sector . We meet the head of conventions at ExCeL London , Samantha Shamkh , who is spearheading the venue ’ s drive for association meetings business
Association business is providing an ever increasing share of ExCeL London revenues
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
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
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
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 .”