Exhibition News July 2021 | Page 39

Venue showcase

Olympia London 135-year facade
The iconic Olympia grand arches

Building back better

Olympia London to focus on inclusivity and innovation to ‘ build back better ’

All around the country , the industry is gearing up to restart large events . After a year of restrictions , Olympia London staff welcomed guests into its event spaces for the London Mayoral Election vote count last month . Now , the West London venue is getting ready to welcome visitors to a calendar of consumer and trade events . To safely open its Grade II listed buildings , the venue has worked with the industry to ensure safety measures are comprehensive , sensible , and instil visitor confidence while still offering the warm welcome it is known for . Looking further ahead , Olympia London is taking steps to strengthen its vision for inclusivity across the industry , starting with its internal diversity and inclusion group , and being an active member of industry initiatives . Shortlisted for the EN Awards for Best Company Culture , it has kept sustainability at the top of the agenda maintaining a record for zero waste to landfill for a decade . Along with other leading businesses , the venue is looking into how they can go further to aim for net zero greenhouse gases in the future . In 2020 , the £ 1.3bn regeneration of the Olympia masterplan to expand into a world-leading cultural destination continued on schedule . The plans were informed by five years of research with organisers , exhibitors and visitors whose feedback included the desire for onsite hotels , working spaces , more options for restaurants and bars ; and pre and post-event entertainment . Trafalgar Entertainment recently signed up to run the state-of-the-art theatre as part of this exciting new visitor destination . It ’ s set to be the largest theatre built in London since the National Theatre in 1976 . The fourth high-profile signing , it joins lifestyle and entertainment brands AEG Presents that will run the live music venue , and Hyatt and citizenM that will run two hotels as anchor tenants of the 14-acre site . It will offer event visitors , day-trippers and tourists a whole host of entertainment and hospitality experiences while enhancing what ’ s on offer to local residents on their doorstep . Our industry aims to ‘ build back better ’ and Olympia London will have a firm focus on inclusion and collaboration inside and beyond its walls . Anna Golden , commercial director said : “ Our vision is to ensure we help influence and build a more sustainable industry and maximise its positive impact , working together with our suppliers , customers and peers . We understand that looking after our community and respecting diversity aren ’ t only desirable values but crucial pillars for the sustainability of our businesses , and the industry , going forward .”

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