Exhibition News March 2020 | Page 51

Advertisment Feature got two fibre-optic data connections of up to 3Gb bandwidth so there’s always backup if one of the feeds fails. While Tobacco Dock can play host to events for up to 10,000 visitors, its unique layout means that they can create bespoke layouts for each event, using different areas ensuring events feel compact and busy. The Great Gallery is one of the largest capacity single events spaces in London, holding more than 1,500 guests for an awards dinner. Commercial director, Jonathan Read, explains: “It has been a privilege to bring a moribund building of such historic importance back to life and regenerate it into one of the most sought- after venues for events of all scales in London. I believe it is catalyst for the best in live experience design. We will continue to invest in improvements to deliver the best possible customer experience and to maintain our position as the go-to venue for creative events in the greatest city in the world.” Read explains that what makes Tobacco Dock unusual is that, because it is so flexible, it acts as a natural incubator for events. Bike Shed, London Halal Food Festival and London Craft Beer Festival all moved to Tobacco Dock because they had outgrown their previous venues and wanted an on-brand space in which they could expand their events over multiple years. In London Craft Beer’s first year (2018), they “It is so flexible it acts as a natural incubator for events” took out just the Vaults, in 2019 they expanded to fill the entire venue. MD, Patrick Donovan, is excited about the next phase in its development: “Tobacco Dock is as unique as the events it hosts and we’ll continue to improve and safeguard this extraordinary building to secure its future as one of the great spaces to hold an event in the UK. In addition to the improvements to the venue, a great source of pride is building our brilliant team and becoming an employer of choice in the events industry.” The venue is continuing to develop the interior spaces and its winter pavilion connecting the two largest spaces is surprisingly warm in the middle of the winter thanks to an extensive, on-demand heating system. They’re also escalating their green credentials, marking their commitment by building an impressive living wall to create a strong entrance to the venue. EN March — 51