Leading London events venue ExCeL today announced a new long-term partnership strategy aimed at further unlocking growth beyond its core events business.
Hosting around 400 events and four million visitors annually, the Royal Docks venue is currently experiencing its busiest year on record, up 10% on the previous pre-pandemic record in 2019. Due to growing demand, the venue is in the final stages of a 25,000 m2 expansion program – opening in October 2024 – along with ongoing redevelopment plans to deliver more family and immersive experiences, in line with recent events such as Disney100: The ExhibitionFormula E and Jurassic World: the exhibition.
The new project will be led by consultant Jonathan Neill, who will work with the existing commercial ExCeL team to create and implement new partnerships for the site. Neill has over 25 years of industry experience and has worked with major brands such as The O2, Visit Britain and Barclays bank.
Simon Mills, Chief Commercial Officer of ExCeL, said of the announcement: “London’s events industry is booming and ExCeL is at the heart of it, experiencing our busiest year yet with booming visitor numbers and contributing around 25% of all inbound business tourism to the capital. .
“The timing is now right to expand this position and explore opportunities beyond our core business and our wider 100 hectare estate. We are very excited about our long-term growth plans and know Jonathan has the experience and business ability to make this happen.”
Neill added: “ExCeL builds connections, drives innovation and is a true symbol of collaboration and creativity. With the venue’s expansion plans and continued development of live attractions, we look forward to developing our partnership proposition, connecting with new, like-minded brands and working together to create partnerships that add real value.”
ExCeL is certified carbon neutral and will continue its busy events program this year, including major events such as MCM Comic Con, Disney 100: The Exhibition, Kingdom of Winter and the London International Horse Show, as well as leading corporate conferences, congresses and exhibitions including World Travel Market and Brand Licensing Europe.