ExCeL unveils new arrival experience for world-leading events

Today, on the opening day of Sibos, the world’s premier financial services event, ExCeL has unveiled a new arrival experience. The venue commissioned Biotecture, the UK's leading living wall company, to create a sustainable, hydroponic structure, to run from Custom House Station to the entrance of the venue. 

Over 9,500 plants have been interspersed with LCD screens, back lit advertising sheets, an overhanging LED digital sign, new LED lighting and audio speakers. As well as enhancing the experience, this investment provides organisers with new signage and sponsorship opportunities, allowing them to create an immersive, on-brand welcome, tailored for their event.

As part of ExCeL’s commitment to reduce environmental impact and operate as a more sustainable venue, the living wall has been designed to remove air pollutants, improve biodiversity, produce oxygen and decrease noise. 

The new look walkway was officially launched by Chantal van Es, Head of Sibos, alongside Kate Chambers, Managing Director, Clarion Gaming, Liz Agostini, Event Director, Mash Media and Duncan Custerson, Exhibition Director, International Confex.

Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London, commented: “We are absolutely committed to providing our customers and guests with a first-class experience. Our new walkway, represents another significant investment in creating the right environment, fitting for the world-leading events that are choosing ExCeL This is part of a long-term investment plan, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain the right events, supporting their ambitions for growth.”

This is part of an ambitious programme of investment that is set to continue during 2020 and beyond.  This year ExCeL has formed a partnership with market leader Ruckus Networks, upgrading to the latest W-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5), increasing the number of concurrent users (client devices) to 100,000, an increase of 300%. 

In addition, a suite of new executive rooms has been created, increasing capacity for boardroom meetings.  Orzo, an Italian style deli, also opened this month serving a range of freshly made pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches, all of which will be served without using single use plastic.