Somerset House Corporate Events Team Achieves Best Financial Year to Date in 2017

Somerset House is predicting a busy year ahead, after revealing a record increase in event bookings and revenue over the last 12 months. 

The historic central London venue and centre for contemporary culture has seen a 32% increase in revenue and 49% increase in number of bookings. This is the Corporate Events Team’s biggest achievement to date, and its successful year is attributed to the launch and promotion of a range of new event spaces and new packages.

New spaces introduced in 2017 included the blank canvas River and Lancaster Rooms, now popular for fashion shows and product launches and the versatile Embankment Galleries, which can accommodate up to 800 guests.

In October 2017, the Events Team at Somerset House also launched Day Delegate Rate packages for the first time, which further contributed to the rise in bookings. The packages allowed conference guests access to the unique and versatile Portico Rooms, for an all-inclusive price per head.

Summer and Christmas party bookings rose by 37 % and 42% respectively from the previous year, following the launch of a variety of package options.  The River Terrace, with a standing capacity of 500 and views over the River Thames and London skyline, was the most popular choice for outdoor events making up 64% of all summer 2017 bookings. 

Another added feature for 2017 was the option for companies to hire the 900m² ice rink on the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, as part of their Christmas party celebrations. Many event organisers chose this option to add a spectacular skating experience for their guests. 

Between January and December 2017, Somerset House hosted 139 events and worked with over 32 brands including Bosch and Chanel.  The number of companies on its list of preferred event suppliers has reached 41. 

Kara Clark, Co-Head of Events at Somerset House comments: “We are thrilled that the introduction of new events spaces and packages have led to a record increase in confirmed bookings at Somerset House – 2017 was an incredibly busy and exciting year. A lot of the success is down to the dedication and hard work of our award-winning Events Team, who have all come up with creative ideas to ensure our world-renowned venue is also versatile enough to cater for any occasion, large or small. As a centre of contemporary culture, we set out to offer our guests added value, whether that is offering a private viewing of a current exhibition or a bespoke tour, and I think we helped to enhance many client events in 2017.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic 2018 and already have plans in place to extend our events offering further – watch this space,” she adds.

www.somersethouse.org.uk