As we approach the end of 2018, here's four venue announcements that look ahead into 2019.
ICC Wales looks ahead to 2019 opening
Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, joined meetings and events professionals for ICC Wales’ ‘Taste of Christmas’ event at the Lancaster House in London.
The evening featured festive cocktails, canapes, and updates from Welsh government and the venue’s senior management team on the progress of Wales’ International Convention Centre (ICC).
It was compered by former BBC political correspondent Guto Harri and speeches were given on the night by Alun Cairns MP; Rob Holt, deputy director - tourism development and major events, Welsh Government; and Jill Manley, commercial director, ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort, who all spoke of the huge opportunity for Wales presented by the opening of the ICC Wales next year.
When it opens in July 2019, ICC Wales will provide total floor space for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events of 26,000sqm.
The venue is an £84m joint venture between Celtic Manor and the Welsh Government.
Events @ No 6 makes key appointments ahead of opening
New London venue, Events @ No 6 has appointed Aidan Kelly to lead the team as general manager, whilst Andrew Finch comes in as head chef and Kit Gallagher joins as sales & marketing manager.
With eleven years of GM experience, Kelly is ideally placed to take on the rigours of launching a new venue and establishing its place in the London market.
Events @ No 6 will open its doors in early 2019 and feature spaces capable of hosting up to 210 delegates theatre-style.
Dedicated meeting rooms all include the latest AV equipment for reliable and professional working experiences. Flexible breakout areas will allow delegates a chance to refresh and refuel in naturally lit, open spaces overlooking the City.
VR experience at Saatchi Gallery available as part of private events
The Saatchi Gallery is offering event planners a new virtual reality experience, as part of receptions and conferences until the end of January.
‘We Live in an Ocean of Air’ is a multi-sensory experience, which explores the invisible connection between plants and humans through breath, allowing the viewer to interact with an entire ecosystem around a giant sequoia tree – the largest living individual organism on the planet.
Incorporating breath sensors, heart rate monitors, binaural sound, scent dispersal systems and wind machines, ‘We Live in an Ocean of Air’ extends the boundaries of experience design, offering an unparalleled level of immersion.
Natural History Museum to host Museum of the Moon
Summer 2019 will see Museum of the Moon, by artist Luke Jerram, installed in London’s Natural History Museum.
From 17 May until 8 September 2019, event organisers will have the exclusive opportunity to host their events under the incredible moon.
The art installation, measuring six metres in diameter, features detailed NASA imagery to perfectly recreate the moon’s surface. Since its launch in Bristol in 2016, Jerram’s moon has been enjoyed at festivals, sporting events and in public spaces by thousands of visitors from across the globe.
By day, the art installation will be part of the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. After hours, however, event guests can dance the night away underneath the lunar glow. Museum of the Moon will take centre stage in the stripped back Jerwood Gallery.
By Mike Fletcher