The Professional Guide to London’s Best Event, Conference & Exhibition Venues: A Promotional Guide for Corporate Clients
London stands as as Europe’s business hub and a global titan for corporate events, offering a dazzling array of world-class exhibition spaces, iconic stadium hospitality suites, and luxurious five-star hotels with state-of-the-art conference rooms. This makes the city London an unparalleled destination for corporate roadshows, high-impact product launches, large-scale conferences, exclusive incentive events, and unforgettable VIP experiences.
To navigate this landscape, this guide offers a simple framework. For maximum capacity and an expansive exhibition footprint, your primary choices are ExCeL London or the Olympia National Hall. For prestigious professional conferences in the heart of Westminster, the QEII Centre is the undisputed leader. If you’re planning stylish mid-sized shows or trade summits with a focus on design and networking, the Business Design Centre offers a perfect blend of location and value. For truly unforgettable corporate hospitality that leaves a lasting impression, consider the premium suites at Wembley, Emirates, Tottenham Hotspur, or Twickenham stadiums. Finally, for luxury residential conferences and board-level meetings, the city’s five-star hotels, including The Savoy, The Dorchester, Shangri-La at The Shard, and InterContinental Park Lane, provide an integrated and seamless experience.
In London’s digitally-driven city, a crucial element for event success is attendee engagement. To maximize booth footfall, elevate brand awareness, and ensure VIP satisfaction, we strongly recommend offering on-site phone charging kiosk. Secure phone charging lockers are ideal for events where attendees can leave their phones to immerse themselves in sessions, while tabletop or open phone charging stations are perfect for high-traffic stands and exclusive VIP suites. As a leading provider, Vischarge offers premium, fully branded phone charging units to meet your requirements. As part of an exclusive annual partnership package, we are pleased to offer a complimentary additional fully branded phone charging unit to enhance your event portfolio.

Phone charging lockers with screen and digital code lock
1 — Why London for Corporate Conferences & Exhibitions?
London consistently ranks as one of the world’s premier cities for business events, and for good reason. Its strategic advantages create a powerful proposition for any corporate event planner. The city boasts unmatched transport links, with six international airports providing a gateway to the world and the Eurostar connecting directly to mainland Europe. This global connectivity is complemented by a deep and mature network of local suppliers, from world-class AV production houses to creative event agencies and expert logistics firms.
Furthermore, London offers a vast and diverse hotel inventory, catering to every budget and preference, from affordable chains to the pinnacle of five-star luxury. This ensures that delegates, speakers, and VIPs can find suitable accommodation close to any venue. Perhaps most importantly, the city is home to a portfolio of iconic venues that lend instant credibility and prestige to any corporate brand. From historic halls to futuristic stadiums, the right venue choice can amplify your message and create a lasting impact.
However, different event objectives demand different venue choices. A large-scale international trade show has vastly different requirements from an exclusive board meeting or a high-energy product launch. This guide is designed to help you navigate these choices, matching venue strengths to your specific corporate objectives and budgetary considerations to ensure your London event is a resounding success.
2 — Large Exhibition & Convention Venues
For events that require vast, uninterrupted space for large-scale exhibitions, complex stand builds, and thousands of attendees, London’s major exhibition centres are the undisputed champions.
ExCeL London — The Heavyweight Exhibition Venue
Overview & Strengths
Located in the Royal Docks, ExCeL London is the city’s largest and most versatile event space, engineered to host the world’s most demanding trade shows, congresses, and corporate events. It offers enormous, column-free exhibition halls and the state-of-the-art International Convention Centre (ICC), which includes a large auditorium and a multitude of flexible meeting rooms. ExCeL is built for scale and complexity. Its design features, such as drive-in doors, heavy floor loading capabilities, and expansive marshalling areas, make it the ideal choice for events with intricate logistics, large stand builds, and demonstrations of heavy machinery or vehicles.
Advantages
- Massive Footprint: With over 87,000 square meters of flexible event space, the modular halls can be configured to accommodate exhibitions of any size, from single-hall shows to multi-hall international congresses.
- Superior Logistics: The venue is designed for easy vehicle access, with dedicated loading bays and marshalling yards that streamline the build and breakdown process, a critical factor for large and complex exhibitions.
- Integrated Ecosystem: ExCeL has a network of on-site service partners, from AV and rigging to catering and stand construction, simplifying the planning process. Its reputation for hosting major global trade shows lends credibility to any event.
- Excellent Connectivity: The venue is well-connected via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the Elizabeth Line, providing fast access to Central London and Heathrow Airport. A cluster of hotels in the surrounding Docklands and Canary Wharf area provides ample accommodation for delegates.
Disadvantages / Challenges
- Significant Investment: The scale of ExCeL means that it carries substantial fixed costs. For smaller events, it may not be the most cost-effective option.
- Logistical Complexity: While the facilities are excellent, the costs associated with rigging, temporary power, security, and labour for a large-scale build can accumulate quickly.
- Perceived Distance: Some attendees based in central or west London may perceive the Docklands location as distant, potentially impacting travel times and convenience.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Venue hire for the main halls is negotiated on a per-event basis and depends on the required footprint, the number of build and breakdown days, and the level of services included. For a multi-hall exhibition, the venue hire alone can easily run into six figures. When factoring in stand construction, AV, staffing, catering, and logistics, a full two- or three-day trade show at a venue of this scale will typically command a mid-to-high six-figure total budget.
When to Choose ExCeL
Choose ExCeL for large-scale product launches, multi-exhibitor trade shows, international association congresses, or any conference that requires significant exhibition space for heavy equipment, such as in the automotive, manufacturing, or medical technology sectors.
Olympia London — The Classic Exhibition Hall
Overview & Strengths
Olympia London, with its iconic barrel-vaulted roof, is one of London’s most historic and beloved exhibition venues. Located in Kensington, its National Hall offers a classic and elegant backdrop for trade shows, consumer fairs, and conferences. Its proximity to central and west London makes it particularly attractive for events targeting a domestic corporate audience or international delegates staying in the heart of the city.
Advantages
- Prime Central-West London Location: Situated in Kensington, Olympia is easily accessible for attendees from across London and is surrounded by a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions in the West End.
- Heritage Aesthetic: The venue’s Victorian architecture provides a striking and memorable setting that distinguishes it from more modern, purpose-built halls. This “classic London” feel can add a unique character to an event.
- Flexible Spaces: In addition to the grand National Hall, Olympia offers a collection of smaller halls and meeting rooms, making it suitable for events that require breakout sessions or fringe meetings alongside a main exhibition.
Disadvantages
- Logistical Constraints: As a historic, central venue, Olympia can present more logistical challenges than a modern, purpose-built centre. Load-in windows may be tighter, and local traffic management can be a consideration.
- Higher Day Rates: The prime central location can translate to higher daily hire rates compared to venues further from the city centre.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Third-party venue-listing sites have indicated that the headline hire rate for the National Hall can be in the region of £45,000 + VAT per day, though the final price is always dependent on the specific dates, duration, and services required. For a mid-size exhibition spanning one or two days, including shell-scheme stands, staffing, AV, and catering, a total event budget in the range of tens to low hundreds of thousands of pounds would be a reasonable estimate.
When to Choose Olympia
Olympia is an excellent choice for consumer or trade shows that aim to attract significant footfall from the general public or a central London-based audience. It is also ideal for exhibitions where a prestigious and centrally located address is a key part of the event’s branding and appeal.

Phone charging lockers with digital code lock
3 — Central-Government / Westminster Conferences
For events that require a formal, professional atmosphere and proximity to the UK’s corridors of power, the venues in and around Westminster are the gold standard.
QEII Centre (Parliamentary District) — Professional Conferences & Awards
Overview & Strengths
The Queen Elizabeth II Centre, located directly opposite Westminster Abbey, is London’s premier purpose-built venue for formal conferences, annual general meetings (AGMs), government summits, and association meetings. It offers a wide array of rooms spread across multiple floors, which can be configured to create large auditoria, multiple conference streams, or intimate seminar spaces. The QEII Centre is the go-to choice when a professional, central address and seamless access for delegates are paramount.
Advantages
- Unrivalled Westminster Location: Its location in the heart of the UK’s political and administrative district is perfect for international delegations, public affairs events, and conferences with clients in government or think tanks.
- Flexible and Modern Facilities: The rooms are designed for modern conferencing, with excellent delegate flow, integrated AV technology, and the flexibility to be combined or used as separate syndicate rooms.
- Stellar Reputation: The venue is renowned for its high-quality delivery of complex conferences and prestigious award ceremonies, supported by an experienced in-house team.
Disadvantages
- Not for Heavy Exhibitions: The QEII Centre is primarily designed for seated conferences, ceremonies, and academic or association events. It is less suited to exhibitions that require heavy build or large-scale stands.
- Premium Pricing: Due to its prime location and high demand, pricing can be at a premium, especially for last-minute bookings or during peak conference season.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
The venue offers a range of room sizes, and hire fees can vary accordingly. Smaller rooms may be available for a few thousand pounds, while the larger, combined suites are priced significantly higher and may be offered as part of a package with minimum delegate numbers and catering requirements. It is always best to contact the centre directly for accurate and up-to-date pricing.
When to Choose QEII
The QEII Centre is the ideal venue for professional associations, government panels, high-profile award ceremonies, and any conference that requires a prestigious Westminster address and flawless AV and event execution.
4 — Mid-Size, Design-Driven Venues
For events that need a balance of central location, flexible space, and cost-effectiveness, London’s mid-size venues offer a compelling alternative to the giant exhibition halls.
Business Design Centre (Angel, Islington)
Overview & Strengths
The Business Design Centre (BDC) in Islington is a popular and versatile venue for B2B exhibitions, industry summits, and design-led conferences. Housed in a magnificent Victorian building, it offers a unique blend of a central-ish location, flexible exhibition and conference spaces, and more accessible hire costs compared to the city’s largest venues.
Advantages
- Accessible North London Location: Located a short walk from Angel Underground station, the BDC is easily reachable for attendees based in central and north London, as well as those travelling into nearby King’s Cross St. Pancras.
- Cost-Effective Solution: For mid-size shows, the venue hire fees are often substantially lower than those of the major exhibition halls, allowing for a greater portion of the budget to be allocated to content, speakers, and attendee experience.
- Integrated Spaces: The BDC offers a large, light-filled main exhibition space, complemented by a range of on-site breakout rooms and syndicate spaces, making it ideal for events that combine a trade show with a conference program.
Disadvantages
- Limited Capacity: The venue’s capacity is more constrained than that of ExCeL or Olympia, making it unsuitable for very large audiences or exhibitions requiring a massive footprint.
- Limited Heavy Logistics: While it can accommodate shell schemes and custom stands, its marshalling and drive-in capacity is not designed for very heavy or oversized exhibits.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Third-party listings suggest that hire fees can start from the low thousands for smaller packages, with the main space accommodating up to approximately 1,400 attendees in a theatre-style or standing configuration, depending on the room layout. A full mid-size conference at the BDC, including AV, catering, and stand space, would likely have a total budget in the tens of thousands of pounds.
When to Choose Business Design Centre
The BDC is an excellent choice for industry summits, product demonstrations, and trade shows with an anticipated attendance of under 2,000 people, particularly where design, networking, and a vibrant, accessible location are key priorities.
5 — Stadiums & Sporting Venues for Unforgettable Corporate Hospitality
For events designed to wow clients, reward employees, or launch a product with maximum impact, London’s iconic sporting stadiums offer a unique and powerful proposition.
Twickenham Stadium (RFU) — Rugby Hospitality & Conference Suites
Overview & Strengths
As the home of England Rugby, Twickenham Stadium is not just a sporting arena but also a formidable conference and events venue. It offers a vast array of hospitality suites, pitch-side event spaces, and conference facilities that can be tailored for corporate clients. The suites can be configured for conferences, banquets, and VIP experiences, all with the inspiring backdrop of the famous pitch and the strong brand association of world-class sport.
Advantages
- Unique Pitch-Side Experience: The views of the pitch provide a memorable and impressive backdrop for any event, creating fantastic photo opportunities for PR and social media.
- Flexible Suite Options: Twickenham boasts a wide range of suite sizes, from intimate executive boxes perfect for boardroom-style meetings to large suites capable of hosting conferences for hundreds of delegates.
- Strong Brand Association: The venue is ideal for hospitality tied to rugby fixtures or for any event that benefits from the themes of teamwork, performance, and excellence associated with elite sport.
Disadvantages
- Hospitality Focus: The atmosphere at a stadium venue is naturally more geared towards hospitality and entertainment than a traditional conference centre. Consider whether you need a formal conference theatre or a more dynamic VIP experience.
- Premium Pricing on Marquee Dates: The cost of hiring premium suites can be significantly higher on and around major match days or during championship finals.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Pricing is often structured as per-person delegate packages or as a flat suite hire fee. Example delegate package rates have been advertised in the low hundreds of pounds per person for hospitality, while the larger pitch-view suites will command a higher price. The final cost is highly dependent on the date, the specific suite, and the catering requirements.
When to Choose Twickenham
Twickenham is the perfect choice for client entertainment, gala dinners, sports-themed conferences, VIP incentive events, or any occasion that would be enhanced by the prestige and unique atmosphere of a world-famous sporting venue.
Wembley, Emirates, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Stamford Bridge (Chelsea)
Overview & Strengths
Beyond Twickenham, London’s major Premier League football stadiums—including the iconic Wembley Stadium, the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge—all offer premium meeting rooms, executive boxes, and large-scale conference suites. These venues are designed to host high-profile corporate groups and provide impressive backdrops with stadium views and significant reception capacities. Wembley, in particular, also offers large, flexible rooms that are suitable for exhibitions and product launch events.
Advantages
- Instant Prestige and Branding: Hosting an event at a world-renowned stadium provides instant prestige and enormous branding potential.
- Versatile and High-Spec Spaces: The suites in these modern stadiums are highly versatile and can be converted to suit boardrooms, VIP reception areas, or product demonstration zones, all with impressive views and high-end finishes.
- Broadcast-Ready: These venues are accustomed to hosting the world’s media and are often well-equipped for broadcast, press conferences, and events with a significant media presence.
Disadvantages
- Higher Price Points and Restricted Availability: As with Twickenham, prices are at a premium on peak dates and match days, and availability can be heavily restricted by the sporting calendar.
- Operational Complexity: The scale of these venues means that logistical elements such as security, stewarding, and access control can add to the staffing and operational costs of an event.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Venue packages vary widely between stadiums and are often bespoke. Expect to see per-person hospitality rates or suite hire packages that are at a premium compared to standard hotel conference rooms. However, for corporate clients focused on building brand presence and creating a “wow” factor, the return on investment can be substantial, driven by viral social media coverage and positive PR.
When to Choose Stadium Venues
Choose a major stadium venue for major product launches, high-stakes VIP client entertainment, and large-scale brand activations that will benefit from the stadium’s immense scale, visibility, and cultural resonance.
6 — Luxury 4–5★ Hotels with Conference Facilities
Overview
London’s landscape of luxury hotels offers an exceptional solution for corporate events that require a seamless integration of meeting spaces, accommodation, and world-class service. These venues are ideal for multi-day events where convenience and a premium delegate experience are top priorities. Leading options include iconic establishments like The Savoy and The Dorchester on Park Lane, the Shangri-La at The Shard with its breathtaking skyline views, the InterContinental Park Lane, the Rosewood London, and the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Major international chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt also operate flagship properties with extensive and high-quality function spaces.
Advantages
- Full-Service, Integrated Packages: Hotels excel at providing all-inclusive packages that combine meeting room hire, state-of-the-art AV, catering, and on-site accommodation. This simplifies the planning process and creates a cohesive and convenient experience for attendees.
- Ideal for a Range of Event Sizes: While not suited for massive trade shows, luxury hotels are perfect for small-to-mid-size conferences, board meetings, executive retreats, and investor roadshows.
- Premium Service for Executive Clients: These venues are geared towards serving a discerning international clientele. The level of service, from the concierge to the event staff, is typically impeccable, ensuring that VIPs and senior executives are well looked after.
- Prestigious and Central Locations: London’s top hotels are situated in the city’s most desirable postcodes, such as Mayfair, Covent Garden, and the City, offering excellent transport links and access to London’s cultural highlights.
Disadvantages
- Higher Per-Head Cost: The convenience and luxury of a five-star hotel come at a price. The per-delegate day rate is often higher than that of a dedicated conference centre, especially when factoring in accommodation.
- Limited Capacity: Compared to the vast exhibition halls and stadiums, the capacity of hotel ballrooms and meeting rooms is limited, making them unsuitable for events with thousands of attendees.
- Potential for Less Exclusivity: Unless you book out the entire conference floor or the hotel itself, your event may be running alongside other corporate groups or private functions, which can sometimes impact the feeling of exclusivity.
Cost Guidance & Sample Budgets
Per-delegate day rates for conference packages in London hotels can vary widely. For a standard 4-star hotel, you might expect rates in the range of £100–£200 per person, which typically includes room hire, AV, and catering for lunch and coffee breaks. For a luxury 5-star hotel, these rates are more likely to be in the £200–£400+ per person range. The hire of exclusive suites and private dining rooms is usually priced on a bespoke, per-event basis.
When to Choose Hotels
Luxury hotels are the perfect choice for board-level meetings, executive retreats, investor conferences, and prestigious awards dinners. They are also the ideal solution when a significant number of attendees are travelling from overseas and require high-quality accommodation to be integrated with the event venue.
7 — Advantages & Disadvantages by Venue Type (Quick Comparison)
Venue Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Exhibition Centres (ExCeL, Olympia) | Maximum footprint, superior logistics, modularity for large stands. | Higher overall cost for build & services; can feel impersonal. |
Stadiums (Wembley, Twickenham, etc.) | Instant prestige, unique hospitality experiences, high PR value. | Availability restricted by fixtures; higher package pricing. |
City Conference Centres (QEII) | Prime central location, professional facilities, AV-ready. | Not designed for large-scale exhibitor builds; limited footfall. |
Mid-size Venues (Business Design Centre) | Cost-effective, accessible location, great for niche shows. | Limited capacity compared to major exhibition halls. |
Hotels (4–5★) | Integrated accommodation and meeting space; premium service. | Limited audience size; higher per-delegate cost. |
8 — Budget Planning: How to Estimate Costs (A Practical Guide)
Building a comprehensive budget for a London event is a critical step in the planning process. It requires a detailed breakdown of all potential costs. Here are the major categories to consider:
- Venue Hire: This is often a major line item, especially for large halls. It includes the daily rate for the event itself, plus additional days for build and breakdown. For example, the hire of a large hall at Olympia or ExCeL can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- Stand Build & Shell Scheme / AV & Technical Production: For exhibitions, this is frequently the single largest operational cost after the venue hire. It includes the design and construction of custom stands or the rental of a shell scheme, as well as all audio, visual, and lighting equipment.
- Catering & F&B: This includes delegate lunches, coffee and tea breaks, evening receptions, and any special hospitality packages for VIPs. Hotels and stadiums often include catering in their per-person packages, whereas at exhibition centres, it is typically outsourced to an approved supplier.
- Staffing & Security: This covers a wide range of personnel, including registration staff, hostesses, technicians, security guards, and event stewards. Stadiums, in particular, have mandatory requirements for event-day stewarding.
- Marketing & Promotion: This category includes all costs associated with promoting the event, such as signage, printed collateral, digital advertising, social media campaigns, and any sponsorship activations.
- Travel & Accommodation: This is a necessary but often underestimated cost, covering the travel and hotel expenses for speakers, VIPs, and key event staff.
- Freight, Logistics & Storage: This is especially relevant for exhibitions with heavy equipment or complex stands, covering the transportation, handling, and storage of materials.
- Contingency: It is always prudent to include a contingency fund of 10–15% of the total budget to cover any unforeseen costs or overruns.
Example Rough Budget Bands (Very Approximate)
- Small Executive Conference (50–150 guests): Held in a hotel meeting room, the total budget would likely fall in the £10,000–£50,000 range.
- Mid-size Conference/Trade Show (300–1,500 attendees): Hosted at a venue like the Business Design Centre or a smaller hall at a major centre, the total budget would typically be in the £30,000–£200,000 range.
- Large Exhibition (Thousands of attendees): Taking over multiple halls at ExCeL or Olympia, the total budget could range from £150,000 to £1,000,000+, depending on the scale of the event and the level of sponsor revenue.
9 — How to Choose the Right Venue for Your Corporate Objectives
The key to a successful event is aligning your venue choice with your primary business objectives.
- If your objective is maximum reach and footfall (large B2C or B2B trade shows): Your best choice is a large-scale exhibition centre like ExCeL or Olympia. Their vast, flexible spaces are designed to accommodate thousands of visitors and complex exhibitor stands.
- If your objective is prestige and memorable hospitality (VIP client entertainment, incentive trips): Choose a premium stadium suite at Wembley, Twickenham, or the Emirates, or book an exclusive VIP suite at a top-tier luxury hotel. The “wow” factor of these venues is unparalleled.
- If your objective is a professional association or government conference: The ideal choice is the QEII Centre in Westminster, or a high-quality central London hotel with excellent conference facilities. These venues offer the right blend of professionalism, prestige, and convenience.
- If your objective is cost-effective networking and a design-led event (industry summits, niche trade shows): A mid-size venue like the Business Design Centre provides an excellent balance of affordability, accessibility, and a vibrant atmosphere conducive to networking.
10 — Boost ROI & Booth Footfall with Branded Phone Charging Kiosk Solutions
In London’s event landscape, attendee engagement is the currency of success. One of the most effective yet often overlooked tools for boosting engagement is the provision of on-site phone charging stations.
Why a Phone Charging Lockers Solution Increases Engagement
“Low-battery anxiety” is a real and pervasive phenomenon. By offering a convenient and reliable phone charging kiosk solution, you remove a significant point of friction for attendees, allowing them to spend more time at your booth, in your VIP suite, or engaging with your content. Secure charging lockers, such as those offered by industry leader Vischarge, encourage people to leave their devices safely while they attend sessions or product demos, increasing their immersion in the event. Open charging stations, on the other hand, are perfect for keeping people lingering at a high-traffic stand or browsing promotional materials while they top up their battery.
Both options serve to increase marketing impressions and deliver a tangible return on your event investment.
Key Outcomes:
- Higher Dwell Time: Offering charging directly translates to more time spent at your booth, which means more opportunities for conversations, lead generation, and relationship building.
- Enhanced Brand Visibility: The charging units themselves can be fully branded, creating repeated marketing impressions. This also provides a natural opportunity for social media posts as attendees share their positive experience.
- Increased VIP Satisfaction: For high-value clients and sponsors, a dedicated charging station in a VIP suite is a thoughtful touch that enhances the perceived value of their experience and reinforces your brand’s commitment to quality service.
11 — Recommended Phone Charging Station Solutions (Locker and Non-Locker)
Choosing the right type of charging solution depends on your specific objectives and the environment of your event.
Option A — Branded Phone Charging Locker (Recommended for Security & Longer Charges)
Product Highlights
These are secure, free-standing kiosks containing multiple individual lockers—typically 12 or 24 units. Each compartment is equipped with a range of built-in charging cables (Lightning, USB-C, Micro USB) to accommodate all modern devices. Access is controlled by a digital PIN code set by the user or via RFID card access. Leading suppliers like Vischarge offer models that support multi-device fast-charging and feature large, customizable surfaces for high-impact branding.
Use Cases
- VIP Suites: Guests can securely lock their phones away while they network or enjoy hospitality.
- Exhibitor Booths: Encourage attendees to leave their phones and engage fully in a long product demonstration or presentation.
- Conference Registration Areas & Hospitality Lounges: Provide a valuable service to all attendees as they move between sessions.
Advantages
- Security: The locked bays provide peace of mind, and the ability to issue PINs or use RFID cards offers a robust access control system.
- Higher Perceived Value: Entrusting you with their device builds a higher level of trust and appreciation from your guests.
- Excellent Branding Real Estate: The large surface area of the locker units provides a powerful canvas for your brand messaging.
Disadvantages
- Larger Footprint: These units are larger than tabletop stations and require more floor space.
- User Management: You will need a clear policy and potentially a staff member to assist with lost PINs or forgotten codes.
Option B — Standard Open Phone Charging Station / Tabletop Station (Recommended for High-Traffic Booths)
Product Highlights
These are compact, open-access units, available as either tabletop models or slim, floor-standing towers. They feature multiple charging cables and/or wireless charging pads for immediate, “grab-and-go” charging. They are designed to be fast, visible, and encourage short, spontaneous interactions. Some advanced models also include small advertising displays or interactive touchscreens that can be used to collect leads or display promotional content.
Use Cases
- Busy Exhibition Booths: Place them on a counter or demo island to attract passing traffic.
- Networking Areas & Breakout Zones: Provide a quick power boost for attendees between sessions.
- Reception Counters & VIP Desks: Offer a convenient charging point for quick top-ups.
Advantages
- Low Footprint & Immediate Gratification: They are small, easy to place, and provide an instant solution for users.
- Cost-Effective and Simple: They are often cheaper to purchase or rent than locker units and require minimal setup or staffing.
Disadvantages
- No Physical Security: Devices remain with the users, so they are not suitable for situations where attendees need to leave their phones for an extended period.
12 — Our Recommended Package & Promotional Offer
To help you leverage the power of on-site charging, we have created a special promotional offer for corporate clients and event partners. Use the copy below in your marketing materials to promote this valuable service.
Headline (Example):Power Your Brand at London’s Top Venues — Get a FREE Additional Phone Charging Station Unit with Every Annual Event Partnership!
Help your delegates stay connected and keep them at your booth or in your VIP suite for longer. We supply premium phone-charging lockers and open charging stations from Vischarge, with full custom branding for events, conferences, and exhibitions across London—from ExCeL and Olympia to Twickenham and Wembley. Book an annual partnership with us and receive a FREE additional phone-charging locker or standard charging station to use across your event circuit or in a dedicated VIP suite. Our units include fast-charging cables (Lightning, USB-C), secure digital PIN locks (on locker models), and fully customizable surface graphics to drive your campaign and deliver a measurable ROI.
Our Event Phone charging station includes :
- Premium, UK-Ready Units: We provide high-quality, branded units from Vischarge, built for the high traffic of UK events, with 12 and 24-locker options available.
- Reliable Technology: Our units feature industry-leading fast-charging technology and a lifetime cable replacement guarantee, as offered by top-tier suppliers.
- Exclusive Free Unit Offer: Your annual partnership includes a complimentary additional unit, perfect for rotating between VIP suites and expo booths, maximizing your investment.
- Lead Generation Upgrades: Optional advertising screens and data-capture features are available to help you generate direct leads and monetize the service through sponsorship.
“Book a venue activation package now and get a branded 12-locker or tabletop charging station, plus a FREE additional unit for your VIP suite or next event. Limited slots are available for the London 2025/2026 season. Enquire today for a full quote and availability.“
13 — Pricing & ROI for the events
Justifying the spend on a phone charging solution to a procurement team is straightforward when you frame it in terms of return on investment.
Price & ROI Framing
- 12-Unit Branded Phone Charging Locker (Purchase): Prices can vary depending on the specific model, screen options, and features. Request a quote. Rental options are also widely available for shorter, per-event campaigns.
- 24-Bay Advanced Locker with Advertising Screen: integrated advertising screens and locking systems , which are an excellent fit for multi-day expos looking to generate extra ad impressions.
- Tabletop Open phone Charging Station (16 cables): These are a lower-cost option, often available for under £1,000 to purchase, or for a modest per-event rental fee.
Consider an exhibitor at a B2B trade show. If offering a branded charging locker leads to just five extra qualified leads due to the increased dwell time at their booth, and the average deal value for that company is £5,000, the return on investment (£25,000) would instantly and massively exceed the marginal cost of the charging unit. When you add the value of the thousands of marketing impressions from the branded unit and the positive social media mentions, the lifetime value of this small investment becomes even more compelling.
14 — How to Integrate Charging Solutions into Venue Activations
Follow these practical steps to seamlessly integrate a charging solution into your next event:
- Define the Objective: First, decide what you want to achieve. Is your primary goal to increase footfall to your booth, capture leads, enhance VIP hospitality, or provide a branding opportunity for a sponsor?
- Choose the Right Unit Type: Based on your objective, select the appropriate unit. Use lockers for secure, longer charging needs (e.g., in a VIP lounge or near a main stage). Use open stations for fast, high-traffic engagement (e.g., on an exhibition stand or a registration desk).
- Branding & Messaging: Work with your supplier to provide high-resolution artwork for the unit’s brand wrap. If your model has an advertising screen, prepare a compelling set of screen assets to run during the event.
- Strategic Placement: Placement is key. Position a locker unit in a high-visibility area near registration, in the main VIP suite, or close to a popular demo stage. Place open stations directly on your booth’s counter or near a seating area to encourage people to linger.
- Support & Staffing: Ensure an event host or a member of your booth staff is on hand to inform attendees about the service and to manage any PIN reset procedures for the locker units.
- Data & Reporting: If your unit includes an advertising screen or a lead-capture function, work with your supplier to collect valuable metrics, such as the number of charges, average dwell time, and the number of ad impressions delivered.
- Rotation & Reuse: Make the most of your FREE additional unit by creating a rotating schedule. Use it in the VIP suite on match days at a stadium, and then move it to your exhibition booth during a trade show.
15 — Compliance, Security & Accessibility Considerations
- Security Procedures: For any locker system, ensure you have clear on-screen disclaimers regarding liability. Establish a simple and clear procedure for PIN resets and have a designated staff member ready to assist attendees who may have lost their code.
- Electrical Safety: All temporary electrical