How easy is it to organise a B2B event?
Anna Thompson, Operations Director for Building Centre, tells us the complexities of organising events
There is more to leading a busy central London venue hire building than you may first think. Organising an event takes meticulous planning and according to Anna, the devil is in the detail. With a long history of taking a blank canvas and creating a masterpiece with a building, Anna is positioned to impart some serious wisdom for those organising an event in the B2B sector. So, we're delighted she had time to be interviewed.
By leading the busy venue hire team, Anna is involved in the day-to-day operations of venue hire and the wider Business Centre. Being such a central figure in the operations, Anna shares some insight into her experience and expertise as a seasoned event organiser with a passion for the built environment.
What drew you to a career in the Built Environment, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I have grown up around renovation; my grandparents, and my parents, renovated property and we were lucky enough to live in some incredible, and historic, buildings – I think their essence speaks to new custodians and it’s amazing to be part of that thread. Being a custodian of property is quite special; the work you do helps bring them back to life, and you absorb some of the spirit of a place when you do that. And it is ongoing - so far, I have done 6 property renovations myself!
I think properties reflect people; buildings can be a social reflection, a study of personalities, taste, and circumstance. And I love all that. My interest in that aspect of anthropology has not diminished.
It’s the people I meet daily that I enjoy most about my role, both within our team and in public connections. Coming into the Building Centre still entices me – even after 7 years!
Can you tell us about a memorable event that you've helped to plan or execute? What made it special?
We hosted a client event here – a launch party. The clients came over from Scandinavia with an entire rock band! We had a whole stage, lights, and massive PA system alongside a bar and tables. The space was transformed for the evening into a whole new venue. It was great to see everyone having a brilliant time – it was something completely different.
Another evening we hosted a birthday party. For this occasion, special cocktails were created including one named after the host which was kept as a surprise. The cocktail, and the individual cake specially baked for the evening, came out of the planning conversations we’d had on the run up to the event and both were so well received. This kind of detail really matters to clients and makes for a memorable night.
Quite often, though, the best events, even though they are harder to do, are the most personal. Recently I planned a family wedding; I am a great believer in the ‘devil being in the detail,’ but here it was even more crucial. There were, by its nature, so many elements to this occasion, but it went off perfectly – I am immensely proud of it and all the people involved. It was the very best of celebrations.
What do you believe sets your venue apart from others in the market?
We are in an amazing central location, close to many top London attractions, hotels, and transport links. Our crescent is set back from the main road and is beautifully leafy with a cobbled street. It is wonderfully picturesque outside, the perfect spot to convene.
Inside the building, the spaces are unique. Where else in central London can you find gallery space, alongside conference rooms, small meeting rooms and a café all in one?
Furthermore, our connection to the architecture, construction and building sectors is historic. The evolution of the Building Centre is astounding, the reception area used to house a library and reference materials for building companies from the world over. We often have visitors stopping by to reminisce of their student days, alongside the students of today who are attending graduation receptions.
We are the home of the Built Environment Trust, a charity that nurtures relationships to the world around us. We are a thriving space and once you have entered the doors, you cannot help but notice the incredible energy the Building Centre has. It really is the place to be if you have an interest in any aspect of the built environment.
How do you ensure that your venue is equipped to handle events of all sizes and types?
We monitor trends in the current markets, and identify what clients require from their venues. While it remains the same year by year, there are minor differences that we adapt to. We are lucky to have such a variety of space. It means we can handle all kinds of different requests. We have also invested in audio and visual technology and upgraded where needed so it exceeds expectations. Likewise, we work with some exceptional partners, to provide those extras often needed at events. The catering companies we work with are niched to our venue and seamlessly cater for all types of budgets and tastebuds!
But really, it is the team behind the Building Centre that are truly brilliant; they are highly dedicated and always willing to find a solution to any query where possible. Over the year, we host countless events, often 2 or 3 in one day. They are used to organising breakfast gatherings, formal board meetings and gala dinners. They are seasoned professionals, and you are in capable hands when you book your event with us.
What advice would you give to clients who are planning their first event?
That is easy! Just contact the venue hire team. We have years of experience, with every type of event and the spaces here are highly versatile. We would be happy to show you round in the first instance, listen to your ideas, and then advise on the possibilities.
But ahead of that; it is always good if you are able to reference an event that you have enjoyed yourself.
My quick-fire tips would be:
- Think about why the event was enjoyable to you
- What were there some small details that you had noticed and would like to replicate?
- What kind of food did you enjoy?
- How was it different to other events you have attended?
If you come to us with an idea or ideas, we are then able to help you distil some of this and put it towards delivering something special for your event here at the Building Centre. Likewise, if you have no idea and are starting with a blank slate, we have a wealth of knowledge to assist your vision.
Where is your favourite place in Fitzrovia?
The Fitzrovia Chapel in Pearson Square. It is a shimmering little gem of a place that used to be part of the Middlesex Infirmary.
Its building began in 1891, taking 25 years to complete, it includes 17 types of marble in its finishes. The Chapel sits in a lovely garden and hosts exhibitions and music events. It is amazing, go and see it!
If you are planning a corporate event in London, get in touch with our venue hire team today.
Our venue hire space is multi-faceted and perfect for any type of B2B event, including exhibitions, product launches, seminars, and conferences.
