From 13 – 15 June, Bankside Venues will be exhibiting at The Meetings Show at Olympia which is the UK’s largest trade show for meetings industry professionals.

With a combined portfolio of over 50 venues, we’ll be teaming up with South Bank Venues to showcase our areas’ diverse event spaces. From iconic riverside attractions such as Tate Modern, to hidden gems filled with history and heritage, we’ll be joined by the events experts from some of our leading venues. So, if you’re organising a meeting or conference event for the year ahead, why not register for free at The Meetings Show? Find us on stand I500.

If that’s not possible, here’s four simple reasons why you should at least consider Bankside as your next event destination. What’s more, all the venues which feature below will be joining us at The Meetings Show!

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A delicate balance between ‘the old’ and ‘the new’: Southwark Cathedral & Tate Modern

Southwark Cathedral and Tate Modern are two perfect examples of how a venue can offer modern event space whilst embracing its own history.

Unlike many other places of worship in London, areas within Southwark Cathedral are available for hire on selected dates throughout the year. The imposing and regal main hall, the Nave, provides the perfect backdrop for fine dining dinners and standing receptions of up to 800 people. The space can be dressed for any occasion, with multiple options for tables, seating, lighting and décor. Just adjacent to the cathedral, their Millennium building hosts six conference and meeting rooms that can accommodate numbers up to 120 people.

Tate Modern opened at the turn of the millennium and became an instant icon, transforming an obsolete power station into the world’s most visited gallery of modern and contemporary art. Last year, they unveiled their dramatic Switch House building which boasts ten floors of unique and varied spaces. They’ve also opened up the Tanks below, which has provided a dramatic backdrop for shows during London Fashion Week.

Riverside icons versus hidden gems: HMS Belfast & Jerwood Space

As far as famous naval vessels go, it doesn’t get more iconic than HMS Belfast. Steeped in history, it’s a particularly inspirational venue for private dining, meetings, product launches, parties and more. Permanently moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, it’s the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship, offering spectacular panoramic views of London and authentically decorated rooms – each with its own individual character.

While Bankside boasts a stunning riverside, there’s also a wealth of history and character in its backstreets. Take for example Jerwood Space, a diverse, creative space offering excellent facilities for both art and business.  The venue, originally a Victorian school, now comprises of two modern, rooftop meeting rooms, a contemporary ‘Glasshouse’ and Gallery on the ground floor, as well as rehearsal spaces and production offices. The meeting rooms offer plenty of natural daylight with mid-wall to ceiling windows and even a small balcony area, providing delegates with an outdoor space during breaks.

Contemporary, business-focused event spaces: etc.venues & Accor Hotels

For state-of-the-art AV equipment, look no further than etc.venues Prospero House and Accor Hotels.

Incredibly vibrant in design, with modern furniture, etc.venues Prospero House is a highly sought-after choice when it comes to corporate hospitality. Situated over three large floors, the venue offers flexible conference, training, meeting and event space which can accommodate numbers up to 550 people.

Belonging to the Accor Hotels group, Novotel London Blackfriars and Novotel London City South have purpose-designed meeting rooms with spacious breakout areas. Delegates can also enjoy complimentary high-speed WiFi too.

Sociable settings for casual meetings: The Refinery & Mondrian London

If you’re looking to host a productive meeting which finishes with a beverage or two in a comfortable setting, Bankside has plenty of options.

The Refinery, located just behind Tate Modern exudes an industrial sophistication – a great spot for an event any time, day or night. The chic surroundings are complemented by fantastic food and drink, including innovative cocktails, global wines from their cutting edge enomatic system, and well-kept draught beers. Why not take your meeting to the great outdoors and enjoy their summer terrace (open until September)?

Seductive and striking, Mondrian London at Sea Containers brings a bold energy to Bankside. Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails from Mr. Lyan at Dandelyan with its iconic green marble bar, and admire the view from Rumpus Room, the hotel’s newly renovated rooftop lounge with outdoor terrace.

Find out more about The Meetings Show here and find us on stand I500