On the opening day of global financial services event Sibos, the host venue ExCeL London has unveiled a new ‘hydroponic’ arrival experience.
The venue commissioned Biotecture, UK living wall experts, to create a sustainable, hydroponic structure, to run from Custom House Station to the entrance of the venue.
Over 9,500 plants have been interspersed with LCD screens, back lit advertising sheets, an overhanging LED digital sign, new LED lighting and audio speakers. The investment also provides organisers with new signage and sponsorship opportunities.
The living wall has been designed to remove air pollutants, improve biodiversity, produce oxygen and decrease noise.
The new look walkway was officially launched by Chantal van Es, Head of Sibos, alongside Kate Chambers, Managing Director, Clarion Gaming, Liz Agostini, Event Director, Mash Media and Duncan Custerson, Exhibition Director, International Confex.
Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London, commented: “We are absolutely committed to providing our customers and guests with a first-class experience. Our new walkway, represents another significant investment in creating the right environment, fitting for the world-leading events that are choosing ExCeL This is part of a long-term investment plan, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain the right events, supporting their ambitions for growth.”
The arrival initiative is part of ExCeL’s ambitious programme of investment for 2020 and beyond. This year ExCeL has formed a partnership with market leader Ruckus Networks, upgrading to the latest W-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5), increasing the number of concurrent users (client devices) to 100,000, an increase of 300%.
In addition, a suite of new executive rooms has been created, increasing capacity for boardroom meetings.
Orzo, an Italian style deli, also opened this month, with all food served without using single use plastic.
Sibos runs at ExCeL London 23-26 September. ExCeL London hosts 300 events per year, welcoming four million visitors from every corner of the globe. Events hosted at ExCeL London generate £4.5bn in economic impact for London and support 37,600 jobs.
