Destination Westminster

Last Friday Ali and I attended the Westminster Collection showcase at 8 Northumberland Avenue. 

The Annual event which is free to attend gives members of the Westminster Collection a chance to exhibit their venue to prospective clients in an informal showcase. Host to this year’s event was 8 Northumberland Avenue, a former Victorian hotel set in the heart of London’s West End. The showcase was held in the beautiful ornate ballroom which boasts immaculately restored period features including beautiful 10.3 metre-high ceilings scattered with original chandeliers.

The Ball Room at 8 Northumberland Avenue

Unlike other exhibitions each venue is given the same space to work with, there are no paid upgrades or sponsors and we are all given one clothed poseur table and stand where we are told. I think this is great as it gives venues with a smaller marketing budget an equal opportunity to pick up potential business without being overshadowed by larger venues. 

Ali on the 41 Portland Place table

Myself showing off the 41PP mobile app! 

My highlight of the event was without a doubt the 3D Musion Technology. On first glance Ali and I thought the equipment was a circus trapeze but after Tracy Halliwell from London’s business tourism & major events magically appeared on the stage we knew we were going to be in for a show. My favourite demonstration was of a ballet dancer who transformed into a beautiful swan. Musion really is the future of audio visual and would be the perfect addition to any event. 

The catering by 8 Northumberland Avenue's very own team Alchemy was a real spread. The 41 Portland Place table was next to the catering station which was perfect for early morning munchies. We were treated to mini pastries, fresh fruit skewers and the best macaroons I have ever tasted. This was followed by an array of traditional breakfast canapés such as cheese and ham croissants, mini full English breakfasts and flavoured milk served in cute glass mini milk bottles.(Credit goes to the friendly waiting staff who were outstanding)

The most amazing macaroons

Friendly waiter with flavoured milk 

A huge thank you goes to The Westminster Collection, Custard Communications and 8 Northumberland Avenue. 

Already looking forward to 2014’s showcase...

Don't forget to come 'pop' by 41 Portland Place for a site visit...