Why put London on top of your list for your next meeting or corporate gathering? Because it delivers in ways few other cities can match. PA Life’s Winter Issue 2025 shines a spotlight on London, a city that draws delegates to experience much more than boardrooms and event venues during their visit…
For Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and event organisers, understanding what London offers right now will help you plan events that are not just successfulโthey are memorable.
London holds onto its place as the number one meetings & events destination in Europe
London has held its place as the number one meeting destination in Europe in the annual Cvent rankings for multiple years running. That means in terms of enquiries, hotel capacity, infrastructure and demand, London is consistently the
winning choice.
Combining leisure with business travel i.e. โbleisureโ is in growing demand and
London is in an ideal position in this regard too. Our capital ranks as the worldโs most popular destination for 2025 in the 25th anniversary edition of the Tripadvisor Travellersโ Choice Awardโno small defeat in this highly regarded contest.
The city scored especially highly for its food sceneโover 85 Michelin Star restaurants and eateries serving cuisine from newly every country in the world. The rich heritage and cultural offerings include 200 museums, 270 theatres, 857 art galleries and countless iconic sights, as well as fantastic experiences. This doesnโt just appeal to touristsโit also makes the city a business events powerhouse.
Strong economic impact and rising demand
The business meetings and events sector is also powering Londonโs economy.
From January-to-September 2024, business tourism contributed more than ยฃ158 million to London, an incredible leap of 32% year-on-year. Key areas like fintech, life sciences and sustainability have all played a considerable part in that growth.
Demand isnโt just growing at scale; itโs becoming more diverse. Events with international delegates (especially from North America) continue to show strong
growth. With โbleisureโ travel increasingly favoured, planners are seeking more than just meeting rooms: they want cities that offer culture, gastronomy, transport ease, and flexibility in all parts of the event journey.
What that means for event planners booking in London – the best meetings & events destination in Europe?
From your side of the planning desk, these trends bring a few core takeaways: expect competition for dates and spaces. Increased bookings mean venues in London get reserved well ahead, especially in peak seasons.
Tech & hybrid capabilities are increasingly non-negotiable. Zoom-friendly, Wi-Fi robust, streaming & AV support, and digital engagement are now assumed rather than optional.
Delegate experience matters. More people now factor in what happens outside of the formal sessions: food, culture, downtime, travel comfort, and opportunities to explore. London delivers on all those fronts in abundance.
In PA Life Winter 2025 Issue youโll find a selection of versatile venues and entertainment to help you in delivering events that are not only well organised, but also feel distinctive, enjoyable and seamless from start to finish.
We are featuring South Bank Venues for showstopping Christmas venues; Olympia’s ยฃ1.3bn transformation into London’s newest destination; Royal Albert Hall that offers an experience like no other and The Boathouse for floting stays, entertaining & events.
