For more than a century, Olympia has stood at the heart of Londonโs event scene โ a place where rich heritage comes alive and organisers know their exhibitions will be showcased at their very best. While some venues evolve slowly, Olympiaโs transformation into a full destination for hospitality, entertainment and business is nearing completion, creating a world-class setting for exhibitions and experiences of every scale. If youโre choosing where to host your next event, here are five compelling reasons why Olympia should be top of your list.
1. A venue with unrivalled heritage – and a major F&B refresh on the way
Few venues can match the character of Olympiaโs iconic halls. Their architecture and soaring glass roofs create an atmosphere that exhibitors and visitors remember long after the show. But heritage doesnโt mean standing still: the venueโs well-loved Heritage Halls are constantly being innovated and are about to benefit from a significant refresh to their food and beverage units.
This upgrade will enhance visitor flow, increase dwell time, and give organisers a broader and more elevated range of catering options to suit every audience. Premium, faster, and more flexible F&B is a proven driver of guest satisfaction, and this investment will ensure that every visitor, from exhibitor teams to VIPs, has a memorable experience at Olympia.
2. State-of-the-art digital screens for impactful (and more sustainable) brand moments
Todayโs exhibitions are content-rich environments, and event organisers need simple, effective ways to communicate with their audience in real time. The new digital screens being installed in Olympiaโs halls in Q2 of 2026 offer exactly that. Placed strategically at the gable ends and throughout the spaces, these vibrant screens give organisers powerful tools for messaging, sponsorship and programme updates.
Theyโre not just impactful, theyโre more sustainable too. By replacing the need for large format plastic or paper graphic banners, the screens significantly reduce waste and help organisers cut down on single-use materials. For exhibitors, the digital screens create new opportunities for visibility beyond their stand, helping them to amplify their key messages. For organisers, the screens add a new revenue stream of sponsored content, expanding the commercial potential of the event while supporting more sustainable practices.
3. Hotels on-site & restaurants: Convenience that transforms the delegate experience
A major highlight of Olympiaโs transformation is the addition of two on-site hotels and an array of exceptional bars and restaurants, transforming how visitors, exhibitors and operational teams interact before and after events.
With new onsite hotels operated by citizenM and Hyatt Regency just steps from the halls, early build-ups, late-night networking and multi-day attendance become far easier, reducing stress for international exhibitors and encouraging visitors to stay longer and engage more deeply.
Alongside this, Olympiaโs new dining concepts operated by D3 Collective and Incipio feature signature bars and one-of-a-kind restaurants, all bespoke to Olympia, and give organisers the ability to extend activity well beyond show hours – from breakfast briefings and press launches to client dinners and VIP receptions. Incipioโs new concepts โ Wolves of Tokyo, Bar Arriba, Lillieโs, Arbour and Juno โ are designed to celebrate the best of global culture while offering a truly unique experience to visitors of Olympia, occupying 40,000 square feet of the newly transformed estate.
Within Pillar Hall, one of Olympiaโs oldest buildings, D3 Collective will be operating three distinct concepts: Idalia, a 300-cover, all-day restaurant; Pepperbird, a basement speakeasy with live music; and Upstairs at Pillar Hall, an event space turning into a restaurant and bar with live music at the weekend.
Together, the onsite hotels and restaurants create more touchpoints, more opportunities to connect and a richer, more memorable exhibition experience for every attendee.
4. Outstanding connectivity in the heart of West London
Events thrive on accessibility, and Olympia remains one of Londonโs most connected destinations. With multiple routes and public transport links nearby, getting to the venue is simple and flexible for all visitors. Olympia is serviced by its own dedicated London Overground station – Kensington (Olympia), multiple Underground lines a short walk away, and excellent bus and road links, making it exceptionally easy for visitors to reach from anywhere in the city – or indeed the world, thanks to its proximity to Heathrow.
This level of connectivity doesnโt just improve the visitor experience; it helps organisers attract a wider audience, particularly for consumer shows or trade events with large regional or international attendance. Exhibitors benefit too, with smoother logistics and multiple reliable transport links for their teams and partners.
5. A visionary ยฃ1.3bn transformation thatโs elevating the entire destination
What truly sets Olympia apart is the scale of its ongoing transformation. The redevelopment is not merely updating the heritage venues – it is building a cultural and commercial destination around them, designed for the future of live experiences. This includes new restaurants, performance spaces, public realm enhancements and cutting-edge event facilities that will give exhibitions a richer environment in which their events can thrive.
For organisers, that means more footfall, more activity around the venue, more opportunities for delegates to engage – and a backdrop that elevates every show.
With its blend of heritage, innovation and unparalleled investment, Olympia offers organisers a venue that not only meets the needs of todayโs exhibitions but anticipates tomorrowโs. If you’re looking for a place where your event will stand out, flourish and grow, Olympia should be your first choice.
To find out more about the how Olympia can bring your exhibition to life,ย visit our website, emailย hello@olympia.londonย or callย +44 (0)207 598 2788.
We are delighted to feature Olympia on the cover, as well as inside, of PA Life Spring 2025 issue.
