Events business in the City of London has increased compared with bookings in 2012, according to a recent poll of venue members of the London City Selection.
75% of members reported increased bookings compared with 2012, with 30% seeing more business from the IT and technology sector and 24% reporting a rise in events business from the financial sector.
The festive season has also proven more popular in 2013, with 45% seeing an increase in Christmas party bookings. Short lead times for bookings are increasingly common, with 60% reporting a decrease in lead times compared with 2012.
London City Selection Chair Diane Waldron says: “It’s great to see that members are reporting that business is on the increase for events at their venues in the City. 2013 has clearly been a successful year for meetings and events in the City of London and we are delighted that our members are benefitting from this more buoyant market.
“The shorter lead times continue to be a feature, meaning that as venues we must be responsive and flexible to deal with a very fast-moving events market.”
The poll results support the findings of the recent 2013 London Venues Business Report, commissioned byleading organisations Unique Venues of London (UVL), The Westminster Collection (TWC) The Conference Bench and the London City Selection, which indicated a returning confidence amongst London venues as they have moved away from discounting to secure events business.
