Your association congress in London

London's influence as a leading city in the world economy, a centre for international trade and finance, a dynamic media hub and a centre of excellence in many fields, is second to none. It is well connected, cosmopolitan, cultural and cutting-edge, and is guaranteed to have something to offer every association event and delegate.

In addition, Visit London's Associations team offers free comprehensive support for associations - including specialist advice on bidding - making it easier than ever to bid for and stage congresses in the capital.

Accommodation charter

London Accommodation Charter

Visit London is launching a new initiative together with the major hotels groups in the city to simplify the process of securing accommodation blocks across the capital. Valid for conferences with a city-wide room requirement of 1,000 rooms or more (peak night) across multi brands, the London Accommodation Charter will help attract larger congresses and make the room booking process a lot easier for groups.

Download the charter now (PDF 780KB)

Association guide

London for associations

Our 2009 directory of London's specialist venues, hotels and event services for the association and not-for-profit market is now available. London for associations - a destination guide for meetings is the essential tool to planning large events in the capital.

Browse the London for associations guide online (Zmag technology)

Download the guide now (PDF 2MB)

What London can offer your association congress

World class event venues and services

No matter what your event requirements are, London has the perfect location, from purpose-built conference centres seating up to 20,000 people to prestigious academic venues, museums, palaces, theatres and more.

And with over 100,000 bedrooms ranging from university accommodation to 5-star hotels, London offers conference accommodation options to suit any budget.

The Associations team at Visit London have been wonderful; from helping to organise and accompany me on site visits, to putting itineraries together. Their specialist local knowledge was key in the success of our event

London is also home to professional and innovative event service providers who can help with everything from financial management to hotel allocations, event management service, social programmes and conference marketing.

Increased attendance

It's been proven that congresses held in London tend to attract higher attendances. Read our case study to find out more.

Access to sponsorship

Securing sponsorship for events can help keep delegate registration fees to a minimum, and London offers huge potential for corporate support, sponsorship and exhibitors. One third of the world's largest companies have their European headquarters in London, and our PCO partners can help you to access this avenue for support.

London is the knowledge capital

London is an award-winning knowledge capital in many fields including medicine, law, biotechnology and media; the city also has a proud history of scientific exploration and applied engineering. Historic and modern centres of excellence can make for exceptional conference venues.

London offers exceptional choice and variety

The breadth and diversity of options for social programmes in the city is second to none, with exceptional sightseeing, dining, entertainment, arts, culture and sport guaranteed to captivate delegates and their partners.

How the Visit London team can help you

We offer advice and assistance from the start of the bid process right through to the staging of your congress, including:

  • Free, impartial advice about venues, professional conference organisers and destination and event management companies
  • Site inspections for organisers
  • Budget advice and quotes from suppliers
  • Securing written support for your bid from leading civil and corporate figures in London and the UK
  • Production of bid documents and presentations, along with assistance presenting the bid if required
  • Promotional tools to help increase delegate attendance, these can include a Visit London stand at conferences, videos, DVDs, photos, literature and presentations
  • Group discounts on travel to London through our airline and rail partnerships
  • Visitor information for delegates
  • Customised accompanying partner programmes in London and the UK

Visit London is a member of ASAE, BACD, DMAI, ESAE, ICCA, MPI and PCMA.

Next steps