To avoid confusion: the header image depicts the famed Houses of Parliament, per se the epitome of London for many, since long before its swingin’ times… next to perhaps Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, The London Eye, The Tower Bridge or the V&A museum. Just to name a few. And then there is Westminster Abbey, exclusive site of coronations since 1066, Lady Diana’s emotional funeral ceremony or glamorous royal weddings (like Queen Elizabeth’s with Prince Philip or William’s with Kate), all broadcast world-wide to a community held in the lasting grip of a magic royal spell. So, the premises ought to be familiar.
Right next door, the Church House Conference Centre may have witnessed events different from those mentioned before – but its own history lacks nothing in drama.

An interesting option for conferences and corporate events in

central London

For meetings and conventions for the regular – albeit not average! – clientele, there is a choice of 19 rooms sporting the latest in conference facilities. Meeting room sizes range from small spaces – for four to six persons – up to the large Assembly Hall for 664 delegates theatre style. The centre is managed according to the principles of corporate responsibility – with sustainability playing an integral part in how proceedings are tackled.

The Convocation Hall.

Initiated and inaugurated by Royalty

The original Church House was founded in 1887 and built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. In 1931 plans were made to erect a new Church House in its place better suited for the needs of the time. No less a personality than Queen Mary laid the foundation stone in 1937. King George VI opened the building in 1940 and shortly after, during WWII, it was bombed but, miraculously, only suffered minimal damage. Winston Churchill had it reconstructed, and many historic speeches were held and events have taken place since, the hosting of both Houses of Parliament during the Second World War and the first meeting of the United Nations Preparatory Commission and Security Council in 1945 included.

The present Conference Centre was officially inaugurated in November 1990 and underwent major refurbishment in 2006; it now hosts more than 800 events per annum. For one week each year it is still used by the Church of England to hold its General Synod. Interestingly, Church House Conference Centre operates its own division bell for parliament – for the large number of MP’s regularly attending events on the premises. For live broadcasts around the Royal Wedding the venue, which was granted Grade II listed status in 1988, provided access to its roof top for international television channels.

Located in the heart of Westminster, Church House Conference Centre is close to local attractions and easily reached via excellent transport links, within London and from outside.

www.churchhouseconf.co.uk or stand  F400 at Imex Frankfurt.

Header Photo courtesy of Visit London. Credit: visitlondonimages/ britainonview