The Science Museum in South Kensington has just hosted The Meetings Show’s Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception, welcoming over 300 of the show’s pre-qualified hosted buyers.
The invite-only welcome reception provided buyers with a chance to experience the Science Museum’s most interactive gallery to date – Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery, as well as giving them a digital sneak-preview of the museum’s new dedicated events space – Illuminate – which opens in February 2019.
Guests began with a sparkling reception in Energy Hall and Exploring Space where they enjoyed music from saxophonist Kat, represented by Full Circle, before making their way up to Level 3 for the main event.
David Chapple from The Meetings Show welcomed guests, followed by a presentation and video by show partner Dubai. Ben Lheureux from the Science Museum then took to the stage to reveal the first-look video of the new space, Illuminate, and announce the opening of the diary at the show itself. The video facilities at the event and all production was delivered by White Light, the exclusive production partner for Illuminate.
Following the speeches, the doors were opened to Wonderlab, with over 50 interactive exhibits. Guests were greeted by a cocktail at the Chemistry Bar, live music from violinist Mirabelle, and experimental food installations by Lick Me I’m Delicious, including the Nitro Ice Cream Parlour, LOGOPOP and Bubble Volcano.
Illuminate’s exclusive catering partner, Moving Venue, provided street food stations outside Wonderlab themed around three of London’s iconic food hubs as well as a separate Middle Eastern themed station. Dishes varied from roast belly of pork to Colchester oysters with tabasco. Desserts were then circulated within Wonderlab, before the evening came to a close at 10pm.
Ben Lheureux, Head of Events and Catering at the Science Museum, said, “It was great to welcome The Meetings Show’s hosted buyers to celebrate the start of this year’s show and to treat guests to a sneak-preview video showcasing our new events space, Illuminate, ahead of the diary opening for bookings on the first day of the show.
“Wonderlab was the perfect setting for the event, with the interactive food stations and exhibits being the ideal ice-breaker for delegates. We were delighted to be able to deliver an exciting and exhilarating opening event – the feedback we had on the night was fantastic.”