London: Excel London - part of ADNEC Group, a Modon company - has successfully hosted the inaugural event in its new state-of-the-art expansion, making it the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition center in Europe. The weekend's season finale of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship marked the opening of the new 25,000sqm purpose-built space, constructed by McLaren Construction, expanding the venue's existing world-class facilities by a further 25 percent, totaling 125,000sqm (1.3m sqft).
According to Emirates News Agency, the expansion was developed due to growing demand from the UK, Europe, and North America. It forms part of a wider £350 million investment program from ADNEC Group in London's business tourism economy and is part of Excel's mission to become the best event destination in the world. The new facilities offer stunning views of London's skyline and include an expanded International Convention Centre, allowing Excel and London to compete for some of the largest congresses in Europe. The ultra-modern exhibition halls, conference spaces, and meeting rooms are built to leading BREEAM sustainability standards and include new public green spaces and an enhanced waterfront for pedestrians and cyclists. The entire venue, including the new expansion, uses 100 percent renewable energy, and the construction process saved more than 11,000kg of CO2e by using Cemfree, an ultra-low carbon masonry mortar.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Excel London and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that the expansion marks a pivotal moment and a strategic investment to drive growth for ADNEC Group, reinforcing London as a world-leading event destination. He highlighted that the increased space will enhance competitiveness, attract larger international events, and generate significant economic flows for the city, supporting thousands of businesses and local jobs. The flexible spaces will accommodate new types of events, increase the annual event count, and attract leading global names in vital sectors such as technology and science.
Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London, expressed pride in the expansion, describing it as a historic moment not just for Excel in its 25th anniversary year, but for the entire city of London. He emphasized that the expansion represents an investment in the future and a commitment to providing a world-class environment for world-class events, making it fitting that the Formula E spectacle was the first event in the new space. Rees also noted that interest and bookings for the new expansion and Excel as a whole are at unprecedented levels, with 10 major international congresses already confirmed for 2026, setting a record for a single year and highlighting London's status as a global events destination.
Excel, along with its new entertainment district Immerse LDN, hosts more than 400 events annually, welcoming four million visitors, a quarter of whom are from overseas. These figures are expected to rise over the coming years. Acquired by ADNEC Group in 2008, the venue has grown from strength to strength, thanks to their investment and vision.
