London’s New Crown Jewel”: ExCeL Pairs Big Investment with Planner Priorities

After a $340M expansion—and with the Elizabeth line at its door—Excel London makes a product-first case at IMEX America 2025: sustainability, F&B by design, connectivity, and a waterfront built for activations.

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

LAS VEGAS — “This is what we feel we are: the new jewel in London’s crown… London and Excel have created the best convention center in Europe.” — James Rees, Executive Director, Excel London

The line set the tone. Excel’s IMEX America briefing was less boast than blueprint: a $340 million expansion scaling the venue to ~1.3 million sq. ft. across two levels, plus London’s multibillion-pound Elizabeth line now at Excel’s front door. Together, those investments anchor Excel’s pitch to planners—and its belief that it stands as Europe’s benchmark convention venue, in the gateway to Europe.

Designed around what planners say matters now

Sustainability — non-negotiable.

Excel says the campus is carbon neutral, with a published 2025 Net Zero Transition Plan and a Net Zero by 2045 target. On catering, Compass Group is driving toward Net Zero by 2027, pairing sustainability with healthy, stay-sharp menus that suit long program days.

F&B as a program asset

What used to be “refuel” has become part of experience design. Clients are specifying variety, nutrition, and pacing aligned to sessions so delegates keep their edge.

Connectivity that changes the day

With an Elizabeth line station on the doorstep, Excel is ~15 minutes to the City and ~43–45 minutes direct to Heathrow (LHR), with throughput up to 36,000 delegates per hour across the network. That door-to-door speed is shaping RFP choices.

Scale, light, water

The expansion delivers six contiguous halls below (about 125,000 sq. ft. each) and ~37 flexible rooms above with movable airwalls. High ceilings, extensive daylight, and a ~200-meter waterfront balcony create options—from fresh-air breaks to intimate hosted events. The 180-acre campus layers in hotels, restaurants, and promenades so delegates stay on foot and still feel in London.

Kevin Lang, Director of Global Accounts, Opus: “Scale, daylight, and access in one place—boxes North American shows struggle to tick simultaneously.”

Who’s booking—and why

Excel reports U.S. organizers now represent ~60% of its convention and congress business by value (up from ~37% a year ago), with pipelines and programs spanning Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Gartner, INTA, AAIC and more—tech, enterprise, associations, science. The common thread, leadership said: a venue built around sustainability, F&B quality, and connectivity, in a city delegates already want to visit. Add abundant airlift—read: plenty of nonstop and direct flights—English as the working language, and a strong reputation for safety, and the destination case strengthens further.

Tracy Halliwell, Director of Tourism & Conventions, London: “America is our biggest inbound market. Airlift, language, sector strength—London is an easy yes, and the city’s appeal does the rest.”

Quick facts for planners

Total space: ~1.3M sq. ft. post-expansion

Halls / meeting rooms: 6 contiguous halls; ~37 flexible rooms (upper level, movable airwalls)

Daylight & outdoor: Extensive glazing; ~200 m balcony for breaks or small activations

Transit: Elizabeth line at the door; ~15 min to the City; ~43–45 min to LHR

Throughput: Up to 36,000 delegates/hour on the line

Sustainability: Carbon-neutral campus; Net Zero 2045 target; Compass Group Net Zero 2027 (F&B)

Bottom line: Excel’s case is investment plus fit—greener operations, better food by design, door-to-door speed, and a waterfront venue that gives delegates light, air, and options. For many RFPs, that combination makes the “why London” slide write itself.