ASM Global to call the Olympia London shots

Article posted by Coliseum, March 7^th, 2022

Image: ASM Global

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live experiences, has been appointed to run operations at Olympia London, the premier exhibition center in Central London (UK) and one of Europe’s most historic venues.

The ‘ASM Global’ stated that the above announcement is a further step forward in the redevelopment of Olympia London and will see ASM Global take management responsibility for the exhibitions and events business. The move expands ASM’s footprint in Europe with an iconic London venue and brings global knowledge-sharing to enable Olympia London to compete harder in international markets.

The 4,000-10,000 capacity Olympia London, sometimes referred to as the Olympia Exhibition Centre, is an exhibition center, event space and conference center in West Kensington, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, England (UK).

Apply for membership

ASM Global and Olympia London’s management teams have already been working collectively on a venue enhancement plan for world-class conference and hospitality facilities, with further details to follow in due course. The senior management team and all Olympia London staff will move to ASM Global under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations.

The ‘ASM Global’ further stated that Olympia London has been a cultural and architectural landmark since opening its doors in 1886. Today, it is one of London’s busiest venues, and in recent years has attracted more than 1.6 million visitors and hosted over 200 events each year. The wider Olympia site is currently being redeveloped as a cultural district – a new destination for art, culture, education, entertainment, exhibitions, music, state-of-the-art offices and some of the best food and drink in town.

Remarked Ron Bension, President-cum-head honcho of ASM Global, “We are proud to partner with Olympia London, Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International on this amazing and historic venue, positioning it at the forefront of the industry for the next 100 years. Our commitment to guest and partner satisfaction aligns with the reputation of Olympia London and we look forward to continuing to serve existing and new clients’ event schedules at Olympia London and developing the program with other signature events.”

ASM Global has an unrivaled track record working with major cultural and entertainment districts and venues, including L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia, the 12,500-capacity OVO Arena Wembley in London (UK), and the 21,000-capacity AO Arena Manchester (UK). ASM will leverage its global relationships in content, programing, planning, technology, sustainability, and guest safety to further enhance the visitor experience at Olympia London.

Olympia London joins ASM Global’s network of more than 300 venues around the world, which host 20,000 events, and welcome 165 million guests every year.

Managing Director Nigel Nathan will now gradually transition to a new role as Chairman over the coming months once ASM appoints a replacement Managing Director to lead the day-to-day running of the Olympia London business.

Commented Nigel Nathan, “This is a truly exciting chapter in the history of Olympia London – a partnership with a global venue management company with far wider business reach and resources than we could have ever imagined. The future for Olympia London and the events we host has never been brighter as we benefit from the £1.3bn investment to create an outstanding destination for London. I decided some time ago to transition from Managing Director to Chairman and now is the perfect time to begin that process knowing that the business is in the best position to benefit from the globalization of events in partnership with ASM Global.”

The £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia – which will be completed in 2024 – includes a 4,400-capacity live music venue, a 1,575-seat performing arts theater, a school for the creative arts, 100,000 sq ft of restaurants, bars and eateries, two globally renowned hotels, 550,000 sq ft of offices, and 2.5 acres of new public realm.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 250 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue