We were absolutely thrilled to be added to the list of accredited suppliers at Historic Royal Palace’s Banqueting House earlier this year. So we thought it was about time we found out more about Jennifer Lockham, her stunning venue and how clients can get the best out of their events…
What’s your top tip for running a successful event?
You have to be open to ideas and different ways of delivering an event. As a Historic Royal Palace and Grade I listed venue we have many restrictions so it could be easy just to say no to requests. At Banqueting House we love to welcome new and exciting things we have never seen or done before, so having an open mind and embracing a challenge is a must.
Do you have any advice for clients looking for a venue for an event?
Focus on the core objectives for the event and stick to them. You might personally like a particular style or have been impressed with a venue during someone else’s event. But if it’s not quite big enough or is in the wrong location etc, don’t let personal preference cloud your judgement and lose sight of what will make YOUR event a success.
What’s the most important question an event organiser can ask at a show round?
Who do you recommend we work with? We have an incredible list of approved suppliers who can cater to any style, budget and brief. We work with these suppliers regularly and they know the venue almost as well as we do. This ensures your event will be the very best that it can be.
How does Banqueting House ensure that their clients receive a high return on investment?
At show round stage we ask our clients what their objectives are and help them to work towards them. Is the food the most important thing, do they want entertainment never seen before, or do they want to have incredible elaborate themed production? If we can find out their priorities we can help to deliver their vision and ROI.
What’s your favourite space at Banqueting House and why?
The Main Hall when no one else is in there. You can lie on a beanbag gazing at the Rubens ceiling and lose yourself. I can still see things in those paintings I have never seen before, even after 6 years of looking!
What has been your most fun event?
The Attitude Magazine Awards are a really fun night, with great entertainment and fabulous guests, but I have to say the most fun we have at Banqueting House is when we create our own showcase events.
What changes do you think the events industry will see over the next 5 years?
Well with BREXIT who knows! I think we will see more overseas clients coming over taking advantage of the exchange rate for a start!