The Venues team took home not one, but two trophies at the London Venue & Catering Awards 2024.
During a fantastic afternoon at Old Billingsgate, which brought together our industry’s top event professionals, we were delighted to take home a winners trophy for the ‘Sustainability Award for Venues’, and a bronze for ‘Best Venue Customer Service’, a remarkable triumph for everyone involved. These awards recognise the sheer amount of hard work, passion, dedication and time invested in making our beautiful building a successful & sustainable place in which to work and deliver outstanding events.
Up against strong competition from ExCel London, Olympia Events and Lambeth Palace, we felt very lucky to win this prestigious award, and couldn’t have done it without some key people at BMA; a special thanks goes to those in Estates, CSER, and our incredible catering partner, Company of Cooks, you’ve helped make BMA House the successful and reputable venue that it is.
Judges’ comments from our winning entry include:
The Judges commented that at BMA House there was a real commitment to see every aspect of the business reflecting sustainability at its core. Their sustainability policy was clear and achievable and training all staff in Carbon Literacy was a great way to ensure that their values were represented in day to day practices.
We’re so proud of our achievements and in the competitive London market it is a challenge to stand out from the crowd – we have proved our ability to do just that!
💚 We are delighted to announce that we have kept hold of our Platinum ECOsmart status with Greengage! 👏
Joining just a small group of other Platinum venues across the UK, this achievement proudly demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability across all areas of the business. This recognised standard is proof we are heading in the right direction on our sustainability pathway to achieving net-zero by 2030.
The ECOsmart certification provides a quality stamp of approval that helps companies make a sustainable decision when booking a hotel, meeting venue or serviced apartment.
The festive season isn’t quite upon us, but as those in the events world will know, planning for it is.
Christmas parties are fun, often fancy, and usually full of excess. As such, they can have an adverse effect on the environment.
So how can you make your London-based Christmas party more sustainable?
Hosting an eco-friendly Christmas party in London doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or festivity; it means making thoughtful choices that reduce waste and carbon footprint. Here’s a few tips on what you can do:
Choose a sustainable venue:
Positively Dickensian in look and feel (Charles Dickens did in fact once live here), BMA House screams Christmas parties. But while we’re a historic building, we also have modern sustainable practises embedded in everything we do. Plus, members of our team are certified carbon literate.
Don’t just take our word for it, our awards speak for themselves. We’re proud to say that we won first place in the Sustainability category in the London Venue Awards 2023. And we have retained our Gold accreditation with Green Tourism since 2017.
Hosting your party at a venue like BMA House ensures your event is rooted in sustainability from the outset.
Green menus:
Food and drink are the bread and butter (pardon the pun) of any celebration.
Menus that prioritise seasonal produce, use organic or biodynamic beverages and offer plant-based options will ensure you’re reducing your carbon footprint and making use of sustainable farming methods.
Whether its mince pies, roast turkey or spiced butternut squash, BMA House in collaboration with Company of Cooks, offers a mouth-watering selection of sustainably-sourced and locally-grown ingredients, as well as vegan options including wines.
Eco-friendly decorations:
When it comes to big events, we can too easily focus on the aesthetic over the environmental impact. Single-use items are rife at Christmas parties – and not just the plastic sort. Wrapping paper and crackers have the shortest lifespans and then there’s the packaging they come in.
We don’t want to be total Christmas scrooges of course. There’s nothing wrong with upholding traditions, but what about instead of wrapping a gift in paper, wrapping it in a fabric – a pretty scarf, handkerchief etc – that’s then part of the gift?
Additionally, natural Christmas decorations, when sourced responsibly, support sustainable agriculture, e.g. holly branches can be pruned in a way that promotes the healthy growth of the plant. They’re also biodegradable, decomposing post-event and returning to the soil. (Plus, they bring more of a rustic charm and evocative festive scent than their plastic counterparts).
If natural décor isn’t an option, investing in high-quality decorations means you’ll be more likely to find ways to incorporate them into future events, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
We recommend seeking out suppliers who make clear their sustainability policies and have a focus on reusability, particularly with themed events which tend to use specific décor.
Minimise waste:
Did you know that, according to The Soil Association, around two million turkeys and 74 million mince pies are binned every Christmas? Christmas invites indulgence which in turn invites unnecessary waste.
But we can still enjoy all the trimmings of Christmas while being mindful about waste.
In the event-planning phase, menu choices and accurate headcounts are key. If you’re planning a sit-down dinner, make sure you know as close to exact numbers as possible, and go for a menu with fewer options (an overloaded menu only brings choice paralysis anyway).
Here at BMA House, our chutneys are made from leftover, unused vegetables and we have a sustainable two-course set menu that reduces food waste, but these aren’t the only options to reduce waste. You could for example, plan to donate any leftover food to local charities or food banks. Many organisations will accept donations of untouched, surplus food from events.
Transport & accommodation
Yes, guests might not fancy cycling to the Christmas party, but you can still encourage guests to use sustainable forms of travel and advertise this on your (digital) invite.
Conveniently, BMA House is in the heart of Bloomsbury – close to London’s Euston and Kings Cross – making it particularly accessible.
But we also suggest carpooling or walking where possible. Sometimes, in London, a walk is quicker than a tube or cab anyway.
It’s possible to host a sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas party without compromising on quality. By making mindful choices, you can reduce your environmental impact while still creating a festive atmosphere.
This December, let BMA House help you host a Christmas party that reflects the true spirit of Christmas and gives back to the planet.
We’re proud to offer green Christmas party packages, called ‘Walking in a Greener Wonderland’, which offer all the thrills and excitement of Christmas but allow you to party the night away with a clear conscience. From plant-based bubbles to hand-selected, sustainable menu options and gorgeous eco-friendly centrepieces, we’ve got green Christmas covered.
For more information on holding your Christmas party at BMA House, contact our event planners on [email protected] or call 020 7874 7070.
The venues team are on a roll having been shortlisted as finalists in not one, but two categories for prestigious industry awards, the London Venue & Catering Awards. Our magnificent venue will be fighting for a winning trophy in the following two categories:
⭐ The Sustainability Award for Venues
⭐ Best Venue Customer Service
We were fortunate enough to take home the ‘Winners’ trophy in 2023, but we’re hopeful the new initiative we launched over the year will keep us at the top.
These awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement in London-based venues and catering companies. A considerable amount of time, hard work & love has been invested into making BMA House the incredible venue it is today.
Up against strong competition from Friends House, The Science Museum, Church House Westminster, Olympia Events, The View London to name just a few, we feel very lucky to be shortlisted in these two categories.
We’ll find out if we’ve been successful at the lunchtime ceremony on 22nd November 🤞 but for now we’ll enjoy these achievements and well done to everyone involved at BMA House and Company of Cooks for your hard work in getting us this far.
BMA House, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, proudly hosted the Sustainable Wedding Summit, organised by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA). This landmark event, held to inspire action and innovation within the wedding industry towards sustainability, saw industry professionals gather to explore ways to build a more sustainable future.
As SWA’s leading London sustainable wedding venue, BMA House was the ideal location to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from the wedding industry to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops, and networking, all aimed at fostering sustainable practices.
Client Requirements
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance sought a venue that not only shared their values of sustainability and innovation but could also accommodate a dynamic and multi-faceted event.
The summit required spaces for presentations, workshops, networking, and dining, all within a sustainable and environmentally friendly setting. Key elements included a plant-based menu, facilities for live podcast recordings, and areas for both formal and informal interactions among attendees.
Importantly, the venue needed to demonstrate a proactive approach to sustainability, aligning with the SWA’s mission to inspire the wedding industry towards greener practices.
BMA House Solution
BMA House met and exceeded the SWA’s requirements by providing a comprehensive, sustainable venue solution. The event utilised various spaces within BMA House, including the Great Hall for keynote speeches and panel discussions, and the Snow room for dining and networking.
The venue’s commitment to sustainability was showcased through a bespoke plant-based menu, featuring dishes such as courgette fritters with minted cucumber yoghurt, pulled jackfruit sliders, and a variety of vegan bowl foods, emphasising the venue’s ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable catering.
Workshops and discussions were held in spaces designed to encourage collaborative and engaging conversations, with topics ranging from ethical marketing to carbon reduction and sustainable supply chains.
BMA House also facilitated a unique outdoor photo opportunity in the Courtyard, embodying the event’s theme of reconnecting with nature and each other.
The culmination of the day’s activities in the Paget room for awards and the Snow room for dinner, drinks, and dancing, illustrated BMA House’s versatility and commitment to hosting sustainable events that leave a lasting impression.
As a truly memorable centrepiece, and to demonstrate Mother Nature serving as a symbolic ever-present guest, a chair adorned by a member florist, Lilac and Lace Floral Design, stood sentinel throughout the day, reminding everyone to ask the crucial question: “What would nature say?”
Client Feedback
Feedback from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance and event attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The SWA praised BMA House for its exemplary role as a leading sustainable venue in London, highlighting the seamless integration of sustainable practices throughout the event.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with BMA House for the 2024 Sustainable Wedding Summit in London. Their central location made it an ideal choice for wedding professionals travelling from across the UK, ensuring accessibility and minimising travel footprints. But beyond location, BMA House truly embodied the spirit of the event. Their commitment to sustainable practices, from sustainably led operations to the delicious plant-based cuisine provided by Company of Cooks, perfectly aligned with our vision. Having a venue that prioritises ethical sourcing and minimising waste allowed us to showcase sustainable practices not just through discussion, but through the entire event experience. It was a powerful testament to the impact conscious choices can have, and a perfect setting to forge connections with a community passionate about a greener wedding industry.” Michelle Miles – Founder, Sustainable Wedding Alliance
Attendees were impressed with the quality of the plant-based catering, the variety of sessions and workshops available, and the overall commitment to sustainability demonstrated by the venue.
“The venue was spacious and well equipped, the main hall was perfect, a sense of history and grandeur but with all the mod cons for a panel discussion and presentation.”
“The Sustainable Wedding Summit was a game-changer! Actionable insights, expert speakers, and a supportive community – I left overflowing with inspiration and practical steps to improve my business. Can’t wait for next year!”
The successful execution of the Sustainable Wedding Summit at BMA House not only reinforced the venue’s status as a pioneer in hosting sustainable events but also set a new benchmark for the wedding industry.
By hosting the Sustainable Wedding Summit, BMA House has further cemented its reputation as an innovative leader in sustainable event hosting, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand to create events that are both memorable and meaningful.
Photo credits to:
Sustainable Wedding Summit: Zoe Mills Photography
Sustainable Wedding Awards: Carla Thomas Photography
💚 We are proud to have a dedicated member of the team who has been certified as Carbon Literate 💚
Sustainability is a huge driving factor for choosing us as a venue and to have an educated team on hand is just one of the many ways in which we can help clients & couples put on a sustainable event. Whether it’s a conference, social event or wedding, we have a true history of hospitality and focus on sustainability 🌿
👏 Well done Victoria Lewis for completing your ‘Carbon Literacy Training for Wedding Professionals’.
🔗 Find out more about this training here: https://sustainableweddingalliance.com/for-businesses/carbon-literacy/
The venues team have been shortlisted as finalists for prestigious industry awards, the Conference & Events Awards. Our magnificent venue will be fighting for a winning trophy in the following category:
⭐ Sustainability Award for Venues
This is the first time we’ve entered ourselves into these awards so it’s hugely encouraging to be shortlisted. These annual awards celebrate and champion everyone involved in the events industry. A considerable amount of time, hard work & love has been invested into making BMA House the incredible venue it is today, with sustainability as our key focus.
Up against strong competition from the Business Design Centre, Wyboston Lakes Resort and RCP London Events to name just a few, we feel very lucky to be shortlisted in this category.
We’ll find out if we’ve been successful at the awards ceremony on 5th July 🤞 but for now we’ll enjoy these this achievement and well done to everyone involved at BMA House and Company of Cooks for your hard work in getting us this far.
The Travel Celebration event was an inaugural event designed to bring together the travel industry in a unique and refreshing way. Unlike traditional award ceremonies that followed a predictable format, The Travel Celebration sought to break the mould and create an unforgettable experience for its attendees. Micaela Giacobbe, the event organiser, and Bruce Martin, the event owner, envisioned a celebration that would go beyond awards to prioritise networking, memorable experiences, and meaningful connections among industry professionals.
The Vision:
Recognising the need for a different approach in the wake of the global lockdown, Micaela and Bruce set out to create an event that captured the spirit of recovery and rejuvenation. They wanted The Travel Celebration to be more than just another awards ceremony, providing a platform for industry professionals to connect, celebrate achievements, and build lasting relationships. The focus was on fostering meaningful interactions and creating shared experiences that would leave a lasting impression on attendees.
The Unconventional Format:
To create something truly different from the typical awards format, Micaela and Bruce carefully planned the evening’s schedule. They divided the event into three distinct sections, allowing ample time for networking and immersive experiences. The evening began with a longer than normal reception period, allowing guests to network while enjoying appetisers and drinks. This provided an opportunity for attendees to mingle, connect, and initiate conversations in a relaxed setting.
Following the reception, attendees were seated for dinner. However, rather than keeping people confined to their tables throughout the evening, Micaela and Bruce introduced an awards ceremony that lasted no longer than 55 minutes. This concise and efficient format ensured that the majority of the evening was focused on relationship building and fun rather a one-way experience where the audience sat quietly, clapping occasionally and waiting for the awards to finish.
After the awards ceremony, the event transformed into a lively party, where guests had the chance to enjoy themselves and continue networking for another hour and a half. By incorporating this extended networking period and breaking away from the traditional structure, The Travel Celebration created an atmosphere that encouraged meaningful connections in a fun and inspiring atmosphere.
Memorable Experiences:
To enhance the event’s uniqueness, Micaela and Bruce curated a range of extraordinary experiences for the attendees. These experiences aimed to create lasting memories and forge deeper connections among the guests. From an Arabian tent featuring henna painting and traditional coffee service to eco-friendly glitter artists and even the presence of rescued animals, each experience was carefully selected to captivate attendees and spark conversations.
The inclusion of these uncommon experiences created an environment where people could engage with each other in new and exciting ways, whilst considering the world around them. As part of this, Micaela ensured that responsible choices were made, such as working with an organisation that rescues unwanted animals and demonstrates the challenges those creatures face.
BMA House as the Venue:
When selecting a venue for The Travel Celebration, Micaela and Bruce sought a space that would accommodate their desired capacity of 200 guests while offering a prestigious and impactful atmosphere. BMA House emerged as the perfect choice, providing an elegant setting with grand columns, exquisite lighting, and versatile spaces.
In the words of Micaela: “One of the key factors in choosing BMA House was the expectation of seamless customer service provided by Sasha and the rest of the BMA House team. Their expertise and support were crucial in ensuring the event’s success. From the initial setup to the high-speed and potentially high-stress turnaround between the reception and the after-party, the BMA House team demonstrated professionalism, flexibility, and efficiency, ultimately exceeding our expectations.”
Positive Feedback and Future Collaboration:
The Travel Celebration Event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Guests expressed their delight and surprise at the event’s distinctive format and memorable experiences. The unique combination of networking opportunities, immersive encounters, and an efficient awards ceremony made it a something truly unique in the industry calendar and BMA House look forward to welcoming them back next year.
In today’s world, organising a sustainable event is not just a choice, but a responsibility. At BMA House, we’ve embraced this ethos, integrating sustainability into every facet of our event planning. This guide, inspired by our journey to achieving winners of ‘The Sustainability Award for Venues’ at the 2023 London Venue & Catering Awards, aims to empower you with strategies to create an eco-conscious event that leaves a lasting, positive impact on the environment.
Embracing Sustainability in Every Aspect
True sustainability in event planning is comprehensive. It begins with a thorough assessment of every element – from venue selection to the final wrap-up. Choose venues that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also committed to environmental stewardship. BMA House, for instance, has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources and implementing a robust water conservation plan.
When planning your event, think about energy usage, waste management, and the overall ecological impact. Implementing a strict recycling program, using digital signage instead of printed materials, and ensuring that all lighting is energy-efficient are crucial steps. Also, consider the accessibility of the venue. Encouraging attendees to use public transport or providing shuttle services from major transport hubs can drastically reduce the event’s carbon footprint. In our case for example, we are not only perfectly located close to key train stations and bus route, but we have also implemented a clean air walking route, ensuring visitors have a far quieter and less polluted walk from our nearest mainline station to the venue.
Partnering with the Right Suppliers
Your suppliers and partners play a vital role in the sustainability of your event. It’s important to collaborate with those who share your commitment to the environment. This means prioritising local vendors to minimise transportation emissions, and choosing caterers who offer sustainable menu options. In additional to a variety of other local partners BMA’s key supporter in this part of our journey has been Company of Cooks, our catering partner. They understand our sustainability needs and have worked with us from the outset to ensure that we are constantly improving our green credentials whether it be in the kitchen, behind the bar or on the plate.
At BMA House, our collaboration with suppliers has led to the introduction of innovative sustainable practices. Our “Wine with a Conscience” program, for instance, focuses on sustainable wine options transported by land or sea, reducing our carbon footprint. Also, our catering partners prioritise plant-based and seasonal menu options, reducing the overall environmental impact of our food offerings. Another example is our partnership with WasteKnot, who provide us with fantastic produce that wouldn’t make it to the supermarket shelves because “it doesn’t look right” or is slightly blemished.
Sustainable Catering: Beyond the Menu
The catering at your event can be a significant point of differentiation in terms of sustainability. It’s not just about what’s on the menu, but how it’s sourced, prepared, and served.
Innovative catering solutions are key. For instance, at BMA House, we’ve embraced menus that highlight the carbon impact of each item, allowing guests to make informed choices. Eliminating high carbon footprint items like beef and introducing a diverse range of plant-based options has been a game-changer for us and it could be for your events as well. Meat plays one of the biggest parts in the climate crisis that we face – reducing or eliminating it entirely is an incredibly positive step to take.
But it’s not just about the food. How it’s served matters too. Minimise the use of disposables by ensuring the use of reusable cutlery and crockery. If disposables are necessary, ensure they are compostable or recyclable. Also, consider the presentation and packaging of food. Using locally-sourced, minimal, and recyclable packaging can significantly reduce waste.
Reducing food waste is another critical aspect. Plan your menu carefully to avoid excess and collaborate with local charities to donate any surplus food. At BMA House, we create chutneys from our waste, but most importantly we try our hardest not to over-cater in the first place. Simple planning, maths and an understanding of delegates numbers and wants is the best way to ensure waste in minimised.
Engaging Attendees in Your Sustainability Journey
Your attendees are crucial allies in your sustainability journey. Engage them from the outset – explain your sustainability goals and how they can contribute. Simple initiatives like encouraging the use of public transport, providing water stations instead of bottled water, and promoting a ‘Bring your own cup’ scheme can have a significant impact.
At BMA House, we actively involve our attendees in our sustainability efforts. We provide clear information about our practices and encourage them to participate. We also make sure that from the outset they know we are an award-winning sustainable venue and that they are a part of that journey. Coming here doesn’t mean they will receive a lesser experience, just because it is more environmentally friendly. In fact it will be an improved experience, something different and most importantly something memorable in a positive way that ensures the event delivers for the long term as it resonates throughout the years. Nothing is more impactful than guest talking at a subsequent event about how different things were at BMA House and how much they enjoyed the food or would like to return.
Leveraging Technology for Eco-Friendly Events
Technology can greatly enhance the sustainability of your event. Digital invitations, online registrations, and e-brochures can significantly reduce paper waste. Also, consider the potential of hybrid events. By combining in-person and virtual elements, you can reduce the overall carbon footprint of your event by minimising travel.
Winners of ‘Best Venue for Hybrid Events’ in the 2022 London Venue Awards, at BMA House, our success with hybrid events has shown how technology can not only enhance the attendee experience but also contribute to sustainability goals. For instance, using digital platforms for attendee interaction and feedback reduces the need for printed materials, while live streaming options can reduce the number of attendees who need to travel. Don’t forget though to do your research – digital events use more power and energy so don’t let that outweigh the impact of the live event. Also, make sure the attendees will benefit from a digital event, if it drives down attendance and negates an event’s impact and importance than it isn’t the right choice after all.
In conclusion, organising a sustainable event is a journey that requires thoughtful planning and a commitment to making a positive environmental impact. By adopting the strategies outlined, inspired by our practices at BMA House, you can ensure that your event is not only memorable but also a beacon of sustainability. Embrace this opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that events can be both extraordinary and eco-friendly.
As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the shift in professional attire at conferences and events is unmistakable. Here at BMA House, a leading venue for conferences and events, we have seen a notable transformation in dress codes over the last few years. Whilst not entirely to blame, the COVID restrictions certainly accelerated the pace of that change, which mirrors the broader evolution in workplace and professional dress, reflecting a move towards more relaxed and individual styles.
The Shift Towards Smart Casual
In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a general relaxation in dress codes, moving away from the traditional suit and tie to embrace smart casual. This trend is not just a reflection of changing fashion sensibilities but also of the shifting dynamics of work culture. With more hybrid working models, where individuals split their time between home and the office, there’s a natural inclination to opt for outfits that bridge the gap between comfort and professionalism.
At BMA House, we’ve witnessed this trend first-hand at our conferences and events. Attendees are increasingly choosing smart casual, which allows them to transition seamlessly from a day at the office to an event, without the need for a complete outfit change. This shift is indicative of a larger cultural move towards a more relaxed professional environment, where the emphasis is on individual expression and comfort, without sacrificing professionalism.
Evening Events: A Time to Shine
Despite the general trend towards relaxation, it’s important to note that dress codes can still vary significantly depending on the type of event and the sector. For evening events such as awards and receptions, in particular, there remains a strong inclination for attendees to dress up. These occasions are often seen as opportunities to make an effort, with cocktail attire or business formal wear frequently chosen to reflect the special nature of the evening. At BMA House, we continue to celebrate this tradition through our theming and decor, recognising that for many, evening events are a chance to step away from the everyday and indulge in a bit of glamour.
Sector-Specific Expectations
It’s crucial to acknowledge that in some industries, traditional dress codes are still very much expected. Fields such as law, finance, and certain corporate sectors maintain a more conservative approach to professional attire. For many events across these industries, the expectation for suit and tie or formal business wear remains unchanged. Here at BMA House, we respect and accommodates these expectations, ensuring that the professional nature and history of our venue continues to be present. This again demonstrates our versatility and suitability for a wide range of professional gatherings.
In conclusion, the evolution of dress codes at conferences and events reflect a broader shift towards a more relaxed and individualised approach to professional attire. At BMA House, we embrace this change, offering a flexible and inclusive environment that caters to a diverse array of professional needs and preferences. Whether it’s a day conference in smart casual or an elegant evening gala, we celebrate the diversity of professional expression in this new era.
