ICEAWARDS Conference and Expo at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s in London

ICE is a global community of Corporate Event Planners dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the vital work corporate teams accomplish in both virtual and live events. It also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and generating innovative ideas. The flagship event series includes the ICEAWARDS Conference and Expo, held each summer in London, as well in Germany and New York City.

 In 2024, the London ICEAWARDS Conference & Expo took place at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s, the newest Convene venue in the UK. Here, Anita Howard, founder and strategy director of ICE, shares her experience working with Convene as a partner, not just a place, for this iconic event.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role?

My name is Anita Howard and I’m the Strategy Director at ICE (International Corporate Events). With over 30 years of experience in conferences and exhibitions, I’ve been deeply involved in the creation, management, and marketing of a wide range of events, including conferences, meetings and special events. My experience spans organising events for up to 10,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors, giving me a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to deliver successful, large-scale events.

I’m truly passionate about the events industry and committed to helping corporate event planners gain the recognition they deserve. Through various ICE initiatives, we strive to share knowledge and best practices, foster community, and celebrate excellence in the field. These initiatives include tailored workshops, networking events, and the ICEAWARDS, which highlight the outstanding achievements of professionals in the corporate events sector.

On July 11 of this year, the ICEAWARDS Conference and Expo was held at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s in London. It was a day filled with inspiring discussions, sharing knowledge, innovative ideas, and a celebration of excellence in the events industry. But what made this event truly special was not just the content and attendees, but also the exceptional venue that hosted it - Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s was the perfect choice for this prestigious event.

How did you come to select Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s as the venue for your event?

When organising an event that gathers some of the brightest minds in the industry, selecting the right venue is crucial. For us, Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s was the clear choice for several reasons. Located in the heart of London, it offered convenient access for our diverse attendees. Its state-of-the-art facilities assured us that our technical requirements would be met with precision. The venue’s seamless blend of style and functionality was another major draw. We sought a space that was not only visually impressive but also provided exceptional service and support—and Convene exceeded our expectations on both counts.

What was a standout moment of your event at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s?

One of the standout aspects of hosting our event at Convene Sancroft St, Paul’s was the ambiance. The modern, sleek design of the venue created an environment that was both professional and inviting, perfectly aligning with the tone of our event. The spacious rooms allowed us to comfortably accommodate our guests, while the advanced AV equipment ensured that every presentation and panel discussion was executed flawlessly.

But beyond the physical space, what truly made the experience remarkable was the team at Convene. From the initial planning stages to the final moments of the event, their staff was incredibly attentive, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Their professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction, making our job as event organizers significantly easier.

What role did the venue play in helping achieve your event goals?

Our primary goal for the ICEAWARDS Conference, and Expo was to create an experience that was both memorable and impactful for our attendees. We wanted to foster meaningful connections, showcase innovative ideas, and recognise excellence within the industry. Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s played a pivotal role in helping us achieve these objectives.

The layout of the venue facilitated networking and engagement, with ample spaces for attendees to interact and exchange ideas. The flexibility of the space allowed us to tailor each element of the event to suit both the needs of our speakers and delegates, enhancing the overall experience. 

Additionally, the catering provided by Convene was top-notch, offering a variety of options that catered to all dietary preferences, which further elevated the event experience for our attendees.

How did Convene serve as a partner, not just a place, to bring your event to life?

Our experience at Convene Sancroft exceeded even our highest expectations in several impressive ways. The team at Convene was exceptionally welcoming and attentive, consistently offering their support throughout the day. They proactively checked in to see if we needed anything, ensuring that every detail was taken care of.

One standout aspect was their exceptional flexibility in customising the space. With multiple segments of the event requiring different setups, the Convene team was incredibly responsive and accommodating. Whether it was rearranging chairs, adding extra seating, or adjusting the layout, they were on hand to make adjustments seamlessly.

Additionally, the team’s commitment to excellence was evident in their meticulous attention to detail and readiness to assist with any last-minute requests. Their proactive approach not only ensured the event ran smoothly but also allowed us to focus on delivering a memorable experience for our attendees.
The ICE Awards, Conference, and Expo at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s on July 11 was a resounding success, and much of that success can be attributed to the exceptional venue. Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s not only met our needs, but exceeded them, providing a day of inspiration, innovation, and recognition.