The first speakers have been revealed for the Unique Venues of London Showcase, taking place at Somerset House on Tuesday 6 October 2026, as the programme for the highly anticipated event begins to take shape.
Claire Gardener, Managing Director at Eventful; Matt Grey, CEO of event:decision; Sophie Linin, Deputy Head of Events at Royal Museums Greenwich; and Julia Danmeri, Founder & CEO of TranslateAble will join the panel for:
Purpose-Driven Events – Sustainability, Accessibility & Inclusion in Unique Venues
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s an expectation. The session will explore how London’s unique venues are leading the way with meaningful environmental initiatives while creating spaces that are inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all.
From responsible catering and waste reduction to diversity, accessibility and social impact, the discussion will showcase how exceptional events can also be responsible ones.
The panel brings together expertise from across the industry. Claire Gardener will offer an agency and event buyer perspective, Matt Grey brings extensive knowledge of event sustainability and responsibility, Sophie Linin will share insight from managing events across some of London’s most iconic and historic spaces, while Julia Danmeri will bring her expertise in language accessibility and inclusive global events.
Kizzy Allott, Publisher of Event Industry News, said:
“We’re really excited to reveal the first speakers and I think this panel perfectly reflects what we want the Showcase to be about – not simply discovering incredible venues, but sharing ideas and practical insight that event professionals can take back into their own events.
“Sustainability, accessibility and inclusion are now fundamental considerations for our industry, so bringing together agency, venue and specialist perspectives should make for a really valuable conversation. We’re delighted to be delivering the Showcase in partnership with Unique Venues of London and there’s plenty more still to announce.”
Taking place from 9am–2pm at Somerset House, the Showcase will bring together more than 70 of London’s unique venues under one roof – an opportunity event buyers simply won’t find at any other industry event.
Designed to save event professionals valuable time in venue sourcing and research, the morning will combine face-to-face venue meetings with three educational sessions, networking, breakfast and lunch from Butch Salads, all within the iconic surroundings of Somerset House.
The event is being delivered by Event Industry News in partnership with Unique Venues of London, with RefTech as Official Event Tech Partner.
Further speakers and panel line-ups will be announced over the coming weeks.
Registration is free for event bookers, but places are limited. Register today
Unique Venues of London Showcase
Tuesday 6 October 2026 | 9am–2pm
Somerset House, London
Author: Sam Hyland
Sam is the assistant content manager for Event Industry News (EIN). Sam is involved in publishing news stories, videos and podcasts. Sam also collates the latest stories for the EIN e-newsletter. If you have a press release or story you think we might be interested to know about please email features@eventindustrynews.com
