Not all event venues can boast a super car backdrop as standard.
Ever wanted to combine a high-level conference with some high-octane thrills? This may be just the place for your next event….
Venue Name: Mercedes-Benz World
Venue Type: Automotive
Contact Name: Nathan Jupp, Sales Manager
Venue Website: www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk
Describe the facilities available for both event and exhibition organisers?
The venue is well situated within easy reach of both the major London airports and has excellent bus, rail and road links. The site includes ample parking, convenient loading areas, 24hour availability and a four-star hotel with spa. Inside the venue is a broad range of rooms and areas that offer either an ideal ‘blank canvas’ for those looking to create their own space, or unique ready-to-use facilities that lend themselves to any type of event. Regardless of the size of their event, an experienced team is always on hand to support organisers, with access to in-house catering, technical expertise, high-quality equipment and logistical support.
What unique selling points does your venue have?
As a unique automotive venue offering a blend of distinctive architecture, displays and exhibitions, there is something that will appeal to everyone. The most popular features are the purpose-built test tracks and challenging off-road course, which provide opportunities to test some of the latest and most desirable Mercedes-Benz models at whatever pace suits. Whether it’s behind the wheel or as a passenger, on the skid-pan or up to the doors in mud, every experience is a memorable one. The memory doesn’t have to be limited to those with a driving licence either. Anyone over the height of 1.5 metres can drive, irrespective of age. If that builds up an appetite, the award-winning catering team has an extensive menu on offer, prepared in the venue’s extensive kitchens.
Tell us about some of the events that have taken place in the venue.
In 2012 the venue hosted the world launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. One complete floor was transformed into four distinct areas – a launch stage, a chill-out area, a dining area and a ‘quintessentially English’ bar, complete with a picture of the Queen and a fake deer’s head! The transformation took an external team of 18 people two days to complete and just one night to dismantle. The world’s media arrived and enjoyed a night of glamour and entertainment, uploading their stories via our IT network before returning to their hotel rooms just two minutes’ walk away.
On a more regular basis the venue plays host to events both large and small, including exhibitions, conferences, training and team away days. A suitable room, some good food and a few laps of the handling circuit always go down well.
How has the venue developed in the last five years?
As with technology, the automotive industry develops at a fast pace. The venue is always striving to reflect the technology driven outlook of the company whilst always making sure this progress is relevant, practical and reliable. The number of rooms and areas available has steadily increased, whilst the benefits of a specialist and experienced team allow for even greater flexibility in what can be achieved.
Are there any plans to develop the venue over the next five years?
While nothing specific is planned, as part of a constant review the displays, exhibitions and infrastructure will continue to evolve. The flexibility of the venue and its teams should support any shifts in expectations and demands that will inevitably occur over the next five years.
What strategies does the venue employ to support events taking place within it?
Specifically, the strategy of assigning a dedicated coordinator as point of contact throughout the planning and delivery stages of an event is a major contributor to the venue’s success. Not only does this share the burden of coordinating what could be multiple suppliers but it also allows for timely and relevant feedback to further improve the facilities and services provided.
