London Olympia – Decades of Success
Olympia is one of the oldest exhibition venues in London, having been providing space for all kinds of events and exhibitions since December 1886.
Looking back it is hard to believe just how many events have taken place here – it’s been a circus, an indoor racetrack, hosted horse shows and novel events. In 1908, it hosted the first ever Ideal Home Show enabling visitors to discover the latest building styles, watch craftsmen at work, marvel at new techniques and buy the latest household products. By 1919, it was hosting the first Cycle and Motor Cycle Show with manufacturers busily explaining the latest models to avid customers keen to get out and about.
Architecturally, there have been some changes over the years. Having begun with the traditional great arched roof, it was expanded in 1930 to create a big new hall, which looked from the outside like a big department store. Demand for its services as an exhibition venue continued to grow.
In 1949, it hosted hundreds of hens and cockerels during the National Poultry Show, with all proceeds going to the Animal Health Trust and the Force’s Help Society.
Five years later, Olympia had again reached a new audience – the growing number of boat lovers. It hosted the first ever National Boat Show containing all nautical, from boats to equipment, clothing and books. Visitors flocked to admire and buy.
Recognising another new trend, it housed the first computer exhibition in 1958 when the British Electronic Computer Exhibition opened in the National Hall.
1967 saw two very different types of event – concerts by Jimi Hendrix, The Ånimals and Pink Floyd although The Who dropped out. For something very different, the legendary Crufts Dog Show arrived at Olympia.
Under new ownership in the 1980’s, redevelopment work led to the arrival of the Olympia Conference Centre. This was followed in 2011 with the arrival of a new West Hall providing an additional 8000 sq metres of exhibition space and more renovations leading ultimately to a total rebranding as Olympia London in 2013.
Since then Olympia London’s presence as an exhibition and conference venue has grown and grown – along with our work providing temporary exhibition staff from demonstrators to promotional models taking part in events and conferences large and small.
Contact us now to see how we can help you make the most of your presence at Olympia London.
Hire Staff to work at London Olympia
Pitlane Staffing Agency has been providing experience exhibition staff, sales staff and performers to this venue since 2010. If you need to hire staff to work on your stand get in touch by calling 0844 800 0071 or complete our contact form.
