What Excel has announced
Excel London said on 19 October 2026 that the number of events it hosts for US-based organisations has grown by 60% over the past 18 months, and that 55% of those events come from major US technology companies. The figures were shared at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Excel names Amazon, Gartner and Salesforce among the brands choosing London.
The release repeats figures from the venue’s August anniversary update: its 25,000 sq m ICC expansion has hosted more than 30 major international events, totalling 500,000 sq m of rented new space, alongside the 400 events and four million visitors Excel says it welcomes each year. It adds that the venue will have hosted 18 international association congresses by the end of the expansion’s first two years, ten in 2026 and eight in 2027.
Excel’s Executive Director, James Rees, also describes a growing trend for US brands to hold smaller standalone events or roadshows in London, not only flagship European conferences.
What the numbers do and do not show
A growth rate needs a base, and the release does not give the number of US events hosted before the 18-month period. A 60% rise could describe a modest or a large change in absolute terms. It is the venue’s own measure, not an audited market figure.
The 2027 congress count has also moved since the summer. In August Excel said a further seven international congresses had been confirmed for 2027. The October release gives eight, while its summary bullet refers to “at least seven” major international associations. The difference is small and may reflect a new booking, but it is a reason to date-stamp any venue statistic you quote.
The release also cites Cvent naming London Europe’s top meeting destination for a fourth year and Amex GBT ranking it top across EMEA for a third time. Those are third-party lists quoted by the venue; we have not reviewed their methods.
Why it matters to UK organisers
Demand from large international events affects everyone else trying to book the same building. Excel says Cisco Live arrives in early 2027 and will take exclusive use of the entire 125,000 sq m venue. Organisers looking at Excel for that period should establish availability before building a programme around it.
If the trend for smaller US roadshows continues, pressure may not be limited to the largest halls. Meeting rooms, hotel blocks near the venue and specialist suppliers can all be harder to secure in busy weeks. That is our inference from the release, not something Excel has reported.
What to check before you commit
- Ask about confirmed and provisional bookings around your preferred dates, including build and breakdown days, not only open days.
- Check hotel availability for delegates and crew before signing, particularly in weeks with major technology conferences.
- Ask how long the venue will hold an option for you and what happens if a larger booking enquires about the same space.
- Compare the delivered cost, not just availability, against other London venues on our venue directory.
Related coverage
For how to read the expansion figures, see what an expansion announcement can and cannot tell a buyer. Excel’s recent technology appointment is covered in Excel appoints its first chief information officer, and its facilities are summarised in the Excel London profile.
Sources
- Excel London: Excel reports 60% growth in number of USA-based events hosted over past 18 months, 19 October 2026
- Excel London: One year on, expansion anniversary release, 6 August 2026
Sources read on 19 October 2026. All figures are Excel’s; inferences about availability are Events Review’s analysis.
