Networking and Social Events

Sunday Evening Welcome Reception on the River Thames

The Welcome Reception will be aboard the Silver Sturgeon, a 21st-century river yacht, while sailing on the River Thames. Enjoy a lively reception with spectacular river views. Wine, beer, fruit juices, sodas and a full assortment of appetizers will be served. This conference kick-off night is a great opportunity to build new relationships and renew friendships with delegates and guests from around the world.

ATTIRE: suggestions for him – seasonal sport coat or blazer in colour of choice with slacks, open-collared shirt; and for her – cocktail dress or nice pants outfit. No formal gowns, ties or black ties required. Delegates will be asked to walk a short distance (300 ~ 500 meters) from the hotel to the Thames Clippers pier and should thus choose appropriate footwear and outerwear. In the event of rain, umbrellas will be provided.

Welcome Reception hosted by:

Monday Evening Networking Reception at the Cutty Sark

Chart your course for Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous and the last surviving tea clippers. The fastest and greatest of her time, she stands as a glorious monument to the age of sail. The Cutty Sark boasts a spectacular riverside setting with sweeping views across the River Thames, over Canary Wharf and the City of London, providing amazing photography opportunities. Guests will enjoy a canapé reception beneath the ship’s gleaming copper-clad hull which is suspended dramatically above the dry berth. And, with the whole ship reserved exclusively for this event, you are free to explore this extraordinary vessel at your leisure.

ATTIRE: suggestions for him – seasonal sport coat or blazer in colour of choice with slacks, open-collared shirt; and for her – cocktail dress or nice pants outfit. No formal gowns, ties or black ties required. Delegates will be asked to walk a short distance (300 ~ 500 meters) from the hotel to the Thames Clippers pier and should thus choose appropriate footwear and outerwear. In the event of rain, umbrellas will be provided.

Monday Networking Reception hosted by:

Farewell Dinner at the Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall (sold out)

The Painted Hall is a striking baroque space designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and often described as the “finest dining hall in Europe”. It features spectacular wall and ceiling decoration by Sir James Thornhill, who lavished 19 years on this, his masterwork. The paintings celebrate England’s naval power and mercantile prosperity, as well as its newly installed protestant monarchy. Successive monarchs William III and Mary II, Anne and George I join a cast of hundreds of figures, mythological, allegorical, historical and contemporary.

Upon arrival, guests are invited to the King William Colonnade for a pre-dinner drinks reception surrounded by stunning views and arresting architecture. Later, guests will be called to dinner and the big reveal – when they will set eyes on the incredible Painted Hall for the first time. Here all will enjoy a meal befitting the exquisite surroundings, delivered with impeccable service.

Following dinner, guests will be invited to an after-dinner dance party in the Queen Mary Undercroft. 

ATTIRE: This is a semi-formal event – no formal gowns, ties or black ties required. Delegates will be asked to walk a short distance (300 ~ 500 meters) from the hotel to the Thames Clippers pier and should thus choose appropriate footwear and outerwear. In the event of rain, umbrellas will be provided.

NOTE: Due to capacity restrictions, delegates and guests will only be admitted into the Farewell Dinner at the Painted Hall with a ticket or if their name appears on the event guest list which will be posted on the app and at the registration desk. Tickets will be included in the delegate badges for those on the guest list.

Farewell dinner hosted by: