Associated British Ports x Somerset House
‘Gateways to Tomorrow,’ a collaborative launch event for the Associated British Ports launch of their new business strategy exploring and enabling energy transition today and tomorrow.
June 2024
Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading and largest ports group, providing essential gateways for trade and enabling green infrastructure essential for the UK’s energy transition. Handling more than a quarter of all ports industry volumes – providing support for over half the UK’s offshore wind – and catalysing investment, good jobs and prosperity in coastal communities, ABP’s work plays a vital role in future-proofing businesses and supporting more resilient supply chains across multiple sectors.
In a special event to reflect on the future of the ABP, ‘Gateways to Tomorrow’ brought together partners, customers and industry stakeholders to launch a new business strategy. Somerset House – a suite of buildings rich in maritime heritage, artistic tradition, and technological innovation – provided a perfect backdrop to celebrate ABP’s forward-facing commitment to ‘Enabling the Energy Transition.’
This special day and evening assembly utilised a variety of spaces across our historic, central London site. The event journey began with a conference in the Embankment Galleries, where ABP shared its forward-looking vision, which was followed by a lunch in the Portico Rooms – overlooking the river Thames – allowing guests to network and reflect on the day’s insights. An evening reception on the River Terrace and in the adjacent Seamen’s Hall embodied ABP’s themes of sustainability, community, and innovation. Guests were treated to an immersive audiovisual experience, with underwater lighting effects and port-inspired soundscapes creating an ambiance that echoed ABP’s maritime roots, whilst a string quartet provided a sophisticated and evocative soundtrack.
Lettice Events ensured a refined culinary experience, overseeing catering and refreshments, whilst the event’s visual centrepiece – a lifeboat adorned with flowers – symbolised ABP’s partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and was stationed at the heart of Somerset House in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court.
Event Concept brought ABP’s vision to life, with features including scenic installations and custom lighting that evoked the ocean, immersing guests in ABP’s brand and mission in a singular and undeniably memorable reflection of the core values central to ABP’s ongoing work and advocacy.
“Thank you very much for everything, it was perfect. We really did think that the event was excellent, thank you for all your hard work!”
Taken as a whole, ‘Gateways to Tomorrow’ showcased both the ABP’s vision and the unique versatility of Somerset House as a setting for events and conferences. ‘Gateways to Tomorrow’ was a site-wide demonstration of the ways in which the unparalleled atmosphere and character of our riverside network of storied spaces can facilitate an exploratory and imaginative visitor journey through ideas and experiences unique for a central London venue.
In partnership with Event Concept, this singular occasion exhibited the degree of innovation and care the Venue Hire team can bring to your project.