Cast your mind back to the early 20th Century: East London's docklands were a veritable hive of activity. It was the Docklands' wealth of imports that led to the capital's prosperity. Most of which concentrated around The Pool of London, stretching from London Bridge to the Cherry Garden Pier in Rotherhithe.
By the 1970s, larger ships saw to this which led to the Docklands' decline; the ships moved further east towards Tilbury and the London Gateway. Therefore, the Pool of London would reinvent itself as a financial centre. By the early 1990s, Canary Wharf would forever be associated with One Canada Square, the tower which marks the London Docklands.
Several years later, this part of the River Thames would also see the Millennium Dome (now O2 Arena), along with a multiplicity of apartments and mixed-use development looking towards the Pool of London since the late 1980s.
Then came the London 2012 Olympic Games; significant investment in new sports facilities and transport not only made for a successful games. East London would also consolidate itself as a suitable alternative conference venue to established locations in West London. As well as the O2 Arena, the ExCeL Arena is another fine conference venue, and handy for the Docklands offices.
There's more to East London than the Docklands and surrounding office blocks. The 2012 Olympic Games has left this part of the world with first rate sports facilities. Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. It also boasts a 17 screen cinema, two hotels, 70 restaurants and a 24 hour casino.
The shopping centre itself, and Stratford town centre, is well connected by Underground, Overground, High Speed and Commuter rail services, so getting to Central London is a cinch. Furthermore, there are other parts of East London worth venturing out to such as Shoreditch. Today along with neighbouring Hoxton, it is a popular location for creative industries and artists.
Then there's Bethnal Green, which is known for the Museum of Childhood. It hosts the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection of toys, games and other objects. As well as children's parties, it is also a conference venue with a difference.
As for football, East London is home to West Ham United and Leyton Orient. The Hammers are set to move in to the Olympic Stadium. The legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games has also gifted East London first class sports facilities. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is home to London Lions - the capital's only professional Basketball team, which play in the Copper Box arena. Other venues include The London Aquatics Centre, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark.
Recent developments have made East London an attractive conference venue as well as a suitable alternative to established venues. With overground and underground rail access, plus London's extensive bus network, and an airport, it is worthy of your consideration as a suitable venue.
