Earlier this year, in May 2024, Queen’s House played host to Management Events’ (ME) Executive Day By Aurora Live.

In partnership with our venue’ sales & ops teams, our trusted accredited partners & suppliers, ME designed an exceptional conference at the House showcasing the elegance and artistic legacy of our iconic venue.

 

THE STORY

Aurora Live by Management Events (ME) is an exclusive invitation-only network that gathers top decision-makers across Europe. Aurora Live is built on the foundation of Management Events’ 30-year experience in organising Europe’s most unique business networking events, aiming to help high-level decision-makers connect with their peers and top market solution providers in both professional and casual settings.

The mission of Aurora Live is to provide an all-inclusive go-to platform for decision-makers like you to share ideas, experiences, and challenges with your peers while growing your professional network. Annually, the Aurora Live Network organises more than 1,000 events in 11 countries.

Monika, spearheading Management Events’ expansion into the UK market, approached us early November 2023, as part of her initial series of site visits across London. Following an exchange of emails, we invited Monika on a tour of our entire venue collection. We spent the morning of November 27th together, discussing RMG sites’ varied hire offering, in the crisp Autumn air of Greenwich Park. Queen’s House was actually the last stop on our tour and for Monika, it truly gave meaning to the sentence save best for last! As we walked through the magnificence of our 17th-century former royal residence, ideas began to flow, and the concept for the event began to take shape right then and there.

THE EVENT

Guests were greeted at 2pm in the Orangery & South Parlours, at the rear of the House, with a tea & coffee reception. The House’s French doors opening onto the wonderful green views of Greenwich Park and of The Royal Observatory beyond. 

In partnership with our accredited partners The Clink Catering, Karen Woolven Florals & SLX Productions, the Great Hall was transformed into an elegant conference space for 75 attendees. The room featured conversation-friendly round tables, facing a central stage, showcasing Management Events’ distinguished discussion panel. The decor, inspired by Queen’s House’s monochrome 17th-century marble floor design, used warm gold uplighting to enhance the Hall’s golden leaf ceiling pattern, adding a refined and timeless touch to the aesthetic. 

Each table was dressed in smart black linen which was artistically contrasted by the gorgeous white & green floral centrepieces. In smoked grey sphere vases, filled with fresh white & green flowers including Roses, Hypericum Berry, Viburnum, Tanacetum and Hydrangea, the table centres successfully created a classic yet modern atmosphere. 

Throughout the day, guests seamlessly flowed between the Great Hall and the Orangery & South Parlours, for breakout sessions and a catered lunch reception. 

THE MENU

Canapes selection

12hr pork belly with Asian flavours & burned butterscotch miso

Asian tuna tartare on a black rice cracker 

Watermelon tartare on a seaweed cracker 

Savoury blinis topped with smoked salmon & cream cheese

Bowls food selection 

Beef shin ragu with creamy polenta & vegetable crisps

Crushed puy lentils with tahini cumin & warm pittas 

Candied beetroot with lentils & yuzu 

Salmon soba with a ginger citrus dressing, edamame + green beans

Following the final session, guests reconvened in the Orangery & South Parlours for a networking drinks reception, and a special announcement! 

To conclude the day in true RMG fashion, with the wow factor, attendees were surprised with an exclusive guided tour of the House art galleries in partnership with our trusted partner:  Greenwich guides. In the lead up to the event, they worked with Monika from ME and with Nick, the event manager, to create a bespoke journey for the attendees. The tour began with an exploration of the House’s history and architecture, featuring artworks such as 17th-century views of Greenwich to illustrate the building’s roots. Participants were then led through major exhibits in the permanent collection on both King’s Side and Queen’s side of the House, including The Armada portrait, portraits of Tudor and Stuart monarchs, 18th-century land and seascapes, 18th-century naval portraits, Olaudo Equiano, the Van de Veldes, 17th-century naval portraits, the Solbay tapestry and Kehinde Wiley. 

A few words from Monika - Head of Event Production, Management Events...

The site visits at Queen's House were exceptional, showcasing each location in such detail that I completely fell in love with the venue. Communication with Mileva (RMG’s Senior Sales & Business Development Manager) was seamless; she ensured I had all the answers I needed and made me feel genuinely cared for throughout the process. Nick (RMG’s Event Manager) was an absolute standout—it's rare to work with a venue manager who anticipates needs so perfectly. He had everything prepared before I even thought to ask, delivering an extraordinary level of service. 

I chose The Clink Catering because of their inspiring mission to reduce reoffending through the training and rehabilitation of people in prison. It’s meaningful to work with a team that creates such a positive impact. For tech support, I selected SLX productions who truly understood my needs from day one and demonstrated unwavering dedication and flexibility throughout and last but not least, Karen Woolven for florals. She was amazing, provided such beautiful flower arrangements and very kindly accommodated us at the last minute as well! I couldn’t ask for a more committed team.

This experience has left me eager to plan more events at this beautiful venue.

 

This exclusive guided tour culminated on the first floor of Queen’s House, giving guests the opportunity of walking across the House’s famous balcony and rediscover the Great Hall now set up for a luxurious cocktail soiree, showcasing the House’s timeless grandeur and versatility as a venue.

The day was a resounding success, impeccably executed by all parties involved, and marked what we hope to be the first of many events with Management Events.

 

📸 ALL IMAGES CREDIT: Management Events