ExCel

ExCeL – or, Exhibition Centre London – is a sprawling international convention in East London’s Custom House district. Famed for hosting consumer and trade, and private and public events, ExCeL is thought to welcome millions of visitors every year.

Opened in 2000, the centre was subsequently acquired in 2008 by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company – the firm behind the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East. Under new ownership, the centre has gone on to host prestigious events such as the G20 London Summit in 2009.

Despite being a prominent London organisation, the centre also hosts events such as Grand Designs and a Star Wars Celebration. During the 2012 London Olympics, the centre also hosted a number of combat-related sports and the table tennis events.

• The convention centre sits on the northern side of the Royal Victoria Dock.
  
• ExCeL London is based in the London Borough of Newham.