In pictures: party in the penthouse at MEET UP London 2023

Following Hotel Designs’ first ever international networking event, MEET UP Paris, which took place in January, there was anticipation in the air around how MEET UP London would respond now that it is no longer the brand’s first networking event in the design and hospitality calendar.

Soon after tickets went on sale and the event sold out months in advance, though, it was clear that MEET UP London would not settle for sequel status, as it prepared to welcome more than 250 interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers for a networking event that would capture the energy and spirit of the 2023 on the hotel design and hospitality scene.

The year has continued to be one of significant growth and refocussed energy as the community all rise to the challenge of fundamental change across the industry with conversations and action on net-zero, carbon offsetting and collaboration being the norm rather than the exception.

The industry is engaging more than ever with the broad ramifications of social responsibility, and networking events like MEET UP London have a role to play in amplifying these conversations. It is this increase in engagement, which is possibly the reason why the event became the fastest-selling events ever hosted by Hotel Designs – or maybe it was about the venue being one of the coolest rooftops in Brixton? More likely, it was a bit of both. And just in case you didn’t manage to secure a ticket, here is a bit more about the evening – the content, the conversations and, of course, those captured on camera.

Once the room was full and the sun set over Brixton, Editor Hamish Kilburn shared delivered his passionate welcome speech. “In the five years I have been the Editor of Hotel Designs, I have seen the MEET UP concept evolve, and in the process I have learned many lessons,” he said. “But the one, above others, that has resonated, and indeed evolved, over the years the most is around humility. We as an industry, as a community, do our best work when we approach projects and challenges collaboratively. We hope, therefore, that our MEET UP networking events have become a catalyst for those early conversations and relationships to develop outside arena.”

Here are the official photos released of MEET UP London 2023.

MEET UP London was sponsored by Hamilton Litestat (Headline Partner), Crosswater (Event Partner), Burlington (Event Partner), Atlas Concorde (Event Partner), Stone Bathwear (Event Partner), Mel Yates (Official Videography) and DESIGN POD (Podcast Partner). Following the event that stimulated the industry through conversations unlike any other, the early bird promotion for MEET UP North, which takes place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester, has gone live and will end promptly on May 12.

Main image credit: MEET UP London / Hotel Designs