Objective
Labour Together required a completely adaptable and secure venue capable of supporting a fast-paced, high-level international programme. Their brief called for full venue hire to accommodate 600 people, with the creation of a clear division between public-facing areas and secure, badge-controlled zones for VIPs, delegations and senior officials. The team needed a space that could simultaneously accommodate a large main plenary, private VIP suites, media operations, bilateral meeting rooms, staff workspaces, break rooms, catering zones and crew support rooms.
The client also required a venue with experience managing international events, including familiarity with multi-agency security planning, police coordination, protected arrivals, controlled entrances and the movement of high-profile speakers. The summit had a short lead time, requiring rapid decision making and a team capable of handling continuous changes, multiple site visits and evolving operational requirements.
Execution
CHW provided full venue hire, enabling the team to create a secure and well-controlled layout for the summit. The Great Hall hosted the main programme, supported by an extensive AV build that began at midnight, including staging, lighting, multiple microphones and custom backdrop. AV supplier, White Light, delivered the technical operation, ensuring seamless global broadcasting and live streaming, including a feed transmitted to the dedicated media room.
The Lecture Hall and Library served as the core catering areas throughout the day, offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments for delegates, before being transformed again for the evening reception. A standing VIP lunch was hosted in the Donald English Room, designed to be efficient with cold dishes. The Robert Perks Room operated as the media hub, receiving a live feed from the Great Hall, while George Thomas became the delegation workroom. Remaining spaces were allocated for meetings and pre-briefings, creating a clear, secure flow for VIPs and staff.
Security planning played a major role in the delivery of the event, including police presence, controlled access points, and road closures. Pre-event site visits were arranged for international delegations and security teams. Despite the short lead time, the venue worked collaboratively across all departments, adapting quickly to evolving requirements and last-minute changes to ensure a smooth, professional operation throughout.
Even with the scale and speed required, the event was delivered with precision due to the collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach across every department. As Jess Abelscroft, Event Organiser for Labour Together, noted: “Esme, Event Manager at CHW, was invaluable – her experience with political events meant she anticipated needs before they even arose. The team at White Light were also incredible, delivering globally broadcast coverage and high-quality staging on very tight timescales. The whole team was a genuine pleasure to work with”.
Results
Global Progress 2025 showcased CHW’s ability to deliver complex, politically sensitive events at an international scale. Delegates, media teams and VIPs experienced a seamless day, supported by a venue team praised for its professionalism and ability to adapt rapidly to evolving needs.
Jess Abelscroft also shared: “We were incredibly pleased with the event and could not recommend Central Hall Westminster and its staff highly enough. They worked tirelessly to accommodate anything we needed and were confident and professional on the day.
“One of the standout features for many attendees was the venue’s iconic location. The balcony view over Westminster Abbey and Parliament was spectacular – an ideal space for media interviews and external shots.”
With its combination of scale, flexibility, AV performance and unparalleled location, CHW proved to be the ideal host for this major international event, reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading venues for high-profile, political and diplomatic events.
Sarah Franczak, Chief Operating Officer, Central Hall Westminster, said: “Global Progress 2025 demonstrated the strength of our team and the flexibility of our spaces. Hosting an event of this scale and sensitivity requires absolute coordination, and I am incredibly proud of how seamlessly everyone delivered. It was a privilege to support Labour Together in welcoming such an important international event.”
