With live events in the UK off the table until 1 October 2020, the team at the Royal Lancaster London hotel has introduced a timely piece of equipment to allow businesses and individuals to host a virtual, hybrid or live event in the heart of London.

The new XR SmartStudio, in partnership with Smart AV, will be available to clients when the hotel reopens it doors on 27 August and is claimed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Featuring a 215-square-foot “Extended Reality” (XR) stage with an LED backdrop and floor, audio, broadcast cameras and TV-ready lighting, it allows clients to have both a live audience and virtual attendees.

Situated in the flexible Westbourne Suite, the SmartStudio creates a fully immersive, 360-degree experience for guests, taking an event to the next level. 

Hybrid events so far have included a mix of some attendees attending a conference in the Westbourne Suite listening to the presenter speaking live, while also enjoying the facilities of a five-star hotel, as other attendees can view remotely.

Fully virtual events involve the speakers prerecording their messages, which is then live-streamed or saved for a later date. The team can also create an app for the delegate, so that they can choose which session of a conference they want to join, and also have networking opportunities. 

Sally Beck, general manager of Royal Lancaster London, said: “We’re delighted to work with our partners, Smart AV, in order to bring this concept to life, and we have made our beautiful Westbourne Suite available immediately, so that clients can take advantage of the facility and make their event happen in the new reality. As we navigate through these difficult times, certainly for businesses, we see this as a perfect partnership that will allow great events to still take place and support our industry.”

inVOYAGER Royal Lancaster is located just opposite Hyde Park and offers 411 rooms and suites with views across the park and the London skyline.

Dining options include the Island Grill, serving a menu of locally sourced British fare made with sustainability and seasonality in mind and authentic Thai restaurant, Nipa Thai. The property boasts 16 event spaces, including The Nine Kings and Westbourne Suites.