Two industry leaders, one unbeatable alliance…

When SFO Alliance - the world’s largest peer-to-peer network for single family office insights and investments - was looking for an events venue for its flagship annual conference, only one place fit the bill.

The criteria? Central. Flexible. Full of character.

The solution? Church House Westminster – heart of London location. 19 versatile events spaces. One unique, Grade II listed, multipurpose venue.

One-and-only events spaces

Taking over the historic venue exclusively for two days in May 2025, the conference welcomed 400 delegates for 48 hours of knowledge-sharing and networking. Beginning each day in Church House’s magnificent Assembly Hall, captivating speakers delivered powerful keynotes under the grandeur and gravitas of the hall’s iconic 30-foot glass dome – a spectacular architectural focal point and the only one of its kind amongst London events venues.

Keith shared: “I must admit, on that first morning, when the room was totally full and delegates were enthralled, I thought, ‘this is exactly what I’d hoped for’.”

With inspirational opening speeches complete, it was time to shine the spotlight on the 18 remaining events spaces in Church House’s eclectic repertoire. Original, dynamic and adaptable, the rooms hosted over 60 breakout sessions across the two days, with everything from investment to governance to family discussed and debated at riveting roundtables.

All impressive, yet each unique, spaces used included the venue’s graceful Bishop Patridge Hall with its elegant stucco ceiling, traditional oak panelling and stunning stone balcony with breathtaking views of the majestic Westminster Abbey. A leader in its own right, the atmospheric Hoare Memorial Hall dominated with its Art Deco chandeliers, private gallery and fascinating history as a base for the House of Commons during World War Two. The aptly-named Bishops’ Robing Room, meanwhile, with its charming history, flexible stage and domed ceiling, needed no introduction. While the light-filled Council Room which, with its exclusive private lobby and enchanting views of Church House’s picturesque outside space, Dean’s Yard, was a tranquil haven in the heart of the city.

Keith added: “Running a two-day conference with over 60 breakouts was extremely complicated, but our attendees loved it. Some said it was the best conference they had ever been to.”

A culinary masterpiece

From speeches that left audiences hungry for more to dishes that deserved to be centre stage, the Assembly Hall was a chameleon of events spaces, transforming from a powerhouse of knowledge during the keynotes into a hub of nourishment and networking throughout the rest of the day.

With Church House’s expert catering partner, Searcys, on hand, delegates were energised for the days ahead with a rich breakfast buffet including flavourful tomato and smashed avocado rolls, mouthwatering seasonal fruits, succulent dry-cured bacon rolls and moreish field mushroom and spinach rolls.

With so many delegates in attendance, and seminars finishing at varying times, bowl and finger food provided the perfect solution for a lunch that needed to navigate delegate’s individual timetables. A culinary force of nature, with Searcys’ imaginative, seasonal and award-winning approach, tempting options included ‘quinoa, chickpea and squash burger with crispy shallots and tomato salsa’, ‘BBQ pulled beef slider with pickles and house slaw’, and ‘porcini mushroom tortellini with Cashel blue cheese sauce’.

Now, what better afternoon pick-me-up than a picnic? Which is exactly what Searcys delivered. Bringing a celebration of British fare to attendees’ palettes as they nibbled, mingled and connected, delectable delicacies consisted of everything from cured meats and British cheeses to red onion marmalade, crusty bread, and apple, cinnamon and cranberry crumble cake.

Keith commented: “The catering really brought the wow factor – enticing, nutritious, full of flavour and all presented with the utmost professionalism and care, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Event production precision

With 400 guests, over 60 breakouts, two keynote speeches, and a determination to put the “impress” in delegates’ first impressions, Church House’s event production specialists had their work cut out. Relishing the challenge, and rising to it with skill, passion and professionalism, the in-house team worked closely with SFO Alliance to produce a sleek, stylish and impressive affair.

Harnessing lighting, audio and video to create a bespoke package that brought the conference to life and delivered optimum impact, in the Assembly Hall alone, state-of-the-art facilities included a Yamaha QL5 sound desk, D&B sound system, Lumen laser projector, LED uplighters, audio recording, multiple ovation fresnels and the building of a keynote-worthy stage, to name just a few.

Keith reflected: “I was blown away by the AV facilities at Church House, and the knowledge, skill and imagination of the event production team. The pride they take in their work is exceptional, and ensured we felt in very safe hands throughout.”

Customer service excellence

Ensuring everything ran smoothly was Church House’s talented events team. Whether it was calmly and professionally coordinating hundreds of delegates, dozens of sessions and reams of catering simultaneously, or diligently preparing a ‘Plan B’ in case even higher numbers of attendees arrived, the team infuses every event with experience, enthusiasm and ingenuity.

Keith noted: “The team was excellent – I was amazed how responsive they were on the day. From initial phone call until the final guest left, the team couldn’t have been more accommodating, more capable or more passionate about what they do. We were listened to and supported throughout, and that made this such a stress-free experience.”

Final thoughts

Reflecting on his first experience of Church House, Keith said simply: “Flexible, central, beautiful – I would 100% recommend this venue to others.”