Olympia Events, managed by Legends Global, has appointed Carlo Zoccali as its new Event Operations Director. Zoccali brings more than two decades of experience across the events, venues, exhibitions, conferences, and sports sectors, most recently in senior roles at Fully Charged Show, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, and Arsenal Football Club. His appointment comes at a transformative moment for the 140-year-old London venue, which is in the midst of a £1.3 billion redevelopment.
Operational Leadership During Major Transformation
Zoccali will oversee the operational teams responsible for delivering world-class experiences across Olympia's heritage halls, the new International Convention Centre, and The Addison premium lounge. The redevelopment includes the opening of the British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity music venue, and the Hyatt Regency London Olympia. These additions are designed to position Olympia as a premier destination for MICE events, exhibitions, and entertainment.
Alex Lewis, COO at Olympia Events, expressed confidence in Zoccali's appointment, stating, "Carlo's diverse experience gives him a deep understanding of what organisers need from venues to succeed, and his collaborative, customer-first approach will be invaluable." Zoccali's background spans venue operations, commercial strategy, customer experience, and event delivery, providing a comprehensive perspective from both the venue operator and organiser sides of the industry.
Zoccali aims to enhance visitor experiences and support event organisers by fostering strong partnerships. He commented, "The transformation has created an incredible destination, but what excites me most is the opportunity to shape how organisers and visitors experience it." His appointment is expected to drive operational excellence as Olympia continues to evolve.
The redevelopment of Olympia is set to continue with new venues and public spaces opening in phases through 2026 and 2027, culminating with the British Airways Theatre in 2027. This phased approach allows the venue to maintain its current operations while expanding its capabilities. For travel professionals, particularly those in the MICE and hospitality sectors, Olympia's transformation represents a significant addition to London's event infrastructure.
In related developments, Olympia Events recently secured multi-year contracts with London Tech Week, Big Data LDN, and Decorex, underscoring its growing appeal to major event organisers. The venue's ability to attract such high-profile events highlights its strategic importance in the global MICE landscape. For more on this, see Olympia Events Secures Multi-Year Contracts with London Tech Week, Big Data LDN, Decorex.
The appointment of Zoccali also aligns with broader trends in the travel industry, where venues are increasingly focusing on operational efficiency and customer experience. As the sector adapts to post-pandemic demands, venues like Olympia are investing heavily in infrastructure to attract both domestic and international events. This is particularly relevant for hoteliers and tour operators looking to offer comprehensive packages that include event attendance.
For travel-tech vendors and agents, Olympia's redevelopment presents opportunities for partnerships and service integration. The venue's new facilities, including the Hyatt Regency London Olympia, will require robust technology solutions for booking, event management, and guest services. Similarly, the British Airways ARC will need advanced ticketing and access systems to handle large crowds efficiently.
Zoccali's appointment is a clear signal that Olympia Events is committed to operational excellence as it navigates this period of growth. His experience in both venue operations and event organisation positions him well to bridge the gap between what venues offer and what organisers need. As the redevelopment progresses, travel professionals should monitor Olympia's evolution as a key player in London's MICE and entertainment sectors.
