Kent Event Centre - May 2022 Venue of the Month

Our first Venue of the Month, for May 2022, is Kent Event Centre. From its versatility to its charitable values, this is a venue that caters to such a wide array of events and occasions. Below we have presented a deeper insight into the venue to provide event planners with greater information on the values, specialties, facilities and offers that the Kent Event Centre provides.

Background

The Kent Event Centre opened at the Kent Showground, Detling in 1991 and has grown ever since with the development of new modern purpose-built event spaces.

The unique selling points of the Kent Event Centre are the size and location, being between two major motorways and within 50 minutes by car or train from London. It is the largest, most flexible conference and exhibition venue in Kent, offering 7,000 sqm of indoor space and 200 acres of outdoor space. It also has a private woodland at Organiser’s disposal and onsite parking for up to 30,000 cars.

With over 50 years’ experience and an enviable reputation for providing and organising anything from the large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs to conferences and dinner dances, the Kent Event Centre has many desirable qualities to make it the perfect venue for you.

Giving back

All the profits from the Kent Event Centre go to the registered charity, Kent County Agricultural Society. Formed in 1923 the Kent County Agricultural Society aims are to improve and promote agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock, across Kent. In addition to making several awards each year, the society is best-known for organising the annual Kent County Show but also the Heritage Transport Show and Living Land, a free one-day event aimed at educating young children in the areas of farming, agriculture, countryside and healthy eating.

Being part of a charity, the Kent Event Centre understands the importance of giving back that’s why we offer discounts and support to other charities, associations and agricultural businesses.

Holding an event at Kent Event Centre

They have three main exhibition halls which are ideal for creating stunning exhibitions, trade fairs or as a public space, with six smaller meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 120 guests. From a 2-person interview to an outdoor concert for 30,000, they have the perfect space to suit your event.

 At the Kent Event Centre, they pride themselves on providing a flexible approach to event planning with a variety of spaces to suit your needs. All rooms are designed with full flexibility in mind whilst still offering a few organiser essentials. Each space is a blank canvas ready to be tailored to your event.

Electrical Equipment

Full AV equipment is available in a number of their meeting facilities and conference halls. Depending on your requirements, they also have a number of suppliers that are familiar with the Event Centre and are able to provide equipment to all specifications.

Fast, free Wi-fi is available for all events, suitable for browsing, social media and email. Look for Free WIFI – Kent Event Centre. No need for a password, just open your chosen browser and select 'Connect to the Internet'.

Mobility access

The concrete road infrastructure throughout the Showground means that visitors are able to access all areas of the Showground as well as ramp access to all exhibition halls. The meeting rooms in the Clive Emson Conference centre can be accessed via a lift to the first floor.

Upcoming events

The Showground is excited to announce that the Kent County Show is back on 8-10th of July 2022. This is the region’s showcase event for farming, agriculture and countryside life. For three days a year, animals, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more converge on the stunning surroundings of the Kent Showground for a celebration of the best in the county. Tickets are on sale now, click on the image to get more information or click here to buy.

Environmental considerations

With their connections to farming, horticulture and agriculture environmental issues are of upmost importance to the Kent Event Centre. They held their first Kent Farming Conference in January 2022 to update farmers on viewpoints on the topic Regenerative Farming. They now aim to do this event once a year alongside working towards having a paperless office.

Transport to the venue

The Kent Event Centre is ideally located between the M20 Junction 7, and M2 Junction 5, motorways in the heart of Kent. The County Town of Maidstone is 5 minutes away and is serviced by 3 railway stations. Easily accessible and central to the county, the Kent Event Centre is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs.

The Kent Event Centre is ideally suited for arrival by car as we are located just off the A249 dual carriageway.

From the M20 Motorway, exit the motorway at junction (7) and follow signs to Sittingbourne, Sheerness A249. Follow the A249 for approximately 2 miles, the Kent Event Centre & Kent Showground are clearly signposted on the left-hand side after the brow of the hill.

From the M2 Motorway, exit the motorway at junction (5) signposted (M20) Maidstone A249. Follow the A249 for approximately 5 miles. Please be aware that cars are unable to cross over the carriage way to the Showground on the right-hand side of the road. Visitors will need to carry on along the A249 to the roundabout at the bottom of Detling hill, then follow the M20 directions above.

Please note: The Kent Event Centre is no longer accessible via Scragged Oak Road. Using this route will direct you to a locked gate

Upcoming competition

Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming competition for a family Kent County Show ticket! Make sure to follow our Instagram (click here to follow), Facebook (click here to follow page) and Twitter (click here to follow) to catch it when it is announced.