SMI Roundtables & Exhibition 2026: Building on a legacy
For the second consecutive year, the SMI Roundtables & Exhibition united international leaders at Hampton Court Palace, turning a historic setting into a hub of innovation. Here, sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and high-profile collaboration came together to prove that meaningful impact can be as elegant as it is ambitious.
A historic venue, a modern challenge
Returning in 2026, SMI arrived bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than ever – and so did the scope of our brief. Delivering a high-security, international event in a Grade I listed palace remained complex for our expert team: every item, including blankets had to be hand carried and listed with conservators monitored all active rooms.
With a distinguished audience that included His Majesty King Charles III, a significant Chinese delegation, leading CEO’s, ministers, and senior dignitaries, every detail demanded meticulous planning to ensure a seamless, global experience.
By royal request
We introduced a bespoke glass structure , created by royal request and inspired by the Crystal Palace of 1851, that was built over 4 days. This enhanced both capacity and visual impact while allowing the palace itself to remain the star. Alongside the summit, a standout showcase brought innovation to life, featuring a replica of the Blue Origin New Shepard capsule alongside sustainable textiles, carbon capture models, and energy-efficient building materials.
Across seven content rooms, eight internal meeting spaces, and five external pods, 39 sessions covered finance, technology, ocean science, and policy. Simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin and English, ensured full engagement for all delegates.
Even with last-minute programme changes, our team delivered with professionalism, calm, and precision.
Sustainability & innovation
Sustainability is at the heart of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Summit. We delivered on building a complex hydrogen-powered glass marquee and carefully chosen, locally sourced, predominantly vegan menus with no red meat. Scenic builds, signage, and printed materials were designed for reuse or recycling.
The event’s backdrop was crafted from fire-retardant poplar wood, designed not just for impact but for longevity. Carefully stored after the event for future reuse, demonstrating that sustainability and elegance can coexist seamlessly, allowing the same beautiful materials to tell new stories at years to come.
Legacy in action
The event built on the success of its inaugural year, proving that careful planning, innovation, and sustainability can coexist even in the most sensitive historic settings. We successfully delivered a high-security, internationally accessible experience, strengthened our reputation for world-class delivery across Historic Royal Palaces venues, and showcased measurable leadership in sustainable event practices.
Two live days, a five-day build, a three-day derig, and one extraordinary team made the Sustainable Markets Initiative Summit a defining moment. It proved that heritage, sustainability, and global collaboration aren’t just ideas on paper – they’re achievable, tangible realities when precision, creativity, and dedication come together in perfect harmony.
“Live events have an important role in the sustainability conversation, as meeting places and catalysts for change. So, it was inspiring to work with SMI to bring so many leaders together with the potential to change the world for the better”
Cressida Prout, Event Director and Bray Leino Events sustainability champion
