In an industry constantly under development, Catherine Owen, head of venue sales and marketing at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, has been instrumental in transforming one of London’s most prestigious heritage venues into a forward-thinking, inclusive space for connection and creativity.
Since joining the team in 2017, Catherine has worked to ensure every event is not only flawless in execution but also welcoming and relevant to a diverse range of audiences.
With over 15 years’ experience across some of London’s most iconic venues - including Syon House, the British Museum, and Royal Museums Greenwich - she recently oversaw a £9.6 million renovation project at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, reshaping it into a more accessible, technologically advanced, and inclusive venue than ever before.
This success works in tandem with Catherine’s belief that inclusion isn’t an add-on or a box to tick, but a core value that shapes how people gather, learn, and collaborate. Her approach blends commercial acumen with social awareness, proving that heritage spaces can evolve to serve modern communities without losing their historic soul.
Most recently, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace has hosted the Models of Diversity fashion show, and partnered with Enhance the UK and TranslateAble to ensure continued improvements.
We caught up with Catherine to reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion in events, the challenges and pressures, and what's next for the luxury St James's venue.
![two modern lecture theatres one with theatre seating]()
The £9.6 million redevelopment project saw the opening of The Lecture Room (left) and The Wohl Gallery (right), both with LED displays, air conditioning, and natural light.
What does a typical day look like?
Ha! ‘Typical’ is a myth. One day I’m deep in a spreadsheet, the next I’m re-routing a delivery van and dodging champagne corks before a show-round. I might be out meeting clients and venue friends, or holed up writing strategy. The sheer variety is what keeps me sharp and motivated.
What drew you to a career in events and hospitality?
I came from the world of theatre, stage management specifically, so creating magic out of chaos is second nature. I love crafting moments people remember. There’s something electric about bringing people together. At the heart of it all is human connection, it’s powerful, and it never gets old.
Where do you find your passion for diversity and inclusion?
It’s personal and professional. I chair the East End Women’s Museum, so I spend a lot of time thinking about who gets seen, heard, and celebrated. Inclusion isn’t a side project, it should shape everything we do, from recruitment and menu design to large-scale refurbishments and whose stories we platform in our spaces.
How does a lack of diversity impact the events industry?
When the same voices are always in the room, creativity suffers. Events stop being relevant. Worse, they become exclusive. It’s not just about who’s on stage, but who gets invited, who can afford to attend, and who feels like they belong. The more inclusive an event is, the more collaboration, relevance, and ultimately value it can deliver.
![reading presentation at 10-11 carlton house terrace]()
All spaces at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace are accessible, including The Reading Room and adjoining Library
In your words, what makes a venue diverse and inclusive? Is there a gold standard?
It’s not just about ramps and policies, though those absolutely matter. It’s about mindset and commitment. It’s about actively asking, ‘Who isn’t in this room, and why?’ A truly inclusive venue makes everyone feel seen, safe, and valued. There’s no fixed gold standard, but a sustained commitment to learning, listening, and action should always be part of the foundation.
How could a greater focus on diversity and inclusion change the events industry?
It would transform it. Events would be braver, more reflective of the world we live in, and frankly, more interesting. We’d see new suppliers, fresh perspectives, and deeper, more meaningful connections between people.
When it comes to diversity and inclusion at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, have you noticed any challenges?
Of course, every historic building comes with quirks and constraints and can throw up physical barriers to access. But the refurbishment has been a real opportunity to think differently, from physical accessibility to the kinds of events we host. We want it to remain an ongoing project and priority, but we’re having the right conversations and taking practical steps. Our team, clients, and suppliers are engaged and passionate about coming on this journey with us. Organisational culture can be a barrier, but we’re fortunate to have strong support and genuine enthusiasm for inclusivity.
In what ways has the recent refurbishment transformed {10-11} Carlton House Terrace?
The refurbishment has made the venue more functional and welcoming. We’ve upgraded our AV and hybrid capabilities, reconfigured spaces for better flow, and significantly improved accessibility throughout. We’ve brought the building into the present while respecting its historic character, making it better equipped for the demands of modern events and broader audiences.
![The SHAPE room accessible venue at 10-11 carlton house]()
The SHAPE Room on the lower ground floor is entirely accessible, featuring low-level staging, an induction loop system, and a Quiet Room nearby.
Are there any exciting projects or plans you’re working on?
Always. We’ve got some brilliant projects in the pipeline, exciting collaborations with our wonderful in-house catering partners, Searcys, a full website redesign, a comprehensive access audit, and continued progress on our EDI roadmap.
What’s your favourite thing about the job?
The people. The stories. Whether it’s a couple getting married, a charity doing something brilliant, or the incredible team I work with pulling together, I never stop being inspired by the humans behind the events.
When you’re not working, what do you like doing?
You’ll find me in a museum, at the theatre, or curled up with a good book and my cat. I love a long walk followed by a really good meal, and I’m proud to chair the East End Women’s Museum, it keeps me inspired and focused.
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