Client: Pillar VC
Event: AI for Science Series
Date: 19th February 2026
No of guests: 170
Event space: Mathematics: The Winton Gallery
What was the event brief & objective?
The objective of the event was to bring people together to envision the future, specifically around AI and Science. We wanted to create an environment that encouraged meaningful conversation about how mathematics, data and AI can shape the scientific advancements of tomorrow. The event was designed to spark inspiration and to set the tone for forward-thinking discussions.
Why was the Science Museum chosen for this event?
We chose the Science Museum because it offered an atmosphere that aligned perfectly with the themes we hoped to highlight. The Mathematics Gallery, and especially the Zaha Hadid structure at its centre, was a big draw and major source of inspirations for us. The way the galley showcases how mathematics shapes architecture, science, and technology resonated strongly with our focus on AI, data, and scientific advancement. We felt the space’s narrative and visual impact made it an inspiring setting for our event.
What sort of experience did you want to create?
We wanted guests to feel free to explore, connect, and engage in thought‑provoking conversations. The evening started with drinks and networking, followed by talks delivered through headsets in a speakers’ corner setup. Our intention was to avoid a rigid format and instead provide a flexible space where people could move naturally between conversations, food stations, and the speakers. The pockets of space within the gallery made it easy for guests to form smaller discussion groups, while the main structure offered a natural focal point for the talks.
What made you decide on Mathematics: The Winton Gallery for your event?
The Mathematics Gallery was a space we had wanted to host an event in for quite some time. From the very beginning of our planning, it stood out as the strongest option. Its design, its thematic relevance, and its ability to spark curiosity made it a clear front‑runner. We felt it offered the right blend of aesthetic appeal and intellectual inspiration for the kind of gathering we envisioned.
How did this space work for your event? What were the standout features?
The space worked incredibly well for what we wanted to achieve. It is unlike most other venues, offering a unique combination of openness and pockets of intimacy that supported both structured and organic interactions. The versatility of the room allowed us to set up different zones within a single space, which enhanced the flow of the evening. The standout features were its distinctive architecture, its inspiring artefacts, and the way the setting elevated the overall energy of the event.
Who were your catering and AV partners? Was anything bespoke created for this event?
For catering, we worked with Moving Venue, and they delivered exactly what we were hoping for. We didn’t want guests to leave feeling hungry, which can often happen with events that rely solely on small canapés. Instead, we opted for food stations offering more substantial options, and we ended the evening with macaroons passed around.
On the production side, White Light provided the lighting and uplighters in our brand colours, as well as the speaker’s corner setup. We also worked with an external AV partner for the headsets, with White Light managing the transitions between headset‑based talks and the main presentations.
What feedback did you receive from guests?
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Guests were impressed by the venue and the overall experience. Many commented on the novelty of being in the museum after hours, which created an enchanting ‘night at the museum’ feel.
