Hybrid conferences have become an unshakeable feature of the events calendar, bringing a host of benefits from larger and more diverse audiences to increased accessibility and sponsorship opportunities. But finding a venue that offers both an impressive space to host in-person attendees, and suitable tech to livestream the event to remote viewers can be a challenge.
From quality AV and internet speeds to catering options, rest assured that Hire Space has you covered. Here's our comprehensive list of the best London-based hybrid conference venues that are primed to put your conference on a pedestal.
1. Central Hall Westminster
A Grade II-listed venue in the heart of London, Central Hall Westminster is an ideal spot to host larger conferences. With ornate furnishings and over 20 event spaces on offer, your content will have the advantage of an impressive backdrop to make it stick in your attendees' minds. Most importantly, the venue's well-equipped with screens, projectors, sound systems, and a knowledgeable in-house team to help make sure your conference goes off without a hitch.
In fact, Central Hall Westminster was the venue for our own event, EventLAB, which was delivered in a hybrid format - check out how it worked for us in our event wrap-up.
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 400 theatre
2. East Wintergarden
If you're looking for a modern and innovative setting, East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf is about as cutting-edge a venue as they come. Glass-roofed and with a striking main hall and mezzanine, it provides a light and inspiring backdrop for conferences of all sizes, while high-tech screens and live-streaming equipment mean viewers at home will have an equally enjoyable experience. With an open plan layout, it's also versatile enough to accommodate multiple arrangements and in-person audience sizes.
Location: Canary Wharf
Capacity: 300 theatre
3. 41 Portland Place
The Council Chamber at 41 Portland Place is a refined and elegant spot for a small conference or meeting, with classical decor and comfortable seating. What sets it apart from other venues, however, is the giant HD screen it boasts (190 inches all in - virtually the size of its entire wall), and its state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, which make turning your conference hybrid a breeze. Plus, with a prestigious Marylebone setting, the excursion will be well-worth the trip for in-person attendees!
Location: Marylebone
Capacity: 40 cabaret
4. RSA House
RSA House's Great Room might be stunning visually, but it also packs a punch when it comes to tech and hybrid facilities. The room can be entirely blacked out for hybrid events, if required, while the top tier audio-visual facilities include an HD projector, surround sound, and an AV technician to manage the tech on the day. If that's not a versatile venue, we'll eat our expert hats!
Location: Strand
Capacity: 68 theatre
5. One Birdcage Walk
One Birdcage Walk offers one of the most well-designed lecture theatres in London, with purpose-built tiered seating for up to 210 attendees, and a state-of-the-art screen and lectern layout. With impressive credentials when it comes to traditional conferences, this venue also proves its dominance when it comes to hybrid events, storming head of the pack with a technician and professional set-up to make sure your event runs without a hitch. An entrance through the exquisite marble reception hall doesn't hurt either!
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 210 theatre
6. VUE West End
Ideally located and fully kitted out for a killer conference, VUE West End makes delivering hybrid events as easy as pie. With unbeatably comfortable seating and (of course) a gigantic screen, events here aren't to be missed - although, with great live-streaming capacities, if attendees aren't able to make it in-person, they'll get the cinematic experience from the comfort of their own homes too! Take advantage of the screen in the bar, too, for breakout sessions and smaller keynote talks.
Location: Leicester Square
Capacity: 270 theatre
7. 1 Wimpole Street
1 Wimpole Street's impressive offering boasts 15 function rooms, 3 of which are high-tech auditoriums. With an award winning AV team on hand, it's not hard to see why 1 Wimpole Street's auditoriums are so well equipped. Tech includes HD cameras, interactive voting handsets, 4k HD projector systems, and wireless LED lighting. Whilst the voting handsets and LED lighting will wow your in-person guests, live-streaming equipment ensures your virtual guests get in on the fun too.
Capacity: 30 - 300 in-person guests
Location: Marylebone
8. No.11 Cavendish Square
No.11 Cavendish Square is primed for hosting excellent hybrid events. Its event spaces include several large lecture theatres, all fully equipped with AV equipment, HD projectors and screens, built-in PA systems, and 500mbs wifi. With several breakout, meeting, and boardrooms, whatever your event is - you have the ability to stream it. For in-person guests, the venue is accessible and easy to navigate, with access to several central foyers, which can be used for networking or drinks receptions.
Capacity: 10 - 300 in-person guests
Location: Oxford Circus
And there you have it: a round-up of the best venues in London for hosting hybrid conferences. We guarantee that any of these stellar spots will serve you well for staging a memorable hybrid conference, and keeping both in-person and virtual attendees engaged.
For guidance on running a successful hybrid conference, have a read of our complete guide to hybrid events, or get in touch for more support from our event delivery team.
Author
Jessamy Cowie
Jessamy channels her passion for sustainability and cultural events into shining a spotlight on innovation and inspiration in the events world, and heading up Hire Space's sustainability committee.
