If one thing's for certain in the new normal, it's that hybrid events are now immovable staples of modern conferencing. You probably already know the fundamentals of what makes a good hybrid event venue, now you just need to pick one!
From quality AV and internet speeds to catering options, rest assured that Hire Space has got you covered. Our comprehensive list of the best London-based hybrid conference venues has considered everything that your event needs, and more.
One Birdcage Walk
Originally built in 1899 to house the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, One Birdcage Walk is no stranger to keeping up with the latest tech. In this lavish venue you will find all of modern conferencing's necessities including wifi, AV equipment, and air conditioning.
One Birdcage walk has 12 event spaces of various sizes to choose from. Starting at 8 guests and maxing out at 36 guests, you are sure to find the right amount of space for your in-person guests. Some meeting rooms, such as the Manufacturing Room, can be used in conjunction with the venue's brilliant lecture theatre. This is perfect for panels and live lectures, which can be streamed on purpose-built hybrid platforms such as Arena.
Capacity: Between 4 - 210 in-person guests
Location: Westminster
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.
As well as housing auditoriums that hold up to 300 people, 1 Wimpole Street is also known for its other function and meeting rooms. The glass-roofed atrium makes for a brilliant events space, and their smaller meeting rooms are kitted out with great tech too.
Capacity: 30 - 300 in-person guests
Location: Marylebone
Regent Street Cinema
If you’re looking for a unique venue with real ‘wow’ factor, Regent Street Cinema could be the perfect choice.
The cinema screen comes with a large stage, which is ideal for lectures and Q&A panels. In true theatrical form, you can illuminate your event with the cinema's stage lighting to create an atmosphere worthy of any dramatist. Additionally, the theatre and its catered bar channel that iconic art-deco old Hollywood vibe; there's a reason why Regent Street Cinema is a favourite of Disney!
The venue's cinematic charm lends itself well to hybrid events, as demonstrated by its lengthy history on the big (and small) screen. To quote their client Jon Riley, Series Producer at SYCO Entertainment: "it looks fabulous on camera!"
For something truly unique, make use of the cinema's very own Compton Organ - because why not!
Capacity: 60 in-person guests
Location: Regent Street
Asia House
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Asia House is a great choice. A restored Grade II* listed Georgian townhouse, Asia House looks beautiful on and off camera. Its traditional features and bright pastel tones keep the focus on your event, without settling for a boring backdrop.
Choosing Asia House's old-school charm isn't a compromise on modern tech, either. This beautiful space is fully fitted with air conditioning, wifi, and extensive AV packages for all seven rooms! Regardless of whether you choose the stunning library or one of the three Fine Rooms, you can be confident in the quality of your hybrid event's tech.
Additionally, Asia House's Studio room connects with the library, meaning that your hybrid event can transition from conference to breakout room or catered dining space with ease
Capacity: 9 - 120 in-person guests
Location: Oxford Circus
Studio Spaces
On the complete opposite end of the design spectrum, Studio Space's industrial aesthetic makes it a uniquely striking option.
The Black Studio, White Studio, and Warehouse are all designed to be blank canvases for your event, letting your branding and speakers take central stage. This means that your conference, seminar, or tech summit can be as stylish as you want! Also, being conveniently located in well-connected St Katherine's Dock means that your in-person guests can travel to your event from anywhere.
However, that doesn't mean your virtual guests will miss out! A dedicated events manager and production team are on hand to make sure your hybrid conference runs smoothly. You will have access to the venue's wifi and fiber broadband, AV, lighting, and soundproofing - which will dramatically add to your live-stream's quality.
Why not also connect the studios via the central catering hub, to make it run even smoother?
Capacity: 1600 in-person guests
Location: St Katherine's Dock
No.11 Cavendish Square
Mixing contemporary style with traditional features, No.11 Cavendish Square is not a venue to be missed. A Grade II* listed Georgian townhouse, the venue plays host to twenty event spaces spread over four floors.
No.11 Cavendish Square is primed for hosting excellent hybrid events. Its event spaces include several large lecture theatres; all are 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. Rooms have access to several central foyers, which can be used for networking or drinks receptions. Try the Orangery for a truly stunning vibe.
For a spacious and memorable event, you'll be in safe hands with No.11 Cavendish Square.
Capacity: 10 - 300 in-person guests
Location: Oxford Circus
BMA House
As stunning as it is historical, the refurbished BMA House has enough rooms to fit any event. Whether you are scoping out an ornate backdrop for a conference or an airy space for a post-conference drinks reception, this house is the perfect home for your event.
Of particular note is BMA House's Great Hall. Knowing that this large conference space is also open for weddings might give you an idea of how impressive this hall is. It has natural lighting in spades, but benefits from a full blackout facility when needed. Alongside its beauty and lighting, the hall boasts retractable seating - perfect for conferences!
BMA House's conference spaces also have state of the art AV equipment, electronic voting systems, touch screens, and PA systems. But if that doesn't sway you, maybe the fact that BMA House was Hire Space's "Greenest Venue" for 2018 and 2019 will!
Capacity: 10 - 320 in-person guests
Location: Euston
Tobacco Dock
Boasting 40 different spaces on offer, Tobacco Dock has the perfect room for any function regardless of its size.
The Great Gallery at Tobacco Dock is one of the venue's larger spaces. Your in-person guests will love the timber beams overhead, which speak to the Tobacco Dock's rich history. Your virtual guests won't miss out either, as the room benefits from advanced rigging and lighting, a PA system, blackout capabilities, and fibre data network.
For smaller functions, try The Dock Gallery on for size. With brilliant views of the quays, this room is full of natural light with blackout capabilities. Being self-contained, up to 250 in-person guests will benefit from having the entire space and its facilities to themselves. What's more, the ajoining Dock Meeting Rooms can also be used for breakouts and workshops.
This space is a stand-out winner for hybrid events, allowing you to make use of the venue's comprehensive "plug and play" Day Delegate Package. What more could you ask for!
Capacity: 105 - 2000 in-person guests
Location: Wapping
So there we have it: Hire Space's comprehensive list of London's best hybrid venues. These venues will not only cater to guest lists of any size, they will also have your back when it comes to running a flawless hybrid conference on platforms like Arena.
If you're looking for more guidance on planning your virtual, in-person or hybrid events, Hire Space 360 is our end-to-end service offering unlimited access to our world-class event tech, on-demand eventprofs and much more. Check out our packages to learn more.
