There's a big difference between conferences that get delegates' minds whirring, and those that go down like lead balloons. Content is key, of course, but you can't underestimate the value of a great setting in ramping up the engagement among your audience.
Luckily, London's full of conference venues with charm, which are guaranteed to elevate your event! We love nothing more than showcasing our top venue picks, so, without further ado, here are six of our favourite venues for turning up the charm-factor on your conference.
1. One Birdcage Walk
Located in the heart of Westminster, One Birdcage Walk is the perfect venue for all kinds of business events, from lectures and conferences to meetings, away days, seminars, and training courses. With a stunning view of St. James's Park, it's ideal for inspiring delegates with its picture-perfect surroundings, and has excellent transport links - not just a pretty face!
Spaces such as the Council Room offer all the historic charm of the venue, with original features such as Edwardian styled antique oak panelling and an ornate plaster ceiling, while the venue's Lecture Theatre includes access to the Marble Hall and adjoining Gallery, giving your attendees a taste of period elegance from their first entrance.
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 210 theatre
2. Roundhouse
The Roundhouse in Camden is a truly versatile venue for conferences hosting up to 1,500 delegates. With plenty of space for several different layouts, high tech lighting, and flexible staging - not to mention expert on hand to make sure every aspect of the day goes smoothly - conferences are in safe hands at this iconic venue.
Even better, by hosting your event here, you are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of young people? All money generated from hiring the Roundhouse goes towards supporting the work of Roundhouse Studios, which has been providing support to over 12,000 young people since 2006.
Location: Camden
Capacity: 1500 theatre
3. Emirates Old Trafford
With its unparalleled flexible space, Emirates Old Trafford offers a range of ideal settings for conferences of all sizes, from boardrooms to huge blank canvas spaces. Its largest event space, The Point, is a unique, elevated suite boasting seven-metre windows with stunning views of the venue's iconic cricket pitch.
It can cater from 100 to 1000 guests, depending on your needs, and features free-flowing spaces without pillars, built in projectors and screens, and adjustable coloured LED lights to create the ideal atmosphere for any occasion.
Location: Manchester
Capacity: 1000 theatre
4. The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
Lincoln's Inn encapsulates a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, with its Grade I and II listed buildings providing a picturesque backdrop for any special occasion. For impressing guests, the Great Hall offers a grand Tudor Revival style with wood-panelled walls, a fresco, and minstrel's gallery.
Meanwhile, for something a little more contemporary, the newly constructed Ashworth Centre provides a sleek setting for conferences, with a capacity of 158 in its purpose-built lecture theatre, as well as ten meeting rooms for breakouts and smaller sessions.
Location: Holborn
Capacity: 300 theatre
5. One Moorgate Place
One Moorgate Place is an elegant Grade II-listed building, located in the heart of the city, and filled to the brim with historic charm. Combining the building's stunning original features with modern conference facilities, the spaces on offer in this venue are truly awe-inspiring, and are certain to add an element of prestige to the day. In the Great Hall, the largest event space on offer, 3 large screens, a podium, and a stage all contribute to making this setting an ideal location to present to your audience.
Location: Moorgate
Capacity: 400 theatre
6. {10-11} Carlton House Terrace
A calm and tranquil haven tucked away in one of the UK's most fashionable postcodes, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace is well-placed to make a good impression on delegates. Featuring subtle decor and an abundance of natural light, it's an inspiring backdrop for a presentation, and with an in-house AV team to help set up the venue's PA system, audio lectern, and projector, your content's in safe hands in this space. Check out The Wolfson Gallery for a light and airy spot with access to a lobby and complimentary catering space.
Location: St James's Park
Capacity: 80 theatre
If you've been charmed by our round-up of our top venues for conferences with a difference, get in touch to enquire about booking one today. Still looking for your perfect venue? Check out our other top conference venues for plenty more inspiration!
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.
