"Out with the old and in with the new" is hardly ever more relevant than when hosting a memorable conference. Whether you're a trendy start-up or a characterful corporate, an off-beat venue can make all the difference to the memorability of your conference.
Thankfully, we're here to help you throw out the old, boring, and clinical spaces in favour of quirky conference venues that'll put your company on the map. Here are 10 of the best!
The London Transport Museum
The museum's Cubic Theatre offers all of the conference essentials you need to create a fantastic event. Along with the theatre's stage, you'll find an integrated lectern and high-spec projector that will ensure all presentations are sleek and professional.
The theatre's large screens will make sure that all of your guests can follow each session, as well as providing a brilliant opportunity to display your company's branding. Why not use the adjoining foyer for some post-conference drinks?
For frequent conference-goers, there's a constant lifestyle: they travel far and wide for work, but never really spend time in their destination. So did we mention that there's also complimentary access to the museum? Why not treat those far-flung travellers and offer an extra infusion of London history into your conference!
Capacity: 200 theatre
Location: Covent Garden
The Steel Yard
Located beneath the railway arches of Cannon Street, The Steel Yard is a hidden gem that exudes an old-world charm with its exposed brickwork and raw steel structures. Offering three arches that can be transformed to fit any layout, it's an ideal choice for those looking to craft a conference experience that stands out.
While its historical roots as a warehouse give it a quirky, industrial charm, its modern amenities ensure that your event runs without a hitch. And with its central location, attendees will find it a breeze to reach, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Capacity: 200 theatre
Location: Cannon Street
Level39
If you're looking for an inspiring location at the intersection of innovation and business, Level39 is the venue for you. Situated in Canary Wharf, this space is more than just a venue; it's Europe's largest technology accelerator, and hosting your conference here means you're surrounded by groundbreaking startups and tech innovators.
On top of that, the venue is equipped with cutting-edge AV technology, ensuring your presentations go without a hitch, while the panoramic views of London from Level39 are breathtaking, providing a stunning backdrop for any event.
If you're looking to fire up attendees, Level39 is the quirky, future-forward venue your conference needs!
Location: Canary Wharf
Capacity: 200 theatre
ISH Venues
For those seeking a venue that blends historical charm with fantastic amenities, ISH Venues is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of London, this venue boasts a rich heritage, with rooms that tell tales of the past while being equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Georgian architecture offers a sophisticated backdrop, while great acoustics, a flexible layout, and a central location make its main space, Venue 1, a prime choice for conferences that impress all your guests.
And with its dedicated team on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, ISH Venues promises an event that's memorable for all the right reasons!
Location: Regent's Park
Capacity: 300 theatre
Lumiere Underwood
Whether you're looking for a blank canvas or something with a bit more of an aesthetic offering, Lumiere Underwood's lofts are not to be missed. They're a firm favourite of companies including Nike, Vogue, and the BBC - and for good reason.
Lumiere is kitted out with everything you need for a stellar conference, from top-notch AV, Smart TVs, top-tier tech, and natural lighting. When hiring one of the lofts, you'll have free rein to build comfy breakout spaces, or hire the attached kitchen as an informal breakout space.
The New White Loft is a glossy space ideal for customisable branding and classy vibes. If you're on the hunt for something eclectic, The New Victorian Loft is the one for you. Think dark woods and rich gem tones - this space is ideal for fostering out-of-the-box creativity.
Capacity: 120 theatre
Location: Old Street
Museum Of London
Ranging from Roman Britain to the city's modern history, the Museum Of London houses thousands of years of knowledge under its roof. Where better to impart your conference's wisdom than at a prestigious museum?
The museum has a wide variety of rooms, but for a space set to impress, don't miss the stylish Garden Room. This space's large windows allow an abundance of natural daylight, enhanced by direct access to the beautiful Rotunda Gardens. Planning to maximise on breakouts and networking?
The museum's Clore Learning Centre is made up of a group of rooms: the seminar room, studio, and main space. Hire these individually, or combine them to make a dynamic event.
And after the hard work's done, why not let your guests explore the museum? Everyday's a school day!
Capacity: 230 theatre
Location: City of London
Conway Hall
Conway Hall is a stunning, historic space filled with character and perfect for an out-of-the-box conference. Set in the heart of Central London, this Grade 2 listed venue opened in 1929 and still retains its period features; your speakers will take centre stage surrounded by its world-renowned acoustics. The Main Hall's glamorous design will stun your guests, so prepare for your conference to be the talk of the town!
Thanks to Conway Hall’s theatre lighting, high-spec AV, high-definition cameras and professional-grade video recording equipment, your event can seamlessly be transformed into a high-tech hybrid experience.
Plus, Conway Hall’s dreamy location makes it perfect for in-person attendees travelling to your event, and allows easy access to the City for those all important post-event drinks too.
Capacity: 400 theatre
Location: Holborn
Bounce Old Street
Just a 5-minute walk away from bustling Old Street, Bounce is a great place for fun-lovers to get their ping pong on. But, behind the scenes, it's also an unexpectedly ideal venue for a brilliant conference.
Bounce's Main Space is ideally laid out for cozy conferences, as it's easily transformed from a ping pong arena into a theatre-style setup. The Main Space has its own projector screens and wireless presentation facilities, meaning fewer hassles for you on the day! You'll also be spoilt for choice for locations for your breakouts - you'll have access to Bounce's private and semi-private areas.
Not only does Bounce offer themed conference essentials, it also offers a whopping 17 ping pong tables! Who else can claim bragging rights for the world's coolest drinks reception, when your guests can play games and have full access to a bar?
Cocktails and beer pong? Yes please!
Capacity: 100 theatre
Location: Old Street
Village Underground
If you’re on the hunt for an industrial-chic, renovated warehouse space with authentic Victorian features and architectural influences, you’re in luck!
Village Underground is a stunning blank canvas that offers a versatile space to create a unique conference with a twist. Make use of its vaulted brick arches and high ceilings to create an atmospheric setting, perfect for setting a quirky and offbeat tone. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Village Underground is easily accessible for guests regardless of where they're travelling from.
Despite being a Victorian warehouse in a former life, Village Underground is definitely in the 21st century. With the venue’s full PA system, AV capabilities and sound system, shining a spotlight on your content has never been easier.
Capacity: 250 theatre
Location: Shoreditch
EartH
Looking for a truly unforgettable venue? Look no further than EartH. This Art Deco theatre has been revived for the modern age - making it perfect for conferences.
Despite its vintage charm, EartH's in-house tech isn't in the dark ages. Conferences in EartH's theatre benefit from the venue's excellent AV, updated lighting, and a 360 PA system that'll ensure that you're heard by all of your guests. An added bonus? Your speakers will love that its green room is fit for a Hollywood Starlet!
Speaking of grandeur, nothing says decadence more than mouthwatering food! EartH's on-site professional kitchen will take the hassle out organising your menu; by being able to provide both halal and kosher dishes you'll make sure all of your guests are well fed.
All of these venue choices got your head in the clouds? Sounds like you need to come back down to EartH.
Capacity: 650 theatre
Location: Dalston Kingsland
Finding the middle ground between a fun but practical venue can be difficult. Whether your brand is all about the vintage vibe, or you fancy challenging your delegates to a game of ping pong, you'll find the perfect venue for your conference's character here.
If you want to know more about these venues, or are still looking for more inspiration, don't hesitate to get in contact with one of our venue experts.
Author
Catie Owen
From gala dinners to virtual conferences, Catie uses her experience in the hospitality sector and love for writing to highlight the world’s most outstanding venues and virtual events.
