When looking for a venue for your conference, a hotel or purpose-built centre might seem the obvious choice, but don’t forget that doing the safe thing isn’t always the right thing!
Unusual conference venues are a great way to get delegates engaged and chatting before the event event begins.
At Evolve Events we recommend choosing a unique venue to provide an inspiring environment for your event. Choosing an unusual conference venue can lend another dimension to your event, giving it that extra wow factor that will help attract delegates that may otherwise have declined the invitation and it’s also more likely to leave a positive lasting impression about your event.
With so many venues to choose from we’ve put together a list of some of the most inspiring venues that are guaranteed to get your delegates talking and help to create a buzz; an unusual venue is far more likely to be photographed, which is a great way to get your conference exposure on social media. Events are all about the experience, so give them something to remember.
10 unusual conference venues
Andaz Masonic Temple
Andaz Liverpool Street is a 5 star boutique hotel offering a variety of event spaces that are bound to impress. One of the standout rooms is the Masonic Temple that was kept hidden for years behind a brick wall. Once the wall was demolished, the most stunning room was discovered as the heavy studded doors revealed an opulent combination of Italian marble and checked floors before descending the temple’s spiral staircase to get a better view of the stunning blue dome ceiling with gold zodiac detail, regal thrones and organ; a truly magnificent room for a boardroom meeting, with a range of private dining spaces.
Sunbeam Studio
Sunbeam Studios largely operates as a photographic studio but 25 times a year is available for all types of events. Built in the 1930’s as the HQ of the Sunbeam Talbot Motor Company, the first purpose built motor car factory, it blends Edwardian elegance with a modern, clean aesthetic. The venue is made up of three large halls and two meeting rooms with connect via a mezzanine and grand staircase, opening onto extensive private gardens. Vaulted ceilings and arched windows with light spaces make this venue the perfect place to host an impressive event.
Dorney Court
Titled as one of England’s ‘Finest Tudor Manor Houses’, the 15th Century Dorney Court and surrounding estate have been home to the Palmer family for nearly 500 years. Set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside and just a short journey from London, the Dorney Court Estate offers a rarefied environment where you can focus on your brand, product and business and deliver your key messages and the extensive grounds offer a number of opportunities for team building activities.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is both famous and romantic; it has played host to Pavarotti and Fonteyn and its barrel glass roof makes it one of the most iconic buildings in London. It underwent a redesign a few years ago, opening up new event spaces and making it available for day and evening hire . The magnificent surroundings and stunning ironwork can’t fail to create an impression on guests with the light and space making it perfect for conferences over lunch time.
Town Hall Hotel
Overlooking the urban landscape of East London, the award-winning Town Hall Hotel combines architectural splendour with cutting edge design. Town Hall Hotel marries Edwardian, Art-Deco and now the most cutting-edge modern architecture in one harmonious space. We recommend the stunning art-deco room which was originally the imposing Council Chamber and retains raised seating in green leather with fold down wooden desks. Containing equipment for professional film screening, this makes a highly individual lecture or theatre style space, while its ante-chamber makes a wonderful drinks or reception area.
BAFTA 195
If you need a venue with great projection facilities then the world class screens of BAFTA 195 Piccadilly are going to take some beating. Several contemporary rooms are available for a variety of different conference needs. The Princess Anne Theatre provides a perfect space for any conference with the ability to see your presentation on a big screen. The gallery is a complete blank canvas and with a variety of lighting and finishing options, you can transform the venue to base around your branded company.
Tate Modern – The Tanks
You need to be a corporate member to access all the spaces at Tate Modern but once you’ve joined you get access to venue hire of the Tanks, an entirely new type of space. Originally the generator of electric energy, the Tanks are now generators of creative energy, providing new possibilities for events in a raw, versatile, circular and unique space; ideal for conferences or product launches.
Village Underground
This industrial space provides a complete blank canvas ready to furnish to suit you and your brand. Village Underground is a creative, cultural hub housed in revamped tube carriages, shipping containers and a warehouse. The stunning former Victorian warehouse boasts plenty of industrial features for your guests to enjoy, with standing capacity of 700 or seated option of 250; it is perfectly suited to any larger conference events. The glass panelled ceiling floods the venue with light, which highlights the 19th century brick work.
Kent House Knightsbridge
Kent House Knightsbridge has a rich and royal history. It was originally owned by Queen Victoria’s father and later became a remarkable Salon in the 1930s where leading musicians, dancers and actors of the time would meet and be entertained.
The venue stylishly combines historical elegance with the intimacy of a private house and boasts many beautiful period features including ornate cornicing, marble floors, a sweeping staircase and skylight, and large floor to ceiling windows providing the perfect backdrop to your conference.
Tower of London
A world heritage site with nearly 1,000 years of history, the Tower of London provides a remarkable atmosphere in its extraordinary conference spaces. A range of function rooms are available with a choice of spaces that offer original architecture, views of the city skyline, historical artefacts and the opportunity to dine afterwards sitting beside over 12,000 diamonds. But it’s not all about the history as all spaces are equipped with all the AV equipment and technology required to ensure no-one loses their head.
Here at Evolve Events we work with some of the most prestigious and unusual venues available. If you’d like to know more about venue hire options or arrange a viewing with any of these unusual conference venues or would like our help finding another perfect venue for your event just get in touch with the team.
TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : info@evolve-events.com