If you’re looking for something a little more interesting than your average London meeting room or conference centre, take a look at the world of education.
Corporate venue hire at colleges and universities was once a niche proposition, often situated at the budget end of the venue hire spectrum.
Venues were generally only available out of term-time, with convenient but fuss-free meeting space for large groups and basic student-style accommodation on offer.
But that was then.
Over the last 10 years or so, many academic institutions have realised the commercial potential of their spaces and facilities, and their appeal as desirable corporate venues has been transformed as a result.
Upgrades and new developments abound, with millions of pounds having been invested in state-of-the-art facilities that rival the best commercial conference centres in the country.
Many universities and colleges now have dedicated meeting rooms, hi tech conference facilities and accommodation of impressive quality.
A large number of academic venues now boast dedicated residential conference facilities all year round, complete with executive boardrooms and business lounges, large capacity auditoriums and breakout spaces.
And combined with hotel-style accommodation, a range of professional catering options and exceptional value for money, it’s no wonder that academic venues are an increasingly popular choice for corporate clients.
Here’s our Grade A selection of 5 London academic venues that can be booked for corporate events and conferences.
Senate House, University of London
Senate House is the administrative centre of the University of London, and is set in a beautiful Art Deco building which was London’s first skyscraper in 1936. Following a recent major refurbishment programme, it is now one of the best conference and events venues in Central London.
Offering the full package – superb meeting rooms, functional specialist rooms, seminar rooms, breakout spaces and elegant gardens – Senate House is perfect for all kinds of meetings and conferences, training events, gala events and drinks receptions.
From small scale events to large conferences up to 450 delegates and lavish evening gala events, the events team at Senate House will be on hand to organise every aspect of the event.
University of Greenwich
Occupying 3 magnificent buildings within the Old Royal Naval College, the jewel of Greenwich, the University of Greenwich offers a wealth of conference facilities at competitive London prices.
The Old Royal Naval College is an inspiring and beautiful setting with a strong sense of history and tradition.
From small functions for 10 people to seated dining events for up to 398 in the awe inspiring Painted Hall, there are rooms for all occasions.
Both Admiral’s House and the twin Undercrofts can be hired exclusively for daytime and evening events. Whether you are hosting a mini meeting or large residential conference, the University has exceptional facilities including cutting-edge IT and AV equipment.
Royal Holloway College
Away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, but strategically located for Heathrow Airport and the M25, Royal Holloway College at Egham, Surrey is part of the University of London.
The unique venue combines the splendour of the Victorian Founder’s Building set in 135 acres of parkland bordering on Windsor Great Park, and modern conference facilities, conference accommodation and expert catering.
The venue is able to offer flexible event space ranging from small meeting rooms to large-scale auditoriums for up to 400 delegates. The campus setting puts all conference delegates in easy reach of the onsite facilities.
Imperial College London
One of the leading universities in the country and internationally, Imperial College is London’s largest academic conference venue. It is popular with many blue chip companies for product launches, media events, exhibitions and conferences.
Imperial College has an outstanding selection of conference, banqueting, exhibition, training, accommodation and catering facilities.
There are over 200 venues with flexible event space including meeting rooms and seminar rooms, banqueting halls and an elegant Grade II listed Victorian townhouse. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 740 guests in a flexible, multi purpose space.
The People’s Palace
The Great Hall at Queen Mary, University of London is a much loved Art Deco building with an imposing façade featuring a relief by the artist Eric Gill.
Originally built as a theatre, cinema and music hall, ‘The People’s Palace‘ even welcomed the Rolling Stones to its stage!
Featuring a seating capability of up to 770, this is a fantastic venue for exhibitions and theatrical performances, conferences and lectures, rehearsals and filming, as well as examinations.
There’s more flexible meeting space in the foyer area as well as breakout spaces, a bar/café and on-site parking for 100 vehicles.
