Historic Conference Venues in London: Why the past is the future

London is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. Millions of people travel to London every year to enjoy its buildings, sights and tourist attractions, meaning event organisers planning conferences in the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a venue with a story to tell. So, how do you choose the right conference venue for your event? And why should historic venues be on your event shortlist?

Are historic venues a good choice for conferences?

The list of things to consider when choosing the perfect historic conference venue is long, but we’ve boiled it down to our top tips for brevity.

The building’s story

If you’re looking for a building with a tale to tell, take the time to investigate its stories. Perhaps the venue was once owned by a famous historical figure, or maybe some very well-known faces once visited, or it might be that a particularly significant event took place within its walls. Communicating these stories to your guests will enhance your relationships and encourage small talk amongst your attendees. It will also help cement the fabulous memories your delegates will have after your conference.

‘Our clients love the historic surroundings and being amongst portraits of well-known scientists, such as Isac Newton or Steven Hawkings.’ says The Royal Society’s Mariana Dumitrascu. ‘Each corner of our event spaces has an exciting story to tell and delegates love to explore and learn during their events.’

Modern conference venues in historic venues. The Royal Society in Westminster

Conference facilities

It’s more than likely that your historic venue wasn’t originally designed with conferences or contemporary events in mind and, while we don’t want to discourage you following your heart once you’ve fallen in love with a property, we would urge you to put your feelings to one side and be ruthless in your analysis of its facilities before you commit to ensure the meeting space is fully equipped for your event.

  • Is the venue accessible?
  • What state-of-the-art AV facilities do you have available?
  • Are there any restrictions in place I should be aware of?
  • What extent of event branding is possible in the venue?

All properties in the Westminster Venue Collection group have been sympathetically updated, and in some cases re-configured, to meet the needs of hi-tech, high-end events. With many of the buildings having been granted Grade 1 listed status, organisers can also rest assured that maintaining the spaces’ historical importance has been perfectly prioritised providing you with the hi-tech event facilities needed to create a seamless conference experience.

Conference capacities

As every event organiser knows, you can’t ignore the numbers. The most important you need to think about are the budget and venue capacity. If the venue is stretching you too far or doesn’t have enough space for your guest list, you need to move on – even if you’ve already lost your heart to it.

Westminster Venue Collection’s members accommodate a wide range of capacities, search for conference venues using our capacity filter if you have a specific large capacity event in mind.

Central Location

Never underestimate the importance of the location of your venue – whether you’re opting for a historic building or a contemporary one. Choosing a venue in a convenient location with excellent public transport links will break down one of the first perceived barriers presented to your invitees. If you’ve got guests coming in from further afield who are looking for overnight accommodation, then it’s important to ensure your conference room is situated amongst lots of hotels to suit varying budgets. If you’d like to offer guests nearby accommodation, see which hotels are part of Westminster Venue Collection – you’ll find our referral program will get you the best rates!

You might also want to think about the pre-event and post-event activities your delegates might want to indulge in – think about shopping, theatre, sightseeing and other business opportunities. Being situated in Westminster means our venues benefit from proximity to the River Thames (great for views and attractions) as well as being a short walk or tube ride to Covent Garden.

Conference Event Venues in Westminster, London.

The corporate event team

Finding an in-house event team with whom you feel a connection is an important factor when choosing a historic conference venue. You’ll come to lean on the venue staff throughout your project and you’ll end up with a very close, working relationship. You will have to place your trust in them, so make sure you’re confident they are people you can work with.

How modern conferences work in historic venues

The juxtaposition of old and new during a modern conference at a historic event venue is a powerful tool. Not only does the contrast create fascinating talking points for delegates, it also creates a unique atmosphere which takes people out of their day-to-day head space. Changing people’s environment, particularly for anything unusual or inspiring, is a fabulous way to get creative juices flowing and to encourage them to think outside of the box.

Why host your next event at a conference venue

Many historic venues in Westminster aren’t open to the general public, which means hiring one of these buildings for an event – be it a conference, product launch or drinks reception – helps add to its sense of occasion. Your guests will appreciate the exclusive access your event is offering them which will go a long way towards creating a truly memorable day or evening.

Historic Conference Venues in Westminster

If you think Westminster could offer you the perfect venue for your next event, start shortlisting your favourite venues ready to send your event brief. You will only hear back from the best conference venues in London who can fulfil your requirements. Please feel free to get in touch via [email protected] if you have any questions.

QEII supports WrapUp London campaign in critical year

London’s QEII Centre is calling on event professionals and the public to donate their unwanted coats and help warm up the capital’s most vulnerable people this winter once again.

The events venue has partnered again with charity HandsOn London to serve as a collection point for its WrapUp London campaign which provides a coat to anyone who needs one, including the homeless, vulnerable families and refugees.

With two thirds of adults in Britain reporting their cost of living increasing in the past month, WrapUp London’s campaign will be more important than ever this year. In London, where nearly half the country’s rough sleepers are, donated coats will be distributed via homeless shelters, refugee centres, organisations supporting the elderly, women’s refuges, children’s centres, and other charities helping people in crisis.

QEII has supported the WrapUp London campaign for five years, serving as Westminster’s dedicated collection point and collecting 3,825 coats for those in need.

In total, HandsOn London has distributed 197,000 coats to the capital’s most vulnerable since it started the campaign 11 years ago.

This year’s campaign starts on the 7th of November and QEII is calling event organisers to spread the word to their delegates so they can get involved and maximise donations.

Mark Taylor, chief executive of the QEII Centre said: “In the past we have been overwhelmed by the donations we have received – playing a consistent key role in this cause is a great honour for our centre. WrapUp London really demonstrates the collective community that is central to the spirit of London, and I hope that our work can be an important lifeline for all vulnerable people during this difficult and cold winter.”

Jon Meech, CEO of HandsOn London said: “We are delighted that the QEII Centre will be able to support WrapUp London for another year. Their generosity enables a collection point to be available in the heart of Westminster and has collected several thousand warm coats for the campaign. Every year the demand for warm coats increases and this year is sadly no exception. As a largely volunteer-led campaign we can only hope to meet this demand with the help of partners like the QEII Centre.”

Explore the hireable events spaces available at the centre.

Regent’s Conferences & Events reports record summer of outdoor events

Regent’s Conferences & Events has reported its most successful summer of outdoor events in a record breaking few months.

The central London based events venue has seen an all-time high of both guest numbers and average spend per head. Welcoming over 10,000 guests to the lawns between May and July, firms and private planners forked out an average of £137 per guest – a 40% increase in guests on pre-pandemic levels.

With only very minor F&B rate increases for 2022, the surging average spend is largely attributed to companies wanting to reward staff and individuals hoping to ‘make up for lost time’, putting extra spend behind their events.

An average of six lawn functions per week across an 11-week period has been in addition to the regular indoor event operation, with weekend clients using over 30 classrooms and 50 weekday classrooms for language schools, training events and meetings.

The venue was virtually booked out by April, but even after inevitable COVID dropouts, rail strikes and cancellations, it still saw 90% occupancy – 30% above target.

Regent’s has observed an increasing preference for savoury treats over sweet, with the crispy fried chicken burger eclipsing the former winner – the classic BBQ beef burger. With 80% of all outdoor guests opting for barbecued catering and 50% having a street food stall option too, the Taste of Greece menu and Italian Pizzeria were next on the popularity list.

Summer party entertainment trends have seen a shift from competitive sporting activities to more holistic wellbeing activities and interactive drink experiences like cocktail making.

Regent’s’ External Events Manager, Rafael Azzopardi said: “This summer has been quite remarkable for outdoor business. We knew we were in a fortunate position throughout the pandemic to offer such vast outdoor space for events, but even we didn’t foresee such demand continuing at this scale. The desire to celebrate, paired with the uncharacteristically brilliant British weather we have had has made for an unforgettable summer.

“The events team have been stretched like never before, delivering exceptional service through temperatures reaching 40 degrees and the catering team has continued to respond to demand and update its innovative offering. The searing heat boosted the popularity of ice cream as the most popular dessert, serving over 7,000 ice creams! Half the event planners have opted for two food servings per event and more cocktails per guest than we’ve ever seen before.”

Located within private gardens in Regent’s Park, the venue offers four acres of landscaped lawns for summer events of up to 1,200 guests, with a sheltered marquee available from May to September.

 

If you’d like to enquire about booking Regent’s Conferences & Events for your summer 2023 event, contact us at [email protected]

 

To find out more about their indoor meeting and function facilities, head to their page.

IET London: Savoy Place to scout talent at recruitment open day

IET London: Savoy Place is welcoming event professionals from across the industry to its Recruitment Open Day on Tuesday 23 August.

Following a surge in business and the return of live events in full flow, the IET is looking to expand its London events and venues team, with positions across the board. From AV technicians to events coordinators and business development roles, industry specialists are invited to attend an informal showcase of the prestigious venue, meet the team and explore opportunities for career growth.

Savoy Place is highly regarded by returning clients like IBM, Royal Television Society and Microsoft, with an affiliation to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines. Offering a dominating lecture theatre, characterful and contemporary event spaces, and an impressive roof terrace for outdoor events, the venue is an exciting canvas for event creativity. With more than 1,500 events being hosted worldwide each year, the virtual element is also key to the business’ success through the demand for high-spec hybrid events.

The IET is on the lookout for dedicated and ambitious professionals who share the company’s values: integrity, excellence and teamwork. As a Platinum ECOsmart accredited venue, the business is also looking for individuals who share its vision to reduce the environmental impact of events through sustainable choices.

Event profs excited by the prospect of working with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, including military-grade encrypted audio should drop by between 12 and 2pm, or 4 and 7pm. Freelance AV technicians are also invited to attend.

Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues & Facilities said: “This is a really exciting time to be in the events world. After a tumultuous time, the buzz of events is back and better than ever. We’re in a very fortunate position as the home of the IET to have access to some of the latest and most high-tech facilities that revolutionise live and hybrid events, and our openings are a great opportunity for those looking for a new challenge. We’re sidestepping the regular interview process to give interested individuals a real and authentic feel for life at Savoy Place in the first instance, and hope to meet lots of new faces at our Open Day.”

For more information, visit their website. 

New interactive installation at London Transport Museum will take families on a ‘Green Journey’ this summer

This summer London Transport Museum is welcoming families to explore a new interactive ‘Green Journey’ installation that will get visitors thinking about climate change, the role of transport in creating a sustainable city, and how we can all do our bit to ensure a greener future. A green themed trail around the Museum galleries and creative workshops will also run throughout the holidays, helping young visitors to learn about these big concepts in a fun and family-friendly way.

Visitors to The Green Journey installation will be able to explore four themed, hands-on areas to learn about topics such as global warming and its effects on London, the solutions from big businesses that are already underway to help tackle it – such as Transport for London’s hydrogen buses – as well as new green jobs and the people behind them. The space will also help families discover the small changes we can make at home to be more eco-friendly.

Family workshops inspired by the themes of the Green Journey space will also take place on selected dates throughout the holidays. Five workshops will run per day, suitable for children 8-14 years old:

  • Climate Calling: selected dates between 23 July – 4 August (23, 26, 28, 30 July and 2, 4 Aug). Learn about the ways climate change affects our city and the role of transport in providing the solution – from TfL’s new hydrogen buses that are helping make London’s air cleaner, to the active travel choices we can all make when getting from A to B. Create your own Climate Calling board game inspired by what you’ve learnt.
  • Future Innovators: selected dates between 6 – 18 August (6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19 August). What will life in our city look like in the future? What jobs will exist and what skills will we need? Hear about real-life climate change innovators and explore the skills we are going to need to help tackle climate change in the future. Then create your very own climate change super-hero. Let your imagination lead the way.
  • Activate: selected dates between 20 August – 1 September (20, 23, 25, 27, 30 Aug and 1 September). We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. Discover the small ways you can do your bit to make London greener and create your own set of Family Action Cards to get inspired.

Sustainable installation

These summer activities are part of London Transport Museum’s 18-month Climate Crossroads programme supported by Mastercard, Mott MacDonald, Cubic Transportation Systems and Sopra Steria. The programme aims to create experiences that get people thinking about what the future of our city could look like and inspired by the great engineering ingenuity of London’s past and also explores what innovations, skills and jobs we need to build this sustainable future.

On Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 August, London Transport Museum will also be hosting Mastercard’s Girls4Tech STEM workshops in the main Museum gallery. Children can drop-into sessions on Cryptology and Big Data, learning about these topics through fun, problem-solving games. The Girls4Tech workshops will be run by Mastercard staff, looking to inspire the next generation to pursue a STEM career.

While at the Museum, families can also see real buses, trams and Tube trains from 200 years of the capital’s transport history. They can learn how to drive a modern-day Elizabeth line train in the Future Engineers gallery and climb aboard a fleet of mini vehicles in the All Aboard play zone.

Between 11:00 and 15:00, visitors can head to Canteen, the Museum’s café by popular eatery Benugo, for a bite to eat, and choose from exclusive transport inspired toys, gifts, homeware, poster artwork and games in the Museum’s shop.

Timed tickets to visit London Transport Museum can be booked online in advance. Adult tickets are £21 and allow free return day-time entry for a whole year. Plus, kids go free!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Broadway House see great returns from WVC membership

Broadway House at Make Venues has achieved its best returns on record from Westminster Venue Collection membership, bolstered by New Business Development Manager Paul Martins joining the Board.

“Our Westminster Venue Collection membership offers plenty of knowledge-sharing opportunities and PR coverage for value. Significantly, we are also presented with 3 main channels for return of investment – through website enquiries, referrals and expos.

So we’re excited for the upcoming showcase and proud to record securing £9k of business from the WVC stand at the Meetings Show on its face-to-face return last year. This requires engagement and follow-up, but these results for Broadway House leads us to making membership successful.” – Paul Martins, Broadway House at Make Venues.

Broadway House is a very popular choice for ministerial meetings and press conferences. In fact, it is directly opposite St James’ Park tube station, and a ten minute walk from Victoria, Waterloo and Charing Cross – so it couldn’t be any more convenient for City meetings!

Inside, it has a distinctly modern feel; the technology throughout is state-of-the-art and like all Make UK conference venues, the standard of service is warm and friendly, yet uncompromisingly efficient. Broadway House is AIM accredited and a Venue of Excellence – the highest measure of quality within the conference venue sector. 20 meeting rooms and tailored packages for up to 120 delegates.

There are many benefits to becoming a member of our growing sales and marketing consortium, representing quality Westminster venues in Central London. Head to our Member Benefits page to find out more!

RIBA’s ‘Build Your Own’ Christmas party returns for 2022

It might be just under 8 months away, but the team at RIBA at 66 Portland Place are embracing all things Christmas with the reveal of an amazing custom-made gingerbread replica of the stunning Art Deco venue.

The impressive gingerbread model was commissioned to celebrate the return of RIBA’s popular ‘Build Your Own’ Christmas party package for 2022. Just as this gingerbread model was created step-by-step and personalised according to the brief, with the ‘Build Your Own’ package clients can create their perfect party at 66 Portland Place by selecting the individual elements – room, F&B, entertainment – that match budget and objectives.  

Starting from £70+VAT per person, the popular ‘Build Your Own’ experience – a subtle nod to RIBA’s architectural roots – is incredibly flexible with the opportunity to select your preferred event space at 66 Portland Place, choose from multiple festive food & drink options, as well as deciding on the entertainment and décor to suit your bespoke party vibe.  
 
Caterina Jane Alves, Head of Venues at RIBA at 66 Portland Place, says: “We are so thrilled with our incredible gingerbread replica of 66 Portland Place which we commissioned as a way to bring our ‘Build Your Own’ 
Christmas party package to life. The concept behind these packages is to give clients a range of options when it 
comes to the choice of room, F&B and so forth, whilst giving them the scope to create a personalised party 
experience for their guests. Events are increasingly being organised within a shorter time frame and our ‘Build 
Your Own’ packages have been designed to streamline the event planning process, particularly for last minute 
events and celebrations.  
 
If you’ve not had the chance to celebrate the Christmas season with your team or clients in the way you 
wanted due to the pandemic, this year is the perfect time to get everyone together and give them an 
experience to remember. The diary is already starting to fill up and we cannot wait to create some standout 
Christmas celebrations that will be well worth the two-year wait! 
 
Contact the team at RIBA at 66 Portland Place to enquire or book a showround where you can catch a glimpse 
of the stunning gingerbread model, by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7307 3888.

116 Pall Mall launch calendar of social events in their Champagne Bar

116 Pall Mall have launched an exciting array of events taking place in their iconic Champagne Bar. The events include Jazz nights, wine tastings, live music and champagne masterclasses which are currently taking place in regular slots on Thursday evenings.

116 Pall Mall plan to add a whole host of additional events focussing on art, gastronomy and fine wines over the next few months, and partners include Honest Grapes, Champagne Lanson, Jascots Wine Merchants, Veuve Clicquot and Vicky Yannoula.

Behind the stunning façade of the Grade-I listed building, find this hidden gem, which has been reinvented by Searcys into a champagne bar, offering an array of fizz, including one of the largest selections of magnums in London, alongside creative cocktails, British bar bites and a roster of events.

Once the wine cellars of the Prince of Wales and the United Service Club, the space is now a stunning champagne bar. Enter through the original iron gate cellar doors to the converted cellar with vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, plush velvet seating, and long wood-topped bar, alongside a private dining room, seating up to 50.

The events are open to members and non-members, so whether you’re looking to grab a bite to eat between meetings, entertain clients, or treat your family and friends, the Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall provides the perfect setting for entertaining and socialising, with a whole host of must-attend events.

View the events and book here

116 Pall Mall has also recently launched an Afternoon Tea taking place on Saturdays. On the doorstep to London’s Theatreland and with many iconic landmarks just a stone’s throw away – experience a taste of indulgence and while away the afternoon with decadent treats and plenty of bubbles in their beautiful Carlton Room.

Book your table here

Westminster Venue Collection Presents: Discover Westminster

Calling all event profs! You’re invited to our venue showcase event, Discover Westminster – Around Westminster in 80 Minutes.

 

Join us at our exclusive venue showcase event in the form of a drinks & canape reception for the chance to explore our unique consortium of Westminster’s finest venues, for corporate events with style and finesse, in an unrivalled central London location – A fabulous opportunity to meet with more than twenty luxury venues in one evening. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to win a prize in our grand raffle!

Date: 26.05.2022

Time: 17:00 – 20:00

Where: The Royal Society

Who can attend: Corporate professionals with a direct responsibility for booking conferences & events in London

We hope to see you there!

To RSVP, email: [email protected]

Mother’s Day at 116 Pall Mall

116 Pall Mall open ups on MOTHER’S DAY for the first time – Sunday 27 March!

Whoever it is you want to spoil on Mother’s Day, celebrate with 116 Pall Mall as they open up for this special date for the first time. Choose between an indulgent Searcys afternoon tea or a mouth-watering Sunday lunch. To make your day even more memorable, they’ve partnered up with Tubes Floral who will be hosting a flower arranging workshop at 116 Pall Mall – so you can take home your own beautiful hand-crafted gift bouquet!

 

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐚

Show your appreciation and celebrate with a special afternoon tea. Experience a taste of indulgence and while away the afternoon with decadent treats and plenty of bubbles.

Start off with a selection of savouries including Smoked salmon rillette, horseradish, pickled fennel, and a Coronation chicken brioche bun, alongside freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and Galloway fruit preserve and plenty more sweet treats.

£35 per person | £49 with a glass of champagne

Afternoon Tea London

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡

Two courses & a glass of Champagne: £40 per person

Three courses & a glass of Champagne: £45 per person

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 | 𝟏-𝟐𝐩𝐦

1 hour workshop & 1 bouquet: £45

Spend some quality time with your mum or mother-figure and take part in a special flower arranging workshop between 1pm – 2pm on Sunday 27 March. You’ll get the opportunity to create a beautiful hand-tied bouquet to gift to your mum or display in your own home. You can book onto the workshop individually or as a pair to create one bouquet together.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 here