Finding the perfect venue for your corporate event in London can seem like a daunting task. With so many options available, finding the perfect space can make all the difference between a good event and a truly memorable experience for all concerned.
From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, we’ve pulled together some thoughts on what you should consider when searching for your ideal corporate event space in London.
Location and Accessibility
One of the first considerations when choosing a corporate venue should be its location. A central London location with good transport links will make it easier for delegates to attend, particularly if you have international visitors flying in.
Look for venues that are within walking distance of major transport hubs and consider what amenities are available in the surrounding area.
For example, venues situated near London Bridge offer excellent connectivity via both underground services and water taxi, while also providing delegates with stunning views of the River Thames across to the City of London. Furthermore, there is easy access to numerous hotels and restaurants, providing an option for all budgets and preferences.
Capacity and Making the most of the Space you Have
Understanding the specific requirements of an event goes beyond simply matching guest numbers to room capacity. In addition, consider these key factors:
- Standing and seated capacity for each space
- Room dimensions and ceiling heights
- Potential configurations
- Natural light
- Spaces for breakout areas
- Separate space for breakfast, lunch or dinner
It’s worth noting that Glaziers Hall offers seven unique spaces within one building. This can be particularly beneficial when you need separate areas for different aspects of your itinerary, from registration and keynote presentations to catering and networking.
Technical Equipment
In today’s digital age, the technical capabilities of a space are crucial. When viewing potential venues, make sure to ask about Wi-Fi capacity and speed, built-in AV equipment, additional facilities and socket locations.
Modern venues should be in a position to support multiple simultaneous users on any network and offer seamless connectivity for presentations and virtual participants to join from across the globe. For instance, Glaziers Hall is equipped to support over 500 users at once, making it an ideal choice for professional corporate events.
Support Services and Facilities
When evaluating potential venues, it’s important to enquire about the support services and facilities that are offered. This includes considering factors like on-site catering capabilities, cloakroom facilities, storage space, and whether there is a green room or speaker preparation area available.
Ensuring a venue can accommodate the logistical needs of your corporate event is crucial if you want to remove any needless challenges and make the event an overall more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
The Importance of Onsite Catering
Food and refreshments play a vital role in the success of any corporate event. Not only can high-quality catering keep attendees fuelled and energised, but it also creates an opportunity to impress from the outset.
The best corporate venues will have an experienced in-house or residential catering team, along with preferred suppliers who can deliver meals and snacks tailored to the theme of an event.
Having preferred and resident catering partners also means that food service can be seamlessly integrated with the event logistics, reducing the risk of delays or service issues. When evaluating potential venues, be sure to enquire about any catering capabilities that are in place and, if possible, sample the quality of the produce and meals that are on offer.
Working Alongside Venue Teams
Experienced venue teams can be invaluable partners in planning your corporate event. At Glaziers Hall, the events team can provide insights into what works best in each space and suggest configurations and room layouts that you might not have considered. The expertise in the team and familiarity with the venue can help you find the solutions you need to make the most of the available space.
Making Your Final Choice
When making your final decision, consider creating a checklist that weighs the different factors according to your priorities. Remember that the perfect venue isn’t just about the space – it’s about finding a location that can support all aspects of your event, while providing the level of service you need.
The key is to be thorough in your research and clear about your requirements. London’s corporate landscape offers something for every type of event – it’s just a matter of finding the right match for yours.
For those still searching, consider arranging viewings at several locations to compare what’s available. Many venues, including Glaziers Hall on the South Bank in London, welcome site visits and can provide detailed information about their spaces and capabilities to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re planning a corporate event and would like to learn more about what Glaziers Hall could offer, please call our team or visit the contact page on our website. We look forward to showing you around and to answering any questions that you may have.