Affordable Conference Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Affordable Conference Venues in London

Whether you’re holding a large conference on a budget, a small networking meet-up, or a charity event, the first question that came to your mind was probably how much does it cost to rent a conference room? While this question is hard to answer in a few words, one thing is absolutely certain – conference hall hire in London can be more favourable than you may have expected! The key lies in knowing how to look for budget conference venues, which is made easier by our comprehensive list of cheap conference spaces. The icing on the cake? We’ve also compiled a handful of affordable conference venue hire tips for your reading pleasure:

• Focus on minimum spend venues. Free conference venue hire is possible, even in central London! If you’re not really familiar with the minimum spend term, here’s a quick explanation: it means your only obligation is to spend a certain amount of money on food or beverages (or both). You don’t need to pay a single penny to hire the conference space, just for eating and drinking. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?
• Or go the other way around and do it yourself, as much as you can. This option to keep you within your means is a dry-hire conference venue. With a dry hire venue, you pay for the conference space only, while the other aspects of the event (such as catering, drinks, and audiovisual system) are up to you. This solution gives you more flexibility in planning your conference expenses.
• Look at all kinds of venues. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to search only for bespoke conference venues, as there are a number of more unique conference spaces that can easily hold your event and offer you bang for your buck. Top alternative picks include university conference venues with their own lecture theatres, versatile and affordable meeting rooms that can be adapted for conference purposes, or cinemas and auditoriums with large screens and plenty of seating.
• Take the road less travelled. Did you know that there are more modern conference venues in the suburbs of London than in the centre? Hiring a budget conference venue a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of the city has plenty of advantages. Obviously, these spaces are more affordable than the centric ones, but there’s way more to them than just that. Affordable conference venues on the outskirts of London usually offer outside areas that can be used for parking or serve as breakout spaces.
• Cut down on square metres. It’s a common mistake to hire a conference venue you’re unable to fill. Nobody wants to pay for space they’re not going to use. So, what’s the solution? Wise planning is half the battle. If your budget is tight, look for a smaller conference venue that’s just the right size for the number of attendees you’re expecting.

Utilising Public Transport

When planning a conference event in London, one key strategy to maximise your budget and ensure attendee convenience is to consider the public transport links close to your chosen venue. London's extensive and efficient public transport network can significantly influence your venue selection, making your event easily reachable without the need for expensive private transportation services!

Embrace London's Public Transport Network

London boasts an impressive public transport system, including the London Underground (Tube), buses, overground trains, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Selecting a conference space near these transport hubs can reduce travel costs for your attendees and simplify logistics.

• Tube and Railway Stations: Look for venues within walking distance of major Tube stations or railway stations. Event spaces near stations such as King’s Cross St Pancras, Waterloo, London Bridge, or Paddington can be easily accessed from various parts of the city and beyond, thanks to their fantastic network of connections.
• Bus Routes: London’s buses cover the entire city comprehensively. Venues along major bus routes can be easily reached from most of London areas, ensuring that your conference remains reachable even outside the Tube's operating hours.
• DLR and Overground: For events in East London or near the Docklands, consider venues accessible by the DLR. The Overground network can also open up options in areas not served by the Underground, such as parts of East and North London.

Benefits of Choosing a Well-Connected Venue

• Reduced Travel Costs: Attendees can take advantage of London's affordable public transport options, including daily caps and special visitor Oyster cards, to get to your conference without the need for costly taxi fares.
• Increased Attendance: A venue easily reachable by public transport is more likely to attract a higher number of attendees. Convenience plays a significant role in an individual's decision to attend an event.
• Sustainability: Encouraging the use of public transport aligns with eco-friendly practices by reducing the carbon footprint associated with your conference.
• Exploring London: Attendees from outside London, or those who wish to explore the city before or after your event, will find a well-connected venue more appealing.

Tips for Leveraging Public Transport Links

• Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed public transport options in your event communications, including maps, apps, and tips for navigating London’s transport system. Mention any disruptions or expected delays if your event coincides with planned works or public holidays.
• Consider Timing: When planning your conference schedule, take into account rush hour times. Starting your event a bit later or finishing before peak times can make travel more comfortable for your attendees.
• Group Travel Discounts: Explore group travel discounts options that might be available for your attendees. Sharing this information can add value to your event and further reduce costs for participants.

Selecting an affordable conference venue in London with strong public transport links not only simplifies logistics but also enhances the overall event experience for your attendees. Thanks to planning the transport options in your planning process, you ensure that your conference is hassle-free and budget-friendly, allowing you to allocate resources to other aspects of your stunning event that enhance its impact!

FAQs about Affordable Conference Venues in London

What is the lowest price for hiring a conference venue in London?

The lowest price for hiring a conference venue in London is around £60-£90 per hour. However, these venues are rather small and usually not able to accommodate more than 30 people. Some of them also lack certain amenities such as catering facilities and parking spaces, which means that you will have to rent these separately. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How can I save money on hiring a conference venue in London?

We love a good bargain, and we know that you do too. We’ve scoured the city for the lowest conference venues in London, and we found that in order to get the best deal, you should look for venues that offer minimum spend. This means that you have to spend a certain amount of money on food and drink. It might seem a little bit inconvenient, but it will definitely save you some cash. If you’re looking for a place where you can host a conference and not break the bank at the same time, then we also recommend considering the size of the venue. You might think that the bigger the venue, the better. But this isn’t always true. If your group is relatively small, consider booking a venue that is not so large. This will give you a more personal setting that is perfect for the conference.

What are the most popular locations for holding conferences in London?

The West End has plenty of theatres and concert halls, and it's a great place to hold a conference focused on the arts or entertainment. If you're interested in a more traditional setting, look into Westminster and the City of London. These are nice places to hold a conference if you want to be near the action but have some peace and privacy. If your industry is related to science or technology, consider Southwark or Canary Wharf. You can also find plenty of conference venues in Kensington, Hammersmith and Ealing. These districts have a lot of character and offer a wide range of options. For even more affordable venues, look into Hounslow and Wandsworth. These are one of the cheapest districts in London, but they offer plenty of amenities and attractions. You can find some great conference venues in these areas that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

What is the cheapest season to hire conference venues in London?

The cheapest season to hire the best conference spaces in London typically falls during the quieter periods, which are often during the winter months, particularly January and February. During these months, demand for conference venues tends to decrease, resulting in more availability and potentially lower prices. Additionally, weekdays generally offer better rates compared to weekends, regardless of the season. If you're looking to save on conference venue hire in London, consider booking during the off-peak winter season and scheduling your event on a weekday for the top value!