Small Conference Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Small Conference Venues in London

Small conference venues in London – our top picks:

• Community centres and halls – a particularly good choice when your budget is a little tight. This kind of small conference venue is cheap, versatile and can be found in north, south, east and west London. What’s not to like?

• Warehouse spaces – for when you feel like adding your own creative touch. London’s full of creative industrial spaces that work perfectly as small conference venues. Such raw spaces are excellent for creative decor and can be extremely photogenic. All this will surely increase your event’s social media coverage and will leave the attendees talking for weeks!

• Theatres – these are perfect if your conference agenda is based mostly on sitting comfortably and listening attentively. London theatres vary in style and capacity. Here at Tagvenue we know how to help you find the ones that make great small conference venues.

What else you should think of when searching for an ideal small conference venue in London:

• The conference venue’s location and transport links – are there enough parking spaces nearby? Remember to check the nearest bus and tube stops as well. If you’re going to need disabled access, double-check if the small conference venue of your choice suits your requirements. Last but not least, make sure the attendees have clear directions and know how to get to the venue.

• Any special features you may need during the conference – such as screens, projectors, whiteboards, flipcharts… one could go on forever. Small conference venue managers know their stuff and they’re usually happy to lend you a helping hand. If you’ve chosen a dry hire venue and you’re the one responsible for all the planning, remember to prepare a checklist before the conference. That way, you’re less likely to forget about something. This will make it much easier to button up everything, too.

• Show the environment some love – green events are a hot trend right now. Not sure where to start? Begin with small eco-friendly details, such as notepads made with recycled paper or fair-trade catering.

• Don’t underestimate the power of good catering – pick the food and drinks carefully. Sometimes including just one vegetarian option is not enough, so check whether some of the attendees have special dietary requirements you should meet. Some small conference venues offer in-house catering, while others work with recommended suppliers or leave it all up to you.

Maximising Space in Small Venues: Layouts That Work

In London, where every square foot counts, selecting a small conference space requires some creativity and planning to ensure your event is effective and engaging. Here’s how to make the most out of limited space with smart layout solutions!

• Understand Your Event’s Core Needs: Before deciding on a layout, clearly define the purpose of your conference. Whether it’s networking, education, or collaboration, the objective will guide your layout choice. For instance, a workshop may benefit from a cabaret setup to encourage group work, while a lecture might best suit a theatre-style arrangement.
• Theatre Style for Maximum Capacity: When the primary goal is to share information with as many attendees as possible, the theatre-style setup is your best bet. Chairs are arranged in rows facing the speaker, maximising seating capacity. To enhance interaction, consider aisles or staggered seating arrangements that allow more room for movement and better sightlines.
• U-Shape for Engagement: For smaller groups where interaction and presentation go hand in hand, a U-shape layout encourages open discussion while keeping the focus on the presenter. This setup is ideal for workshops or training sessions, offering a good balance between usability and closeness.
• Cabaret Style for Collaboration: Cabaret or round table setups are perfect for conferences focusing on group work or discussions. Placing attendees at round tables facing the front creates a conducive environment for note-taking and interaction, without sacrificing the presenter's visibility. This layout also allows for easy movement of catering and networking.
• Boardroom for Executive Meetings: Small conferences with a focus on decision-making or high-level discussions can benefit from a boardroom setup. A large central table with chairs around it fosters a sense of equality and facilitates open conversation. This layout works well for corporate event venues with limited space, ensuring everyone is in the loop and engaged.
• Breakout Zones for Networking: Utilise any available nook or cranny by creating breakout zones for networking or smaller group discussions. These can be as simple as a few chairs and a coffee table set apart from the main area. Breakout areas are doing magic when it comes to fostering connections without requiring additional room.
• Creative Use of Vertical Space: Don’t forget to look up! Using vertical space can dramatically transform a venue. High-quality projectors, screens, and decorations can draw the eye upwards, making the room feel larger. Consider banners, hanging lights, or vertical garden installations to add depth and interest.
• Flexibility is Key: Choose furniture that is easily movable or foldable, allowing for quick layout changes if the need arises. Versatility in your venue setup means you can adapt to different phases of your event, from presentations to interactive sessions, without major disruptions.
• Technology to Enhance Experience: Incorporate technology to make your space more efficient. Live streams on screens can ensure everyone has a good view, while apps for Q&A sessions can make every seat the best seat in the house. This approach allows you to extend the reach of your content beyond the physical limitations of your venue.

In London's compact spaces, a well-thought-out layout is crucial for the success of your small conference. By considering your event's objectives and employing creative layout strategies, you can create an impactful, engaging, and, most importantly, effective conference experience, no matter the size of your venue! Make sure to also check out Event Seating Arrangements: What’s The Best for Your Event? to make sure the seating at your conference is spot on.

FAQs about Small Conference Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a small conference venue in London?

If you’re looking to hire a small conference venue in London on an hourly basis, you can expect prices to range between £135 and £350. Daily hire starts at £500. If you’re looking for per person packages, expect prices to range between £55 and £135. Some venues also offer the option of a minimum spend, and expect these to start at around £510. Remember, pricing will vary depending on the day and time of your event, as well as the number of people attending. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of London are best to hire a small conference venue?

When searching for small conference venues in London, start your search in the City of London. The historical financial centre is home to many of the city’s most prestigious venues. If you're looking for a modern space, check out Canary Wharf. The area is also close to London City Airport, which might be convenient if you have guests arriving by plane. If you would prefer more historical venues, they can be found in Westminster. For more affordable options, browse Hounslow and Wandsworth, where the prices are lower, but you will still receive plenty of amenities and attractions.

What is included in the price of a small conference venue hire?

Each venue can have different facilities available, so it’s always best to talk to the venue manager about what’s available in the venue you’re interested in. However, most venues will have Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, a projector, a whiteboard, a flipchart, an A/V system, and conference call facilities. Some venues can have a kitchenette or a breakout space with sofas.

Can you recommend any small conference venues in London?

Here at Tagvenue, we list only the best small conference venues in London, but here are our top picks:

• Langham Court - located just a few minutes from Oxford Circus Station, this hotel offers various rooms for business events, so you are sure to find one matching your conference. With accommodation available, it’s perfect for an event lasting for a few days. 
• Sutherland Labs - a creative space conveniently located in the Covent Garden area. With high-quality tech available, this place will make any event run smoothly, whether it’s an in-person or hybrid one.
• Warren Centre - this contemporary space situated in Fitzrovia, just a few minutes away from Kings Cross, is perfect for small events. With a BYO policy, the venue can be used for a range of events.