Tech Event Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Tech Event Venues in London

London is a global leader in technology and plays host to many big-name tech events, such as London Tech Week, Smart IoT London and the Esports Championship Series Finals. Planning to put on a tech event of your own? With Tagvenue, you can browse the top tech event venues online and compare quotes from your favourite options.

Most popular uses for tech event venues:

• IT conferences. Coding conferences, educational conferences, B2B events, etc.

• Tech conventions and summits.

• IT training sessions and workshops.

• IT roadshows and expos.

• Hackathons. Also known as hack days, hackfests or codefests.

• Competitive video game tournaments. eSports and pro gaming events.

• Startup events.

• Launch parties.

• Fan conventions. Such as gaming conventions, science fiction conventions or comic cons.

Finding the perfect tech event venue in London is a cornerstone of planning successful conferences, workshops, or product launches. The city's vibrant tech scene is complemented by several venues equipped to handle the specific needs of tech-oriented gatherings. From modern conference centres to cosy workshop spaces, London has many options for event organisers. This guide aims to streamline your venue selection process, ensuring your tech event not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Navigating Tech Event Spaces in London

• Conference Centers: London has numerous conference centres designed for tech events. These venues offer large auditoriums, breakout rooms, and cutting-edge A/V technology, ideal for sizable gatherings such as industry conferences or product launches.
• Co-working Spaces: For more intimate workshops or roundtable discussions, consider hiring a room in a co-working space like Kennington Space Hire. These venues offer a modern aesthetic, flexible room setups, and typically excellent digital connectivity.
• Unique Spaces: To make your event stand out, explore unique venues like the Science Museum or CodeNode, the UK's largest venue dedicated to technology events. These spaces not only provide all the necessary tech amenities but also add a memorable backdrop to your event.
• Hotel Meeting Rooms: Many of London's hotels, such as DoubleTree by Hilton London Ealing or The Langham Court Hotel, offer meeting rooms with state-of-the-art A/V systems, making them a good choice for tech meetups, seminars, or small conferences.

5 Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Venue for Tech Events

1. What A/V equipment is available, and is there technical support on-site? Ensure the venue has up-to-date audiovisual equipment and technical staff to support your event.
2. What is the venue's internet capacity? For tech events, robust and reliable Wi-Fi is a must to support live streaming, presentations, and attendee connectivity.
3. Can the space be configured to suit various types of tech events? Flexibility in layout is crucial for accommodating keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking areas.
4. What are the catering options? Find out if the venue offers in-house catering or if you can bring in external vendors to meet specific dietary requirements.
5. What is the venue's policy on external vendors? If you need to bring in specialised tech equipment or event decorators, ensure the venue can accommodate this.

Tips for Attracting Sponsors to Your Tech Event in London

• Demonstrate Value: Craft a compelling sponsorship proposal highlighting the unique value your event offers sponsors, such as access to niche markets or data-driven insights into attendee behaviour.
• Leverage Location: Emphasise London's status as a tech hub and the specific venue's appeal to attract sponsors looking for visibility in this vibrant market.
• Offer Custom Sponsorship Packages: Create flexible sponsorship packages tailored to different budgets and goals, from keynote sponsorships to branded networking areas.
• Showcase Previous Successes: Provide case studies or testimonials from past events to demonstrate your ability to deliver value to sponsors.
• Promote Engagement Opportunities: Highlight interactive opportunities for sponsors to engage with attendees, such as tech demos, workshops, or sponsored talks, to increase their visibility and impact.

Selecting the right venue for your tech event in London involves careful consideration of your event's technical requirements, audience size, and desired ambience. By asking the right questions and strategically seeking sponsorships, you can ensure a successful and impactful event that resonates with both attendees and industry partners alike. 

Tips for Facilitating Networking at Your Tech Event

Networking is a cornerstone of tech events, providing invaluable opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. Here's how to facilitate effective networking:

1. Pre-Event Networking Platforms: Utilise apps or social media groups to allow attendees to connect, discuss topics, and set up meetings before the event even starts.
2. Structured Networking Sessions: Incorporate speed networking sessions or roundtable discussions to encourage interaction among attendees with similar interests.
3. Interactive Workshops and Breakout Sessions: These smaller group settings allow for more in-depth conversations and connections, making it easier for attendees to network more personally.
4. Networking Zones: Designate specific areas within your venue for networking, equipped with comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere to encourage informal discussions and connections.
5. Follow-Up Opportunities: Post-event, provide platforms or channels for attendees to share their experiences, continue discussions, and foster the connections they made during the event.

Choosing the right venue in London for your tech event and facilitating effective networking can significantly impact the success of your gathering. By focusing on your attendees' needs and your event's goals, you can create a dynamic and engaging environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and growth within the tech community.

How to Budget for Your Tech Event in London

Budgeting effectively for your tech event in London is crucial for its success. Here's how to approach it:

1. Venue Costs: Allocate a significant portion of your budget to the venue hire, considering that locations in tech-centric neighbourhoods might come at a premium. Use platforms like Tagvenue to compare venue prices and find the best deals.
2. Technology & Equipment: Depending on the venue's inclusions, you may need to budget for additional AV equipment, live streaming services, or specific software licences.
3. Catering: Many tech venues offer in-house catering. If not, budget for external catering services, considering dietary preferences and the length of your event.
4. Promotion: Factor in the costs for marketing your event, including digital advertising, promotional materials, and social media campaigns.
5. Contingency Fund: Always set aside around 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses.

By prioritising your venue selection and meticulously planning your budget with these guidelines, you're well on your way to hosting a successful tech event in London.

FAQs about Tech Event Venues in London

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

The average price to hire a tech event venue in London is between £2,000-£5,000 per session. This can vary depending on the location and size of the venue. If you're looking for something smaller and more intimate, you can expect to pay about £750-£1,200 per session. If you're looking for something larger, such as a space that can hold up to 1000 people, expect to pay around £7,000-£10,000+ per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Where can I find the best tech venues in London?

If you're looking for a venue that reflects the spirit of innovation and creativity that is inherent in your company, go for the spaces in the heart of the city, near the major transport hubs. The best tech venues are located in Central London, which is known as the Silicon Roundabout. It is conveniently located near Victoria Station and Pimlico Tube Station, which also gives you easy access to public transportation. You can also find some of the best tech venues in London in Shoreditch and Canary Wharf. These areas are popular among tech companies, startups and entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, you can find tech venues in East London that are close to Hoxton Square. The best thing about this location is that it's easily accessible from Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

What are some of the best venues for holding tech events in London?

• Weston Roof Pavilion at Southbank Centre. This is one of our favourites. It's got a beautiful view and plenty of room to spread out. Plus, it's located right on the Thames, so guests can enjoy the view of Big Ben, Parliament and other iconic buildings. The venue is also located near Waterloo Station in a popular area that's close to many restaurants and bars, so it makes for a great place to hold an after-party.
• Landing Forty Two. If you're looking for a place to hold a large tech event in London, it's probably time to stop looking and just book this venue. With plenty of flexible space, this is the perfect venue for tech conferences, conventions, launch parties and startup events. They have customisable lighting and sound installation that can transform the space into something truly magical.
• The View. This venue is a new, stunning, multi-purpose event space in the heart of Holborn. It is part of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, which acts as the professional home of surgery in England and internationally, ever since 1800. Wood tiled interior walls and bespoke modern lamps lend a contemporary and luxurious character to this venue, which sets it apart from the rest. If you are looking for a pompous and impressive venue for your tech event, this is a perfect choice.

What are the best neighbourhoods for tech events in London?

Shoreditch stands out for its innovative spaces and creative vibe. Canary Wharf is another top choice, offering sleek, modern venues for larger conferences and gatherings. South Bank and the City of London are fit for various tech events, providing spaces that range from traditional conference halls to advanced seminar rooms. Lastly, Kings Cross has emerged as a tech hub with the redevelopment of the area, offering modern facilities within striking architectural landmarks.