Unusual Conference Venues for Hire in London

Event planners nowadays are becoming more and more adventurous with their venue hunting, even for more serious types of events like conferences. Hiring a more unique venue can help to create a lasting impression, which is necessary for continuous attendance growth and conference longevity. In London, creative event spaces come in all shapes and sizes, from large sports venues and casinos to exclusive private members’ clubs and cutting-edge galleries. Fun activity-based events, like murder mystery dinners and scavenger hunts, are also a hit, helping to create memorable experiences for attendees.

Unique Venue Types for Conferences

From corner to corner, there’s such an impressive variety of alternative spaces and here are just a few of the places you can find:

• Livery Halls - Across the city of London, there are over 100 magnificent livery halls that represent many different guilds and workers associations. Some of the halls are available for conference hire. Combining centuries of tradition with a modern-age approach to event hosting, these halls will offer an intriguing backdrop to your next conference that is sure to capture everyone’s attention and create a positive atmosphere.
• Libraries - If your party is small enough, hiring a library is a fantastic type of unique corporate venue that will add a touch of class to your conference event. Often incredibly well-maintained and adapted to include their own small dining rooms or lounges, a library space will provide a private, luxurious, and regal atmosphere to your event that would often go unrecognised in a standard meeting room.
• Historic buildings - London is inundated with a seemingly endless range of grand halls, many of which have spectacular great halls and open spaces that are ready-made for conference hosting. If you’re looking at hosting a large crowd and want to do so in impressive surroundings, look no further.
• Sporting Stadiums - London as a capital takes sport very seriously, with some of the world’s largest sporting arenas being found in-situ. Not only are these spectacular sporting venues, they’re also great for large conferences of all types. Many stadium suites will offer awesome panoramic views of the pitch and facilities.
• Art Galleries - A haven for art lovers of all genres, there’s no shortage of awesome art galleries, studios, and pop-up spaces all around the city. Many of these spaces work particularly well for conferences and meetings, especially if you’re targeting an arty crowd. For small and more relaxed gatherings try out a cool urban gallery or pop-up space, while for large and more corporate crowds, the variety of fine dining rooms, large gallery halls, and studios will go down a treat.
• Warehouses - Warehouses provide a cool blank canvas place for anyone looking to host a creative conference or outside-the-box corporate gathering. East London, in particular, is filled with great warehouse event venues that are spacious, adaptable, and full of urban and industrial character that will add an especially unique atmosphere to your event.
• Pubs - In a nation renowned for its pub culture, you’ll certainly have no trouble scoping out different pubs in London. While you may not expect these to be appropriate conference venues, many pubs in the city now have their own private function spaces that can be easily organised to suit different meetings. Whatever the topic, pubs offer familiar surroundings and will help make your attendees feel more at ease, creating a relaxed and positive ambience around the event.
• Museums - A city with some of the world’s most often visited museums, all with stunning artefacts and attractions, there’s an equally impressive range of event rooms on offer in these versatile places. From private suites and studios to huge halls and galleries, there’s an enviable amount of choice available, for a variety of different target audiences.
• Boats - Along the river Thames you’ll find a variety of different boats available for hire, some of which are ideally suited to a cool and unique conference. Providing comfortable seating and all the necessary AV equipment, there’ll be no logistical worries at all and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the interesting surroundings of your conference venue on the water.
• Outdoor Venues - Notwithstanding the great British weather, it’s becoming more and more common to search for outdoor venues. These are popular due to their ability to completely shake-up the normal conference routine and add a touch of fun, adventure, and freshness to what can otherwise be a dreary event. Venue-wise, you can find terraces by the Thames riverside, studios and function rooms in leafy parks, or private courtyards and open spaces in affluent districts.

Best locations to look for unique conference venues in London include:

• City of London - The traditional financial and business district of London may have more of a professional feel to it but scratch under the surface and you’ll discover some of the best unusual corporate venues London has to offer. Choose between modern theatre rooms, classy livery halls, intimate libraries, or huge halls and auditoriums and hold a conference to remember in the very heart of the capital.
• Covent Garden - Take to the streets of Covent Garden laden with beautiful old buildings, thriving markets, and expressive street entertainers and you’ll also find some fantastic places for a quirky conference, including private dining rooms, roomy pubs, and museum galleries.
• Shoreditch - One of London’s trendiest locations, while it may not be the first area that comes to mind for corporate events, you can be sure to find a range of cool conference spaces that are ready to hold your event in style. This mainly consists of old warehouses, art galleries, and studios.
• Chelsea - The affluent and picturesque district of Chelsea offers a stunning range of inspirational conference venues, including museum spaces, boats for hire, football stadiums, and outdoor spaces that combine luxury and uniqueness perfectly.
• Soho - Found in the heart of London’s west-end, Soho is an area of constant activity, art, and performance, which makes it an ideal spot for more outside-of-the-box conference areas. Choose from a range of large theatre rooms, stylish bars and lounges, or multi-functional pubs and bars.

Planning a Conference with a Difference

Hosting a conference in London offers a myriad of possibilities to stand out and deliver an experience that resonates with attendees long after the event concludes. Moving away from conventional settings invigorates your audience and amplifies engagement, making your event memorable. This guide takes you through some of the most distinctive venues across London and offers practical advice on organising an extraordinary conference.

London's Best Unique Conference Spaces

1. Lower Deck at Dreadnought Building

It is a versatile and contemporary space ideal for hosting dynamic conferences. With a blend of modern design and historical significance, this venue offers a unique atmosphere that encourages creativity and collaboration. 

2. The London Zoo's Prince Albert Suite

Consider the Prince Albert Suite at ZSL London Zoo for a wild twist. Overlooking exotic animals and the London skyline, this venue brings a unique vibe to any conference, blending indoor elegance with an outdoor terrace for breaks amidst nature.

3. Camley Street Natural Park

Immerse your attendees in a botanical wonderland. It is an unparalleled location that combines lush greenery with state-of-the-art facilities, ideal for environmentally focused or creative industries.

4. The Vault at The Escapologist

Located in Covent Garden, this venue is a hidden gem for those looking to infuse their conference with intrigue and adventure. Inspired by the rich history of Victorian escapology, it offers a distinctive underground setting that transports attendees to another era. The vault has quirky decor, a private setting, and a cocktail bar that serves as the perfect spot for networking sessions or post-conference gatherings.

Planning a Conference with a Difference: Key Steps

• Define Your Vision

Start with a clear, compelling vision of what you want to achieve. Your vision will drive decisions such as choosing the venue, selecting speakers, and fostering networking, whether to inspire innovation, foster networking, or highlight breakthrough research.

• Select the Right Venue

Your venue should echo the conference's theme and objectives. Look for spaces that offer more than just a meeting area. Seek out those that contribute to the theme or atmosphere you wish to create. Consider access, capacity, and technical facilities alongside the venue's visual appeal.

• Engage and Involve Attendees

Plan interactive sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that encourage participation. Consider using technology, such as event apps or social media, to create buzz and foster community before, during, and after the conference.

• Curate Content Carefully

Ensure your conference content, including speakers, panels, and workshops, aligns with your theme and adds value for your audience. Look for fresh perspectives and engaging presentation styles to keep your audience captivated.

• Market Creatively

Use your unique venue and conference theme as key selling points in your marketing materials.  Emphasise what sets your event apart and why it's a must-attend. Tailor your messaging across various channels to reach your target audience effectively.

• Provide Memorable Experiences

Beyond the conference agenda, think about the overall attendee experience. From unique catering options inspired by the venue's character to surprise elements or entertainment, these details can make your conference exceptional.

London's cool conference venues offer a treasure trove of opportunities to host an event that stands out. By carefully planning and leveraging these unique spaces, you can create an engaging, memorable experience that meets and exceeds your attendees' expectations. If you need extra help to plan a successful conference, take a look at our Conference Planning Checklist.

Branding and Customisation Tips at Unique Conference Venues

London offers a variety of unique and unconventional venues for gatherings and symposiums. You can maximise the impact of your event with these distinct, unusual locations, ensuring your message is communicated effectively without detracting from the venue's charm.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Funky Conference Venue in London

Selecting an unconventional venue in London entails more than just opting for the most avant-garde or historic location. Here are critical factors to keep in mind:

1. Location: Ensure the venue is easily reachable via London's extensive public transport network. Consider proximity to Tube stations, bus lines, and airports for international attendees.
2. Capacity and Layout: Analyse the space to ensure it can comfortably accommodate your guest list and has flexible layouts for different segments of your event, from keynote speeches to breakout sessions.
3. Technical Capabilities: Verify the venue's ability to support your technical needs, whether with advanced A/V equipment for a product launch or robust Wi-Fi for a tech summit.
4. Catering and Amenities: Unique venues often have unique catering options or restrictions. Check their offerings or flexibility to bring in external caterers that align with your event theme or dietary requirements.
5. Brand Alignment: The venue should resonate with your brand's image and the event’s message. An eco-conscious company might lean towards venues like Kew Gardens, while a fintech startup could favour the futuristic environment of the Walkways at Tower Bridge.
6. Permission and Restrictions: Some of London's most unique venues are historic landmarks with strict usage guidelines. Clarify what is and isn't allowed early in your planning process.

Making Your London Conference Unforgettable

Integrating your branding into an extraordinary venue demands a strategy that highlights your brand while respecting the venue's character. Consider these approaches:

• Strategic Signage and Decor: Choose signs and decor that enhance rather than obscure the venue's charm. 
• Immersive Branding Opportunities: Create immersive experiences that naturally integrate your branding, such as a custom app enhanced with your corporate identity guiding attendees through your hired venue.
• Engage Through Storytelling: Use the venue's unique aspects to tell your brand's story. For instance, hosting an event in a venue like the London Dungeon offers an opportunity to craft a narrative about overcoming challenges or exploring the unknown.
• Collaboration for Customisation: Work closely with the venue to explore bespoke branding opportunities. Their insights can lead to innovative ways to feature your brand, from custom lighting schemes to exclusive access to certain parts of the venue for VIP guests.

Opting for a unique conference venue in London not only captivates your attendees but also significantly elevates the overall experience of your event. By thoughtfully integrating your branding into these unique spaces, you can effectively communicate your message while preserving the integrity and appeal of the venue.  Check out our pro tips and tricks on how to choose a conference venue!