A post by Kat Poznickova 

As businesses re-imagine their events and embrace more innovative formats, what they want from venues is changing too. Non-traditional spaces are increasingly the order of the day.

More and more we’re seeing the below must haves on venue finding briefs:

Nature, not neon– Natural daylight and changes of scenery are ideal ingredients for making your event more than just another conference or meeting. They inspire deeper connections and meaningful experiences.

Versatility – Flexible venues allow organisers to be more creative when it comes to format design and use of the latest technical innovations.

Local / Authentic– Venues that are important to the local culture and economy help your delegates learn more about the destination in which the event is being. 

Surprising–There’s no better way to prime audiences for a different type of experience than to take them to an unexpected venue. Old factories, empty retail spaces, carparks – the list is almost endless.

Here’s a small taster of some interesting venues you may want to consider: 

Design Museum 

A great contemporary, modern blank canvas space that lends itself to complete transformation. The ideal space for dinners for up to 200 guests and product launches.

Borough Market 

You may not think of the  London’s oldest and most renowned food market as an events venue, however, it offers variety of spaces to hire. The most impressive is Market Hall – a grand space with plenty of natural daylight which can accommodate up to 300 people.

Central Saint Martins 

Located in an exciting area of Kings Cross, Central Saint Martins offers 5000m2 of flexible space from lecture theatres for 400, through to a roof terrace with fabulous views across London to a space for 1000 standing. It has a great potential for holding conferences, awards ceremonies, exhibitions and networking events.

Steel Yard 

Steel Yard is two beautifully restored Victorian railway arches underneath Canon Bridge Station in the heart of the City.

This versatile event venue lends itself well to everything from dinners and receptions, conferences, awards ceremonies to exhibitions and product launches for around 400 guests. The notable selling points are its size, versatility and extensive lighting.

Illuminate 

A new exciting space on the 4^thand 5^thfloors of the Science Museum is opening in early 2019. It will be available for both daytime and evening hire, with capacities of up to 400 for dinners and conferences and 450 for receptions. Among the features of this new space is a panoramic window on Level 5 offering stunning views of the City and plenty of natural daylight.

No Man’s Fort 

If you’re looking for a venue for a leadership retreat, consider No Man’s Fort. It is one of three Solent forts dating back 150 years. It has 22 luxurious rooms and a large atrium with natural daylight for 200 people for dinner or a conference as well as smaller meeting rooms.

At Live Union we’ve an extensive database of venues. If you need any ideas drop us a line.