When it comes to organising meetings and events, the traditional conference room has long been the go-to option. And for good reason - they’re practical, purpose-built, and often located in key business hubs. But what if we told you that stepping outside the box and choosing a more unconventional venue could elevate your event to a whole new level?
The truth is, while standard meeting rooms are ideal for certain events, they’re not always the best solution for every occasion. Exploring unique and inspiring venues can make a world of difference to your delegates’ experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of thinking outside the typical meeting space and the benefits it brings to your event. Louise Norris reveals all on breaking the mould with event spaces….
When planning an event, you want attendees to leave with more than just a few notes and a name badge. You want to create an experience that sticks with them long after the event ends. Unique venues play a pivotal role in creating these lasting memories. Whether it’s a historical landmark, an art gallery, or a botanical garden, the venue itself becomes part of the story your delegates take away.
These unconventional spaces spark curiosity and creativity, offering something attendees might not expect. By hosting your next meeting in a unique setting, you can surprise and delight your audience, ensuring they remember the event for all the right reasons. It’s not just about content; it’s about crafting an entire experience that resonates.
Environment has a powerful effect on people’s moods, energy, and productivity. Stepping out of a corporate boardroom and into an inspiring space like a warehouse turned studio, a boutique hotel, or even a countryside retreat can open the door to new ways of thinking. Unconventional venues often offer the kind of atmosphere that encourages brainstorming and fresh ideas.
Imagine hosting a team-building day in a vineyard, or a business strategy meeting in an old theatre. By removing the rigidity of traditional meeting rooms, you create a space that is less about formality and more about creativity.
Unique venues inspire fresh perspectives and allow participants to engage with one another in ways they wouldn’t in a more traditional setting.
Corporate meetings often come with a certain level of pressure and formality, which can sometimes inhibit open dialogue and participation. However, hosting meetings in non-conventional spaces often leads to a more relaxed atmosphere where delegates can unwind and be themselves.
Venues that offer calming surroundings - like lakeside lodges or converted barns - help attendees feel more at ease, allowing for more open conversations and collaboration.
This relaxed environment encourages networking and relationship building, two key elements for the success of any event. When people feel comfortable and free to interact, they’re more likely to engage fully and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
One of the best things about thinking outside of the typical conference room is the flexibility unique venues can offer. These spaces are often more versatile and customisable than a standard meeting room. Whether you’re looking to create an intimate gathering, a large-scale corporate retreat, or something in between, unique venues tend to offer more creative control over how the space is used.
From adjusting lighting to setting up breakout spaces in quirky areas like an outdoor terrace or a private library, unique venues offer plenty of opportunities to tailor the setting to fit your event’s specific needs.
This flexibility can be invaluable when trying to create an environment that reflects your brand’s identity or the tone of the event.
Sustainability is a growing priority for companies when organising events. Choosing unconventional venues can provide an opportunity to align with more sustainable practices.
Many alternative venues, such as eco-friendly farms, sustainable lodges, or repurposed industrial spaces, prioritise sustainability, from green energy usage to waste reduction.
By selecting a venue that has built-in sustainable practices, your event can minimise its environmental footprint while also sending a positive message to attendees about your company’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. It’s a win-win situation for both your brand and the environment.
An award winning immersive event venue in the heart of London. They can offer a range of private venue hire options that will give you an inspirational backdrop for every type of event. It could be anything from hiring the entire venue to their dedicated event space, Blank Canvas.
The Compound is the foremost creative space in Birmingham. Originally a 10,000 sq. ft. former textile factory, The Compound has now been converted into an incredible creative space. The attention to detail as well as the high standard of decor means that it attracts some of the leading players in the film, music and media industries.
Some of the features of this incredibly versatile space include bridges, balconies and mezzanine floors. It also contains a 25 seat cinema, a speakeasy bar, an art studio.
A premier event venue provider, offering 10 versatile event spaces in prime London locations, including Southbank, Hyde Park Corner, and Shoreditch. Ranging from 700 to 5,900 sqft, their venues accommodate events of all sizes and budgets, making Lumiere London the ideal choice for corporate functions, private celebrations, and cultural gatherings.
From the breath taking, versatile spaces at their flagship Cotswolds venue, to their award-winning cookery school, to catering for parties, their team can create bespoke decor and menus specific to your event.
Product launches, strategy days, team-building activities, incentive trips, and celebrations. However, their services are completely bespoke, allowing them to go beyond these options to accommodate your unique vision and requirements. Whether you’re looking for an innovative venue, personalised catering with a celebrity chef, or engaging activities, their dedicated team is here to help you craft the perfect event that leaves a lasting impression.
A flexible space for hire on the Canary Wharf riverfront made of glass and light, The Pelligon asks guests to see beyond the ordinary. With sky-high ceilings, seamless interiors and soaring windows, this is a space that stands out by celebrating culture in all its forms.
Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, is a landmark new cultural space for Manchester and the world.
Built with flexibility in mind, the design of the building is led by Ellen van Loon of the world-leading practice Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). The multi-use space can adapt to host any kind of set-up — from intimate theatre shows and intricate exhibitions, to huge multimedia performances and warehouse-scale gigs fit for the greatest artists of our time. Its development is led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England.
TESTBED is evolving through iterations (1.1 to 1.9). Much like software it works from the start. But over time, upgrades and adjustments enhance the experience and expand functionality. Their goal is to create a space that Leeds truly needs - a space shaped by the people who use it. Currently, at phase 1.3, they’re continually building, testing, learning, and improving from here.
An award-winning country house hotel and private members’ club set in a Grade-II listed landmark house on a 85-acre Oxfordshire estate. Surrounded by over 3,000 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. Their private event spaces range in size from 16 square metres to 317 square metres and can accommodate between 10 and 70 people.
Of course, we understand that sometimes a traditional conference room is the perfect solution. It’s important to recognise that not every meeting or event requires an out-of-the-box venue, and there are instances where simplicity and practicality must come first. However, knowing when to deviate from the norm and explore unique alternatives can add significant value.
The key is balance. Consider the nature of your event, the message you want to convey, and the atmosphere you want to create. By blending unique venues with more traditional options, you open up a world of possibilities to enhance your delegates’ experience.
If you’re looking for support in sourcing a venue for your next event, get in touch with the team today, and let our venue finding experts take away the stress.
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