Best Conference / Event Venue (over 1200 theatre style)
Business Design Centre
Based in the heart of Angel Islington, a stone’s throw from both the City of London and Kings Cross, the B Corp Certified Business Design Centre (BDC) hosts more than 100 conferences and exhibitions a year. The venue begins 2025, moving into a fifteen year as a carbon neutral certified business and five years away from the target of becoming net zero in 2030. Staff pride themselves on providing a personal and world-class level of customer service, tailoring their efforts to the needs of clients and embedding themselves as part of an organisers team. Regular feedback, credits the team and the wider business as the reason that they enjoy their time working at the venue and the reason that so many return year after year. 72% of events returned to the venue year on year in 2024, some now dating as far back as 1987.
DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
Perfectly positioned on the Brighton seafront, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole plays a key role in the community. Built in 1890, the Hotel went through a £26 million refurbishment and rebrand in 2023 that now celebrates the beauty of history with the style of modern furnishings. The iconic red-brick façade is infamous to the history of our surroundings and with 321 Guest rooms plays a pivotal role in the regions Hotel industry.
Offering a range of on-site amenities, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool alongside Spa facilities, hairdresser, on-site restaurant, The Metropole Bar and Terrace, which offers outstanding food and beverage to guests and the Brighton community as well as afternoon tea, bottomless brunch, all-day dining and creative cocktails, and the grand breakfast hall, the 1890 At The Met Restaurant, offers stunning sea views and extensive breakfast choices and is also available for private hire.
From a conferencing and events perspective, the Hotel has 24 meeting spaces, that have a total of 6,000 square metres of space and can hold up to 3,000 Guests. It is the largest residential conferencing and events venue in the South East.
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre stands out as a premier destination for global businesses, providing an exceptional platform for networking, collaboration, and industry advancement.
At Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, we take pride in being a world-class, purpose-built venue with industry-leading facilities that offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience for global exhibitions, conferences, and corporate events.
Nestled in a picturesque Victorian spa town, Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) has cemented its reputation as a premier venue in the North. Boasting 12 versatile event halls with 13,700sqm of customisable space, HCC offers a state-of-the-art 2,000-seat auditorium, a historic Grade II listed Edwardian theatre, and modern bespoke spaces for various events. The centre’s core proposition lies in its unique blend of business and leisure, coupled with Yorkshire hospitality and decades of event expertise, ensuring a memorable experience for organisers and delegates.
In 2024/25, HCC anticipates its best commercial performance since 2014, hosting over 100 events and welcoming approximately 270,000 delegates, contributing an estimated £45 million to the local economy. This success is attributed to a new sales strategy and a restructured technical team that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. Furthermore, the in-house catering team, Matcham’s, has elevated client satisfaction with its focus on local produce and impeccable service.
Harrogate Convention Centre
HCC stands out with its idyllic destination, strategic location, versatile facilities, and exceptional customer service, which have earned the venue widespread acclaim and bolstered its competitive edge. With its unwavering dedication to excellence, HCC continues to be a top choice for event organisers, setting new standards in the events industry.”
Hilton London Metropole
When you think about Hilton London Metropole, think BIG. Our hotel is iconic. Totalling 5,357 square metres of events space, with 1,100 bedrooms, 35+ meeting rooms, and three HUGE ballrooms with a capacity to host up to 1,350 guests, there really aren’t any other hotels in London that come close to this offering.
We attract clients worldwide due to our unique and flexible capabilities and tailored approach. From Pharma and Tech clients to Associations. Designed for flexibility, we accommodate a range of event configurations, from traditional theatre and banquet setups to unique, tailored layouts. We have advanced AV solutions, partnered with Encore and a team that has a proactive work ethic.
Sustainability is at our core, with initiatives like agave straws without microplastics, recycled coffee cups, and Brita water bottling systems to reduce glass waste. Fancy a drink? Our signature Bow 75 event cocktail is 99% sustainable.
With a multi-million pound refurbishment, Hilton London Metropole blends our London story with innovative event solutions, hosting 444 events in 2024 alone. Whether hosting a large-scale conference, corporate gala, or intimate meeting, our extensive facilities, prime location, and sustainable approach make it the ultimate choice for any event.”
ICC Belfast
ICC Belfast is Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built international convention centre, providing a world-class stage where people make great things happen. As a hybrid-by-design venue, ICC Belfast delivers exceptional business events that drive economic impact, with a target of generating an additional £209M in direct economic benefit for the region by 2030.
ICC Belfast continues to position itself as a premier destination for international association conferences and corporate events. In a highly competitive market, Belfast consistently outperforms expectations, attracting global conferences and reinforcing its status as a thriving hub for business events.
In order to future-proof the business and ensure it delivers socially, culturally and economically for its people, visitors and Northern Ireland, ESG is at the heart of every decision made. In the last 12 months, together with its catering partner, ICC Belfast has achieved ISO 20121, an internationally recognised standard for the events industry which aims to improve the sustainability of event-related activities, products and services. ICC Belfast is proud to be the only venue in Northern Ireland to have achieved the accreditation and is one of only a small number of accredited venues across the island of Ireland. ”
Manchester Central
Manchester Central is one of the UK’s largest and most versatile convention centres, hosting 150 events and welcoming nearly 437,000 delegates in 2024.
With 23,000m² of flexible space and a 10,000 capacity, it offers 28 adaptable areas, enabling organisers to tailor events to specific needs, from immersive exhibitions to large-scale conferences.
Nearly 50% of events hosted in 2024 have rebooked for 2025, with several high-profile conventions committing for multiple years.
The venue’s strategic location in the heart of Manchester, with easy access to transport and over 2,500 hotel rooms within a 5-minute walk, drives its competitive advantage. Investment in facilities, such as the introduction of “Junction,” a restaurant, bar and social workspace, has enhanced the delegate experience.
Manchester Central is forecast to welcome 13% more delegates in 2025, generating £130 million in local economic impact.
The venue’s team of 142 professionals provides outstanding service, and its ‘destination-first’ commitment to sustainability, local employment, and community engagement further sets it apart.
Manchester Central remains a key driver of regional growth and a leading convention centre in the UK, continuing to strengthen the city’s position as a top destination for global events.
Novotel London West
Novotel London West is one of the most flexible and versatile event venues in London, expertly equipped to host events on every scale. With nearly 5,000 sqm of adaptable event space spread over 40 rooms, and a capacity of up to 4,000 delegates, it offers a ‘one-stop shop’ experience for conferences, exhibitions, and awards dinners.
Key features include the expansive, modular Champagne Suite (1,726 sqm) with a 6-metre ceiling and built-in LED lighting, the dedicated Chablis Suite exhibition hall (1,360 sqm) with street access, and 32 versatile breakout rooms, 65% with natural daylight. The venue provides comprehensive services: bespoke catering, advanced AV, 630 on-site bedrooms, and excellent transport links, including secure parking, coach bays, and nearby Hammersmith station.
Client testimonials and industry recognition highlight Novotel London West’s commitment to exceptional service, flexibility, and successful event partnerships. The experienced team and ‘blank canvas’ approach empower organisers to create memorable, personalised events. Recent refurbishments, technological upgrades like 3D modelling and Passkey, and a focus on sustainability further position it as a premier choice for event organisers seeking a dynamic and reliable venue.
