Corporate Event Venue Finder in the UK
There are many factors to consider when choosing the destination for your event; which city or indeed which country! The destination choice is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the success and overall experience of the event.
As an expert venue finder in the UK, DeSouza Associates takes the stress out of organising your corporate event, helping to source the right venue for you.
Here we discuss the various UK destinations that you can choose for your event.
Here Are Some Reasons Why The Chosen Destination Is Important
Objective
This should be at the forefront of every decision you make as an event planner, but especially when it comes to choosing which European destination will host your event. It’s important that your attendees feel comfortable and not awkward about the destination.
Accessibility/Logistics
The destination’s accessibility is crucial for ensuring that participants can easily reach the event venue. Proximity to transportation hubs, such as airports, train stations, or major roads, can contribute to an event’s success.
Check to see if any other similar industry events are taking place at your chosen destination at the same time as your event as this may affect your audience numbers.
Appeal
The visual appeal of the venue and its surroundings can significantly enhance the overall experience for attendees. Whether hosting a conference, dinner, or team-building event, a visually pleasing environment can significantly contribute to fostering a positive atmosphere.
Accommodation
Does the destination provide a wide range of accommodation options for your delegates, if needed? Are the venues conveniently located near your chosen venue and suitable for various budgets?
Budget – be realistic!
Some European destinations are more expensive due to their prestige or amenities, so an event organiser must balance the benefits against any budget constraints.
Target Audience:
Consider the demographics and preferences of the target audience. If the event is targeting a specific group the European destination should align with their interests and expectations.
Site inspection:
A site inspection is strongly recommended so you can put yourself in the place of your delegates. It will help you understand the ease of getting around the destination and access to the venue.
Alternatively many venues offer virtual showrounds which can give you a good idea of the venue.
Popular UK Destinations
London
Our most popular UK destination
London is one of the best-connected cities worldwide with a choice of six international airports offering direct flights to 400 destinations. London has more than 1,000 diverse venues and more than 160,000 hotel rooms to suit all budgets.
Brighton
Brighton is a compact city sitting between eight miles of beach on one side and the scenic Sussex countryside on the other.
It’s also very easy to get to being within a one-hour train journey of London and a 30 minute train journey from London Gatwick Airport.
Bristol
Bristol has a long-standing maritime and industrial history and is home to some of Brunel’s greatest works. It is constantly evolving, ideal for event organisers looking for somewhere unique and interesting. The city is also well-linked with its own airport and train station which has links from all corners of the UK
Birmingham
Birmingham’s central location in the UK and its connectivity by air, road, rail, and bus makes it a desirable and easily accessible MICE destination. Birmingham is the UK’s second city and has become one of the biggest cities for business events outside London. The city is constantly evolving so you will always find a variety of event venues to hold your event – whatever your budget and size!
Manchester
Manchester offers easy access for both national and international delegates and offers a great range of venues that can accommodate events from the smallest to the largest events.
Liverpool
Liverpool is an iconic events destination, a walkable, compact city, rich in heritage, culture, music and sport.
The city has a wealth of experience in hosting large-scale events from cultural, to sports, to conferences and exhibitions
Edinburgh
Steeped in history, the capital city of Scotland is a compact, accessible city centre with a great transport system and connections to global hubs through Edinburgh Airport. It also offers event planners a choice of traditional, dynamic and unique venues – so something for everyone
Glasgow
Getting to Glasgow is easy, as the city is served by three international airports, and is well connected by train from across the UK. The city is also very easy to get around, most delegates will be able to walk from their hotel to the convention centre or any social events. There are over 10,000 rooms available within walking distance of city centre conference venues. Glasgow has the largest academic community outside London, with world leading research in life sciences, engineering, science and technology, meaning that the City is an ideal destination to host meetings in these fields.
Cardiff
Ranked 7th in the UK for business events, Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is an ideal UK destination for a corporate event thanks in part to the quick rail links between the city and other major UK cities. It is also known as the 15-minute city where you are never more than a 15 minute walk from key venues, stadia and hotels.
Leeds
Leeds is a modern city with a rich industrial past, centrally located in the heart of the UK. Ideal for both national and international delegates, as is only a two-hour train journey from London or one hour by air. Leeds Bradford Airport also offers excellent transport links with national and international flights to over 70 international destinations and eight UK destinations.
Newcastle
Newcastle is the vibrant capital of Northeast England, and a booming hub of business and culture. The International airport is only a 25-minute metro ride into the City Centre and offers daily direct flights from Dubai, Amsterdam, London and Paris, amongst 80 destinations worldwide.
Belfast
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has a unique history and a culture rich with a variety of traditions. Belfast has two airports; Belfast City airport is just 10 minutes from the city centre and Belfast International airport 30 minutes away. The city also offers excellent value for money for organisers and delegates alike and all six key areas are easily reached on foot.
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Our View
How much does destination matter?
More than you might realise!
When it comes to conference delegates, destination is the no 2 factor in the decision to attend; above networking opportunities, professional expectations, even cost!
So let us help you book your next event and don’t forget our venue finding service is free
About the Author – Catherine Harding
With a lifelong love for hotels and hospitality sparked by travel across the UK and Europe, Catherine pursued a career in the industry from the outset. After gaining hands-on experience at high-profile venues and events, she honed her skills in venue finding for major corporate clients.
Now a valued member of DeSouza Associates, she combines deep industry knowledge with a personal, client-focused approach to deliver tailored event solutions.
Contact
Get in touch to discuss your next event
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DeSouza Associates Ltd,
70a Castle Street,
Farnham,
Surrey, GU9 7LP
United Kingdom
