In-person events, meetings and conferences are important staples in the business calendar for several reasons.
These events provide organisations the opportunity to build bridges and make connections with existing and prospective clients, employees and other key stakeholders. Often, they are occasions that participants look forward to, not least because it provides them the chance to meet old and new faces and enjoy a change in environment away from their office or home desk.
While the prominence of teleconferencing solutions such as Teams and Zoom have grown apace, many have come to realise that there is no substitute for getting things done in person.
The statistics back this up. According to The Events Industry Alliance (EIA), the business events industry helped to boost the UK economy by £10.9 billion in 2023. The 6.9 million attendees of such business events generated substantial spending on hospitality, travel and hotels, supporting 114,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
It all starts by selecting the right venue. Get this right, and the foundation is set to host an event that attendees will extract maximum value from.
When selecting a venue, there are many considerations and questions that planners should consider. Here, we round up some of the most important aspects…
Location
Choosing the right venue involves addressing key questions: Is it easy to access? How far will attendees need to travel? Is onsite parking available for all guests? Practicality is key, as a poorly located venue can deter participants from attending altogether.
Located in the heart of London’s entrepreneurial and creative districts, our venue is situated just a five-minute walk from Old Street roundabout, close to Clerkenwell, and easily accessible via major transport hubs and business amenities. With seamless connections to several TfL stations and iconic landmarks, it’s a convenient choice for businesses and solo workers alike.
The area surrounding Old Street is also brimming with cafés, restaurants, and bars, perfect for business breakfasts, leisurely lunches, informal meetings, or after-work socialising opportunities. Plus, the vast number of cosy coffee shops and bars in the area allow for the opportunity to network or after-work socialising.
Capacity
The size of your venue is just as crucial as its location. It’s vital to ensure that the room or layout aligns perfectly with the needs of your event. While insufficient space is a common concern, an overly large venue can also pose challenges, creating an atmosphere that dampens engagement and energy among attendees.
For some events, having access to multiple spaces is invaluable. A separate area for breaks or post-event food and drinks can be a gamechanger, especially if it includes access to inviting outdoor spaces. These features allow for better opportunities to unwind.
We offer a variety of options to accommodate groups of different sizes. From standard meeting rooms for up to 10 people to customised private offices, coworking areas, and hot desking options, our spaces are designed to meet diverse needs. For post-event relaxation, networking, our sunny rooftop terrace also provides a casual, open-air environment perfect for connecting with colleagues.
Style and décor
Once you’ve found a space that accommodates the size of your event, it’s equally important to ensure the space aligns with the ambience that you are after. The right atmosphere is shaped by various factors, including the décor, lighting, architecture, and furnishings. Even the venue’s history can add an extra layer of inspiration, enriching the overall experience.
Our venue blends a sleek contemporary aesthetic with industrial charm. Clean lines are paired with striking elements like exposed ceilings, rustic touches, and concrete floors. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating an open and inviting environment. Neutral tones are offset by vibrant pops of colour, providing a professional yet inviting space.
Designed with flexibility and productivity in mind, the space features thoughtfully crafted office environments, versatile meeting rooms, and comfortable coworking areas. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or a casual gathering, our modern interiors and relaxed setups provide the perfect backdrop.
Technology
When hosting events centered on audio/visual presentations, having access to reliable technology is essential. The right venue will offer high-quality equipment, seamless connectivity, and fast Wi-Fi to meet attendee expectations in today’s hyperconnected world. Sufficient power outlets and charging stations are also vital.
Technology should work flawlessly in the background and almost go unnoticed, as any glitches can hinder the attendee experience. The best meeting spaces are versatile, accommodating everything from professional meetings to informal gatherings, while allowing event organisers to align the space with their brand values.
Our space is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs. With super-fast Wi-Fi, effective soundproofing, and abundant natural light, it offers a relaxed and inspiring environment. We proudly host a wide range of community-focused events and regular programmes aimed at promoting engagement. From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops, our calendar is brimming with exciting activities, led by a range of speakers from different of backgrounds. All our members are welcome to participate, whether it’s joining lively discussions, attending workshops, or simply enjoying the atmosphere at The Old Street WorkRooms.
Catering
When selecting a venue for your business event, you will need to consider factors like catering and amenities. To ensure the perfect fit, thorough research and in-person visits to shortlisted venues are essential.
Catering will play a central role in shaping the event experience. Whether it’s providing quick refreshments during a long day or hosting a meal or drinks reception, the quality of catering can greatly influence how your event is perceived. Considered catering not only keeps guests satisfied but can also become a memorable talking point, sparking conversations and enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The best on-site caterers provide a variety of fresh, healthy, and appealing options to keep attendees well-fuelled and engaged. When done right, the food becomes an integral part of the event, leaving a lasting impression.
At The Old Street WorkRooms, we provide a range of amenities to support your event. These include climate control, kitchen facilities with complimentary tea and coffee, showers, bike racks, and 24/7 access. For added convenience, catering services are available on request.
If a personalised setup is required, our property team can also assist with décor and furnishing adjustments to align the space with your vision (additional charges may apply).