Home to some of Europe’s largest event venues, these purpose-built convention centres can accommodate many international events, such as corporate meetings and product launches, exhibitions and association conventions, and many are ideally situated at the heart of Britain’s major city destinations.
Discover Britain’s largest event venue facilities and let us inspire you by helping you find your next major event destination.
England
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool | Bournemouth International Centre & Pavilion | Brighton Centre | Harrogate International Centre | The ICC Birmingham | Manchester Central Convention Complex | The NEC Birmingham | The Riviera International Conference Centre | Ricoh Arena
London
Earls Court | ExCeL London | Olympia | The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre | Wembley Arena | Wembley Stadium
Northern Ireland
Belfast Waterfront
Scotland
Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre | Edinburgh International Conference Centre | Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre
Wales
Venue Cymru | Wales Millennium Centre
England
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool
ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, is a spectacular world-class venue situated on the River Mersey. Purpose-built, unique, flexible and one of the largest in the UK, the BT Convention Centre combines state of the art technology with cutting edge design. The cleverly designed auditorium is a comfortable space for 1,350 delegates. If you need flexibility – two rotating drums can subdivide this space into three separate, self-contained meeting spaces of 250 (x2) and 850. Banqueting and exhibitions are easily accommodated in our versatile Multi-Purpose Hall (3,725m²) – this, combined with the Echo Arena, gives event organisers 7,125m² of exhibition space.
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, Kings Dock, Liverpool, L4 6UB
T: +44 (0)151 703 7260 | F: +44 (0)151 475 7777 | E: kerrin.macphie@accliverpool.com | W: Arena and Convention Centre
Bournemouth International Centre & Pavilion
The South Coast’s largest venue – the modern, purpose-built Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) - is one of the UK’s premier conference, exhibition and event venues, overlooking the seven miles of Bournemouth’s ‘award winning’ golden beaches. This stunning location, with facilities to cater for up to 10,000 people within a choice of four distinctive auditoria, can be booked separately or is ideal for large multi-hall convention use. The more traditional and elegant Pavilion Theatre & Ballroom offer an exquisite backdrop with sea views, catering for gala banquets up to 600, theatre style seating for 1,400 or receptions up to 900.
Bournemouth International Centre & Pavilion, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH
T: +44 (0)1202 456400 | F: +44 (0)1202 456500 | E: conference.bic@bhlive.co.uk | W: BIC
or BHLive
Brighton Centre
Brighton Centre is one of the largest purpose-built conference centres in the South of England. Situated on Brighton’s famous promenade between the city’s top rated hotels and moments from hundreds of restaurants, shops and the bustling cultural quarter which make our vibrant destination such a perfect place to relax as well as do business. Offering 2,000m² of primary exhibition space, plenary meeting capacities from 300 - 4,450, 18 syndicate rooms and an experienced operational team with the ability to run high security and prestigious events, Brighton Centre is a flexible venue with a professional approach and the ideal host for your event.
Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2GR
T: +44 (0)1273 292671 | F: +44 (0)1273 779980 | E: debbie.matthews@brighton-hove.gov.uk | W: Brighton Centre
Harrogate International Centre
Experience one of the most impressively integrated and sophisticated conference, exhibition and events destinations in Europe at Harrogate International Centre (HIC), sitting equidistant between Edinburgh and London and nestling on the edge of the magnificent Yorkshire Dales. The Centre offers 16,500m² of exhibition space across eight halls, supported by a conference auditorium seating 2,000, and the Edwardian Royal Hall with a capacity for 1,000 guests. Two new event halls adding a further 3,400m² of space will be competed by Autumn 2011. Over 300 high profile national and international conferences and exhibitions, banquets, award dinners and corporate events, are held here every year.
Harrogate International Centre, King’s Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LA
T: +44 (0)1423 537274 | E: billie.gill@harrogate.gov.uk | W: Harrogate International Centre
The ICC Birmingham
The ICC Birmingham, one of Europe’s premier conference venues, offers an extensive range of first-class facilities for 8 - 8,000 delegates and a commitment to making every event successful. Hosting over 500 events a year through 11 halls and 10 meetings rooms, The ICC Birmingham can supply full event packages that include world-class catering, with skill, creativity, experience and passion, create an unrivalled event experience. Its central location enables visitors to tap into all this great city has to offer from entertainment and attractions to easy accessibility.
The ICC Birmingham, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA
T: +44 (0)121 644 5025 | F: +44 (0)121 643 0388 | E: info@theicc.co.uk | W: ICC Birmingham
Manchester Central Convention Complex
In the heart of the UK, Manchester Central Convention Complex boasts a wide spectrum of flexible halls and conference suites with space for exhibitions ranging from 1,830m² to 11,000m², accommodating up to 9,000 theatre style as well as state-of-the-art meeting facilities for 40 - 4,000, including a professional and luxurious 804-seat auditorium. Manchester Central is a leading venue for Associations holding events in the UK and has an enviable track record of hosting a wide range of events, from intimate corporate functions to large-scale, high profile international exhibitions and conferences. To add to Manchester Central’s appeal as a major convention and exhibition complex the venue is currently benefiting from a three-stage investment programme costing £28.5 million which will expand and improve the facilities. Once completed in September 2010 we will have substantially enhanced both the capacity and flexibility of Manchester Central, allowing for up to three simultaneous events to take place, or for clients to expand their event by taking advantage of the full site.
Manchester Central, Petersfield, Manchester, M2 3GX
T: +44 (0)161 827 8739 | F: +44 (0)161 832 3621 | E: g.headley@manchestercentral.co.uk | W: Manchester Central
The NEC Birmingham
The NEC hosts four million visitors every year, is the UK’s largest, and one of Europe’s busiest, exhibition and conference venues. Occupying a 620 acre site just eight miles from Birmingham city centre, it offers unrivalled flexibility across more than 193,000m² of covered exhibition space through 20 interconnecting halls, seminar and hospitality suites, restaurants and networking areas. The NEC’s flexible event spaces include a 68 acre woodland, lakeside and hardstanding. It has over 2,000 hotel rooms on site, direct access to the UK motorway network and a physical connection to Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station.
The NEC Birmingham, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1NT
T: +44 (0)121 780 4141 | E: info@necgroup.co.uk | W: The NEC
The Riviera International Conference Centre
The Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, is a purpose-built conference and exhibition complex: offering three multi-functional conference and exhibition halls plus seven syndicate rooms accommodating from 5 – 1,500 delegates, with wireless internet connection in each of the main conference rooms. There are in excess of 2,400 en-suite bed spaces within a one-mile radius of the Centre, ranging from top three, four and five star business hotels to smaller family run concerns and self-catering establishments. Conference Torquay, Torquay’s dedicated conference bureau can assist you with all aspects of conference planning including a free delegate accommodation booking service.
The Riviera International Conference Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ
T: +44 (0)1803 206306 | F: +44 (0)1803 206310 | E: meet@conferencetorquay.co.uk | W: The Riviera International Conference Centre
Ricoh Arena
The venue with it all – location, flexibility and size. With a unique combination of exhibition halls, conference suites, auditorium, hotel, stadium, restaurant, casino and gym, the £116 million Ricoh Arena is a highly versatile venue capable of holding a 6,000m² exhibition or conferences from 2 to 3,500 delegates – and all our facilities are under one roof! Just minutes away from Junction 3 of the M6 Motorway, and in close proximity to an international airport, the venue is infinitely accessible and offers 2,000 on-site car parking spaces. The Ricoh Arena really is a world-class destination for business, entertainment and sport.
Ricoh Arena, 71 Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE
T: +44 (0)844 873 6593 | F: +44 (0)844 873 6598 | E: events@ricoharena.com | W: Ricoh Arena
London
Earls Court
Earls Court has been hosting world-class events for over 70 years. There’s no limit to what can be staged in the venue from exhibitions, conferences, AGMs and première parties to live music and sport.
With over 61,000m² of flexible exhibition space, the highly adaptable halls play host to some of the largest exhibitions in the country to some of the most intimate. Earls Court 1 can be transformed into Europe’s largest seated auditorium for over 20,000 people. The purpose-built conference centre for up to 250 delegates has a number of purpose-built meeting rooms, with a fully experienced conference team, who care just as much about your event as you do.
Earls Court, Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TA
T: +44 (0)20 7370 8532 | F: +44 (0)20 7370 8145 | E: enquiries@eco.co.uk | W: Earls Court
ExCeL London
London’s award-winning convention and events venue. Offering an incredible 100,000m² of flexible event space, including London’s first-ever International Convention Centre. ICC London offers the UK’s largest auditorium (up to 5,000), London’s largest banqueting hall (3,000 guests) and a stunning new multi-function conference suite with fabulous reception areas (2,500 delegates). ExCeL London is located in the heart of London's Docklands, within easy reach of central London. The venue is part of a 100 acre, waterfront campus, including three on-site Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations, easy access to the Jubilee Underground Line and London City Airport, parking for 3,700 cars, five on-site hotels, with a sixth under construction, and numerous bars and restaurants.
ExCeL London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL
T: +44 (0)20 7069 4602 | F: +44 (0)20 7069 4747 | E: sales.enquiries@excel-london.co.uk | W: ExCeL London
Olympia
Olympia’s stunning Victorian architecture, magnificent viewing galleries and barrel-vaulted roofs, which provide plenty of natural light, combine with modern facilities and services to make it a truly exceptional venue. There’s no limit to what can be staged in the venue from exhibitions, conferences, AGMs and première parties to live music and sport. Planning is underway for a £50m upgrade to the venue which would include a new level on the West Hall and improved connectivity throughout the venue. The purpose-built conference centre caters for up to 449 delegates, boasts a tiered seating auditorium and break-out rooms.
Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX
T: +44 (0)20 7384 1200 | E: enquiries@eco.co.uk | W: Olympia
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
Uniquely situated in the shadow of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, London’s award-winning Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is a premier cutting edge purpose-built venue. The Centre offers the finest facilities to association planners, combining modern comfort with the highest standard of security. The very latest in technology includes wireless PC connection throughout the Centre and state-of-the-art audio visual facilities and support. Specialising in events of 5 – 2,500 delegates, the conference rooms and smaller meeting rooms may be used in a variety of combinations. The cuisine provided by Leith’s at the Centre, and the audio visual department, Interface, both offer outstanding services, all tailored to suit your exact requirements.
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, W7 2LY
T: +44 (0)20 7798 4426 | F: +44 (0)20 7798 4200 | E: info@qeiicc.co.uk | W: The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
Wembley Arena
Our conference and exhibition capacity and formats are very flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. If you want to try something different let us know, we love a challenge! Theatre style up to 11,000. Seating suitable for concerts, lectures and conferences. Rock and pop concerts up to 12,500 standing on the auditorium floor with seating. Banqueting on the floor for awards. Ceremonies. Sporting events - boxing or wrestling with seating on each side of the ring. Other options include: cabaret style; exhibitions; in the round; dance floor with tables and chairs; flat floor with tiered seating at the rear or an empty hall.
Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley, London, HA9 0AA
T: +44 (0)20 8782 6622 | E: michelle.berry@livenation.co.uk | W: Wembley Arena
Wembley Stadium
A truly state-of-the-art, iconic venue, Wembley Stadium offers some of the most flexible function space in London, with The Bobby Moore Room, Great Hall, Wembley Suite, Atrium, Arc and The Venue - all wonderfully different rooms providing an innovative, creative and flexible approach to events. With meeting space from 2 up to 1,000 for conferences, 2,000 for banquets and 3,250 for receptions, each room is unique, ensuring a venue selection that truly reflects ambience and quality. Superb catering provided by Delaware North Companies will make Wembley Stadium the
ultimate in conference and banqueting.
Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS
T: +44 (0)8795 9660 | F: +44 (0)8795 9609 | E: specialevents@wembleystadium.com | W: Wembley Stadium
Northern Ireland
Belfast Waterfront
Whether it’s for international conferences, national business events, famous name concerts or exciting sporting attractions, Belfast Waterfront has the facilities to stage them all. The Waterfront is Northern Ireland’s premier address for conferences, product launches, corporate hospitality, exhibitions, gala dinners, award ceremonies and small meetings. This award-winning venue opened in 1997 and is firmly established among the top tier of European conference destinations. The Centre’s ultra-modern facilities accommodate all sizes of business function, from small meetings with around ten participants, to large-scale events with over 2,000 people. No matter what the size of your event, you can rely on the Waterfront’s professional expertise and world-class facilities to surpass your expectations.
Belfast Waterfront, 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, B1 3WH
T: +44 (0)28 9033 4400 | F: +44 (0)28 9024 9862 | E: conference@waterfront.co.uk | W: Belfast Waterfront
Scotland
Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre
For 25 years, Aberdeen Exhibition & Convention Centre has hosted international congresses, trade and public exhibitions, live sporting events, award banquets, corporate dinner dances, small meetings…the works. Whatever event you’re planning, we know your experience will be shaped by the people you deal with. That’s why we pride ourselves on making things easier for you. At AECC, it’s the team that makes it memorable. We will be helpful, flexible and friendly to ensure your experience is as stress free as possible. We look forward to working with you!
Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL
T: +44 (0)1224 824824 | F: +44 (0)1224 825276 | E: aecc@aecc.co.uk | W: Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive landmarks and the ideal venue for events of 300 – 2,000 delegates. The 1,200-raked seating Pentland Suite offers event organisers the utmost flexibility, transforming into three separate auditoria at the touch of a button. A further four suites subdivide to create 11 sound-proofed flexible meeting areas. The stunning Cromdale Hall offers banqueting for 850 people or 1,185m² of exhibition space. With world-class facilities and a team of highly skilled staff, the EICC provides a truly special events environment – in terms of expertise, technology, space and mouth-watering cuisine.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre, The Exchange, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
T: +44 (0)131 300 3000 | F: +44 (0)131 300 3030 | E: sales@eicc.co.uk | W: Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre
The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) is situated in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural and commercial capital. The SECC is the UK’s largest integrated venue, purpose-built to provide exhibition, conference and concert space. Capable of delivering events from two to well over 10,000 delegates, the SECC has space with flexibility; from the iconic Clyde Auditorium to the Loch Suite of meeting rooms, all joined to 22,355m² of exhibition space.
Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
T: +44 (0)141 275 6211 | E: scc@secc.co.uk | W: Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre
Wales
Venue Cymru
Venue Cymru is North Wales’ premier venue for conferencing, events and the arts. Venue Cymru hosts a suite of more than 20 event spaces including the 1,550m² Arena, with room for 1,800 seats theatre style or banqueting for 1,000, and the 1,500 tiered seated theatre auditorium. Spectacularly located directly on the promenade in Llandudno, many of the events spaces offer stunning sea and mountain views. Llandudno is a beautifully preserved Victorian seaside resort offering everything your delegates could desire within a short, safe stroll of Venue Cymru. Easily accessible by rail, road and air, from the UK and beyond, Venue Cymru in Llandudno is the ideal destination for conferences and events.
Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1BB
T: +44 (0)1492 879771 | F: +44 (0)1492 860790 | E: conferences@venuecymru.co.uk | W: Venue Cymru
Wales Millennium Centre
Wales Millennium Centre provides a vibrant and inspiring setting for all your corporate and private meetings. Within this exciting performing arts venue there are a selection of meeting rooms designed to cater for business conferences, boardroom meetings, training seminars, product launches, exhibitions and much more. For larger events, such as award ceremonies, AGMs and gala dinners, the Weston Studio (maximum 250 theatre style), Hoddinott Hall (maximum 350 theatre style) and Donald Gordon Theatre (maximum 1,800 theatre style) are available. Within easy reach of the city centre and set in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the Centre is the ideal venue for hospitality. Whether you are planning a corporate sporting event, organising a company celebration, or looking to hold a private celebration, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 5AL
T: +44 (0)29 2063 4667 | F: +44 (0)29 2063 6401 | E: eventsales@wmc.org.uk | W: Wales Millennium Centre
