Finding the perfect venue can be a tricky task, especially when your event has multiple elements. Luckily, we've found a venue to suit any scenario: meet the Business Design Centre, a master of metamorphosis with a history of hosting a wide range of events, from fashion shows to cattle auctions!
Before we launch into the endless event types this venue can stage, here are 3 reasons we love the BDC:
1. Steeped in history
The BDC has taken several guises throughout its history. Originally built as the Royal Agricultural Hall, its stunning event spaces have likely hosted more hooves than humans over the years!
2. Location, location, location
At just 10 minutes from King's Cross St. Pancras Station, the BDC's location couldn't be more convenient. Round the corner from Angel tube station, and with an onsite car park, events here couldn't be easier to attend.
3. Beautiful by design
Much of the venue's original architecture remains intact, and the ironwork and glass roof make the event space visually-arresting. With plenty of natural light and an impressive architectural structure, this venue is designed to shine a spotlight on any event.
Like Mary Poppins' magical handbag, this venue has a limitless capacity for conjuring exactly what's needed to make any event super‐cali‐fragil‐istic‐expi‐ali‐docious. Here are just 5 of the endless event types the BDC can play host to - with its blank canvas design, this venue's ready to pull a successful event out of the bag!
1. Conferences
Conferences at the BDC are as flexible as the venue itself, with multiple well-equipped spaces available. For audiences of up to 500, the Auditorium offers tiered seating or table settings, surrounding breakout rooms, and the added option of a motorised ceiling rig with sound and lighting equipment. Alternatively, the versatile Gallery Hall provides a larger, airy space for speakers, and comes with a registration area and cloakroom, allowing the event to be self-contained.
Capacity: 500 theatre style
2. Workshops and Meetings
The BDC's Executive Centre is purpose-designed for corporate meetings, seminars and workshops, and its separation from the rest of the centre makes it an excellent choice for a private event. Fitting up to 60 delegates theatre style, or 40 cabaret, it's ideal for intimate workshops and meetings. Or opt to be part of the main venue's action in Room A, where partition walls allow you to shape sessions in any way you like, and create a custom environment for up to 110 delegates.
Capacity: 40 - 110 classroom style
3. Private Dining
For a taste of extravagance, treat your guests to dinner under the (almost) open skies in the BDC's stunning Mezzanine. With an arched glass ceiling and vast floor area, hosting a private dining event here is sure to raise the bar for corporate events and gala dinners. Accommodating 750 attendees for a sit-down dinner, with space for a stage and live-stream screens, there's nothing mid-level about this stunning space!
Capacity: 750 dining
4. Exhibitions and Trade Shows
While we're on the subject of the Mezzanine floor, there are few backdrops as jaw-dropping as this space to set the stage for your trade show or exhibition. With abundant natural daylight from its vast domed ceiling, this expansive area takes exhibitions of all kinds to the next level, showcasing set-ups in the best light. Alternatively, for smaller exhibitions, set up shop in rooms B-H, which surround the mezzanine floor and can be connected by removing partition walls.
Capacity: 100 - 1500 standing
5. Product Launches
The BDC offers several impressive settings for product launches of any size, with carpeted floors and ample space to welcome guests. For larger launches, the Auditorium provides a well-equipped environment for up to 500 attendees with tired seating and optional AV equipment. Or opt for a more intimate setting with Room A, a light-filled space with capacity for up to 250 guests, and partition walls for a flexible, customisable set up.
Capacity: 250-500 standing
Whether it's a fashion show, conference, dinner party, or you're looking to sell some livestock (don't quote us on this one!), the BDC has you covered. Its versatility is unrivalled, making it a great choice for all kinds of events, and its unique style is sure to impress attendees.
If these spaces have piqued your interest and you'd like to see what else the BDC has up its sleeve, enquire below or get in touch with one of our venue experts today.
Author
Jessamy Cowie
Jessamy channels her passion for sustainability and cultural events into shining a spotlight on innovation and inspiration in the events world, and heading up Hire Space's sustainability committee.
