Exclusive London Venues for Corporate Event Success

Organising a corporate event in London can be an exciting endeavour and there’s certainly no shortage of corporate event venues to choose from… With a bit of planning, you can navigate through the choices and find corporate venues that are sure to exceed your guests’ expectations. At Woolly Mammoth we specialise in stunning private homes specially tailored to be used as corporate event spaces. Just imagine open-plan loft apartments perfect for creative workshops and brainstorming sessions, large houses with rooftops that are ideal for networking events, and intimate Victorian townhouses that are great for intimate seminars. We also have converted warehouses that make great destinations for fashion shows and technology expos as well as riverfront properties that will create a memorable experience at any corporate event. Booking a stunning home in the heart of London gives you a chance to truly impress your colleagues and business associates. Let them enjoy luxurious amenities in classic penthouses or opt for a totally unique location like houseboats for smaller corporate events. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the process of pinpointing and booking the best corporate event spaces in London, ensuring an unforgettable event for your guests. Here’s where to start:

1. Define requirements

Step one in planning any corporate event is to clearly outline your requirements and the goals of the event. Consider the purpose — Do you need it for a business conference, corporate drinks reception, networking events, or Christmas parties? Once you know the size of your event, get a decent idea of the number of attendees, preferred date and time, and any specific amenities or features you need, like equipment or catering services. When you book through Woolly Mammoth, we can put you in contact with our network of incredible caterers. 

2. Research suitable corporate event venues

Once you’ve got a good idea of your requirements, it’s time to research suitable corporate venues in London. Start by looking into online platforms and venue directories like Woolly Mammoth, and keep in mind the ambience you want to create. If you’re looking to wow guests with an exclusive, luxurious location, opt for a corporate party venue in a private space. We have properties all across Central London where your guests can feel right at home. In a world in which sustainability is becoming an increasing concern in business, it’s a good idea to look into eco-friendly properties and events. This means going for venues with green credentials or choosing private homes which use less energy and often have higher efficiency ratings. You should also minimize waste, encourage eco-friendly travel and choose local foods where you can. 

3. Consider logistics and accessibility

When looking into corporate events London poses a few unique challenges. Consider logistics like accessibility, parking, and transport options. Pick a venue that’s going to be easily accessible for your guests and offers ample parking or nearby public transport links. Consider how close they are to hotels and accommodation options, especially if you have out-of-town guests attending your event.

4. Assess budget and pricing

Before making your decision, get a good idea of the pricing and fees associated with corporate venues. Consider your budget and make sure you ask about any additional costs or fees, such as catering, AV equipment, or staffing. Luckily, at Woolly Mammoth, we’re here to guide you through the whole process and provide you with private homes that are within budget but exceed expectations.

5. Verify availability and booking terms

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure you confirm the availability of your ideal venue for the dates and times you’re looking at hosting the event. Review the booking terms and conditions, including any deposit requirements and cancellation policies. At Woolly Mammoth, we’ll contact the property and support you through all of this.

7. Customise the event experience

Once you’ve bagged your dream venue for a London event, it’s time to start customising the experience to meet your specific requirements. Work closely with the hire company event to plan the layout, décor, and setup of the event space. If you’re booking with Woolly Mammoth we can support you with all of this. Want to wow your visitors with a seamless, luxurious atmosphere? We’ve got you. Want to clear some space for a streamlined networking event? We can help with that too.

8. Finalise logistics

As the big day approaches, finalise all logistical details to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s a good idea to create an event timeline and delegate some of the responsibilities to your team or colleagues. When you book with Woolly Mammoth, you can also have a look around the property the day before your corporate event to make sure everything is in order.

9. Execute and evaluate

Gametime. Arrive early to oversee any setup and greet your guests as they arrive. Make sure everything’s in place and running smoothly, and be prepared to address any last-minute hiccups. Throughout the day, engage with guests and make sure they’re having a good time. After the event, take some time to evaluate the success and gather some feedback. Think about what went well and any areas for improvement, and use this insight to shape your next event!

Dos and Don’ts of Corporate Events in London

Corporate events in London offer an unparalleled way to network, engage with clients, and showcase your company’s brand. Whether it’s a simple business conference, a product launch, or a team-building exercise, it’s crucial to approach the event with a good degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and critically, cultural sensitivity. 

To ensure your corporate event is a success, here are some universal dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

1. Research the venue: Pick a venue that aligns with the style and goals of your event. Bear in mind factors such as location, capacity, and facilities. Make sure the venue is easily accessible.
2. Plan ahead: Start planning your event well in advance to make sure you have enough time to book your venue. It’s a good idea to jot down a timeline and checklist to stay organised and on track.
3. Consider cultural sensitivity: London is a massively diverse city, so it’s essential to be mindful of any cultural sensitivities when planning your event. Respecting cultural differences in terms of language, dietary preferences, and religious practices is not only ethical, it’s good business sense and should be a priority factor when you’re sorting things like catering options.
4. Promote networking: Encouraging networking opportunities at your event is a great way to foster collaboration and make it more rewarding, you can incorporate methods like icebreaker activities, networking sessions, and interactive elements. Also, think about the layout and structure of the day, it should provide ample opportunities for guests to mingle and build new professional connections. A private home, which offers a more intimate atmosphere, is the perfect space for them to do so.  For example, separate living spaces provide an easy space for people to connect just as breakout rooms do. 
5. Give clear communication: Communicate all event details, including date, time, location, agenda, and any special instructions, clearly to everyone involved. The best way is to use multiple channels, like email, social media, and event websites, to make sure everyone has the right information. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and delays. 
6. Have technical support: Most events will need some level of audio-visual equipment. Luckily Woolly Mammoth provides technical support to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and support throughout the day.
7. Follow up: After the day’s done, follow up with people to thank them for coming and get some feedback on their experience. Use this to gauge the success of the event and identify areas for improvement for next time.

Don’t:

1. Ignore local regulations: Look into any local regulations you might need to consider for hosting events in London, such as alcohol licensing, and health and safety regulations. Luckily, it’s easier to deal with these in a private home you book through Woolly Mammoth! We’re also available to help you comply with applicable rules. 
2. Exclude accessibility: Ensure the venue is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. 
3. Overlook branding opportunities: Corporate events offer a great opportunity for branding to promote the company’s image. Don’t overlook opportunities to mix in elements like logos, signage, and branded merchandise throughout the event space.
4. Forget to plan for contingencies: No matter how well you plan, minor unforeseen hiccups and more serious emergencies can and do sometimes happen. Don’t forget to have backup plans in place to address any issues like inclement weather, technical glitches, or vendor no-shows.
5. Skimp on quality: Cutting corners to save money can seem like a good idea, but it can negatively impact the impression that you leave on business partners, potential business partners and colleagues. 

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure your corporate event in London is a memorable and successful experience for you and your guests. With careful planning, attention to detail, and consideration for cultural sensitivities, you can create an event that reflects positively on your company and strengthens professional relationships within your industry.

FAQs

Why host a corporate party?

Putting on a corporate party helps to create team bonding, boosts morale, and is a great way to celebrate achievements within the company. You can also impress external business partners.

How can I make my corporate party in London more engaging and memorable?

You can give your London corporate party a boost with interactive activities and themed décor. You can also host the event within a private home to create a more intimate atmosphere. 

How do you plan a corporate party at a venue in London?

Start by defining your budget. Then have a look at what’s on offer and select a suitable location, coordinate logistics, and arrange catering and entertainment.

What do I need to tell a venue to organise a corporate party in London?

Let us know your event date, estimated guest count, preferred setup, catering requirements, and any other special requests and we’ll work with you to make it a reality.

How much does it cost to hire a corporate event venue in London?

Corporate event venue rental costs vary widely, ranging from £400 to £10,000 or more, depending on factors like size & location. Woolly Mammoth has amazing affordable private homes

What catering options do London’s corporate event venues provide?

When you book one of our home venues, you’ll also benefit from a range of exceptional caterers working in partnership with Woolly Mammoth. We can help you organise the entire thing.