Networking Event Venues in London

Networking is all about meeting people, sharing who you are, what you do and what value you can have to others. Simply turning up, eating a couple of canapes in the corner and laughing at a few jokes isn’t going to quite cut it at a networking event. Their entire purpose for being is to get you to connect with others in your field, make valuable connections for your business and for your own personal growth.

Networking events can be a little boring for some, but they’re incredible opportunities… when they’re done right.

You really don’t want to do this by halves – a perfectly planned and executed networking event in London can place you at the forefront of your industry. And who doesn’t want to be considered an industry leader? So, get it right and check out some of the best networking venues in London above!

How to plan a networking event

Planning a networking event can be a little different to just planning Janice’s leaving party. It takes some fine tuning and careful consideration to get it right. Don’t panic though, we’re here to guide you through the process with our simple steps.

Step 1: Define your purpose: Why do networking events happen?

Networking events happen for a whole host of reasons, but the best ones are usually quite focused in a niche area. You’ll need to consider who and what your networking event is for. Is it for a specific industry, maybe even a specific section of a specific industry? Is it for high-level executives or middle management… or maybe both? Knowing what the focus is and who will be there helps you to plan the event seamlessly.

Step 2: What exactly is networking?

Networking is so much more than just sticking people in a room and letting them get on with it, and there are many different forms it can be moulded into. You can have a structured, formal event or something a little bit more casual. This is where the first step should help – if you know who you’re catering for, you should be able to figure out what will work best.

Step 3: Think about the budget

Yep, it’s the dreaded budget again. It’s so important though – really, it is. You don’t want to start planning venues or anything until you know how much money there is in the kitty for it. If you do, you maybe just end up disappointed that your dream venue is actually out of your price range. Networking events can be done on pretty much any budget – lower budgets would mean kissing goodbye to any formally catered sit-down meals (unless you had your guests pay for themselves, which is always an option).

Step 4: Find the right venue

We always think finding the right venue is super important, and we admit we might be a little biased on that one, but for networking events it really does matter. The venue needs to fit with the purpose, format and people that will be there. Renting a great big hall for a bar social doesn’t really work, does it? So, take our advice and choose your venue carefully. Our great selection of networking venues for hire should give you some inspiration if you’re stuck.

Step 5: Choose the best dates

We know what you’re thinking: you’re thinking the weekend is the best time, right? Nope, sorry to disappoint you but your dreams of not cutting into work time might not work out. It’s actually better to have an event midweek. Whilst we all love our jobs, employers can’t assume that people will be willing to give up their weekend for them. 

Step 6: Remember the seasons

Oh, and it’s best to avoid the high season for your industry because, of course, this is when people will be super busy. One more thing: maybe avoid the summer months too when lots of people are likely to be on annual leave.

Step 7: Organise the guest list

Networking events can be a little different to other events, mostly because you might not have a set guest list. Having people register to attend is much more common with these types of things, so you’ll need to promote your event online and via email to the relevant companies and individuals that you want to attend.

Step 8: Have fun!

We wouldn’t blame you for assuming that organising a killer event plus your killer invite list would lead to the magical sparks of friendship all by itself, but the reality is that you’ll need to keep things on track. Have a plan about how you’ll mingle with the guests and keep them talking. You can even have a few games so you can all get to know each other.

Networking event ideas

(This is the time to get creative!)

Cocktail parties

Informal but not too informal, cocktail parties are a classic networking format because they get people circulating easily. Add in a few canapes and nibbles, and job’s a good’un.

Down the pub

It’s not a standard networking venue, but there are so many bar social networking venues London-wide so it would almost be rude not to. If your guests are already familiar with each other, a bar social might be a bit more appropriate. An informal networking event, you can get a bar or pub venue and have everyone sit, chat, and eat nibbles.

Dinner

Talking over a fancy dinner, complete with a bit of wine and a yummy chocolate dessert, might work well for your networking event. You can go for the formal wedding breakfast-style seating or check out some of our more casual dining venues with traditional wooden tables and a cosy feel. Either way, food, drinks and laughter are always a good mix at a social event.

Where are the best networking venues for hire in London?

If you want to organise a networking event to remember, you’ll want to choose a memorable venue. Whether it’s a day-long event in a large, corporate space, or an intimate evening gathering, you’ll find the perfect space on Canvas. Have a think about how many people you would like to attend, and whether you’d like to provide drinks and catering. When you’re using the Canvas search function, you can specify the capacity you’ll need as well as other details, so you know all of the venues we’re showing you will be perfect for your event.

What do I need to organise a networking event in London?

The first thing you need to organise a networking event is an idea, and then a date. Who is your networking event for, and in what industry? Are your guests mainly located in London, or will they be traveling from all over? These questions can help you decide what kind of venue you want, and where that venue should be. For networking events in the arts, for example, it’s great to choose a location around Soho or Fitzrovia, as many arts professionals are based there. If your guests are travelling from out of town, it’s useful to be near a large transport hub.

Who should I invite to a London networking event?

For the perfect networking event you’ll need the perfect mix of people. It’s useful to include guests at different stages in their careers, and in complimentary industries or companies. Depending on the style of networking event you are organising, you might want to consider making it a ticketed event to ensure your guests are relevant to your event.

What is the purpose of a networking event?

There are lots of reasons to organise or attend a networking event – it might be to broaden your own contacts for future work opportunities or recruitment, or it may just be to meet other professionals in your field. Some networking events are specifically for potential clients to meet a range of businesses who may bid for their custom in the future.

What amenities should I expect to find inside networking venues in London?

Networking venues in London offer a wide array of amenities designed to cater to business events, with each one differing slightly as to their offerings. Expect to find private dining rooms for smaller, intimate gatherings, conference rooms equipped with modern technology for presentations, and meeting rooms perfect for workshops. Many venues also provide lounge areas and cocktail bars for casual networking.

How to find the best networking venues in London?

When searching for the best networking venues, be sure to look into popular areas such as Liverpool Street Station, Tottenham Court Road, and West End, which are known for their top venues and accessibility. Areas like North Welsh London, Russell Square, and Canary Wharf offer venues with versatile options, and for those looking for unique venues or settings with outdoor gardens, Hyde Park and Covent Garden provide beautiful spaces for networking receptions. Just be sure to always consider transportation links, such as proximity to Oxford Circus and Liverpool Street, to ensure your guests can easily reach your event.