Think outside the boardroom

The standard boardroom, with polished tables and formal settings, has long been the essence of business decision-making. However, venues are evolving to provide more creative and inspiring spaces for your meetings and events.

So, if your team is tired of the boardroom meeting, and needs a change of scenery inspire action, we are here to shake things up with 10 outside-the-box spots.

Each space we’ve featured here is recommended by a member of our specialist EDGE Venues team:

Outside the boardroom

1. Grimaldi Forum Monaco

Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Max delegates: 2650
Meeting rooms: 22
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 30mins

Image of Nichole, EDGE Venues' Operations Director, with the quote: “Grimaldi Forum Monaco – located right on the shores of Monaco, this incredible venue has so much space the offer and endless possibilities. Praised for the quality of its spaces and the expertise of its teams, this unique site has been able to attract and retain numerous international events since its creation in 2000. Having been here personally, I would highly recommend this venue when it comes to creating an impact with your next meeting & event.”

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2. Radisson Blu Manchester Airport

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 27
Bedrooms: 360
Nearest airport: 4 min

Nichole says: “it’s simply stunning and not what you would expect for an airport venue. It’s the only venue that is connected to Manchester Airport, so it’s super accessible for your international delegates, and the space that they have to offer is incredible.

“With views of the runway from the executive lounge, the two floors of conferencing facilities provide the perfect space for a meeting or event whether it be a small board meeting for two, a gala dinner or a conference for 400 in our newly refurbished Manchester Suite. Definitely more than just an airport venue!”

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3. Nhow London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 40
Meeting rooms: 3
Bedrooms: 190
Nearest airport: 56 mins

Image of Catriona, EDGE Venues' Business Unit Manager, and her quote: Cat recommends “Nhow London – they have three inspiring work laboratories.

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4. The Bloomsbury, London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 320
Meeting rooms: 7
Bedrooms: 153
Nearest airport: 42 mins

Catriona adds: “The Chapel and the Library are very different spaces.”

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5. Glaziers Hall

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 450
Meeting rooms: 7
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 30 mins

Image of Catriona, EDGE Venues' Business Unit Manager, and her quote: “The newest event space at Glaziers Hall, showcasing three restored brickwork arches of Sir John Rennie’s London Bridge along with the original York stone floor. 

This space also features its own private entrance, reception area and a wine cellar meaning you can hire the space exclusively and add even add a wine tasting experience to your event to wow your delegates!”

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6. Oatlands Park Hotel (La Terrazza)

Location: Surrey, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 12
Bedrooms: 158
Nearest airport: 32 mins

Freya says: “The newest addition to Oatlands Park hotel, La Terrazza brings the outside in 365 days a year! Glass walls and a retractable roof offers a natural environment for your event, with all the comfort of an indoor space.”

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7. The Cumberland

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 350
Meeting rooms: 17
Bedrooms: 900
Nearest airport: 41 mins

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8. British Motor Museum

Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 600
Meeting rooms: 20
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 38 mins

Felicity says: “Meet and Dine amongst the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, with green space for team building, 3 outdoor event areas and a rooftop Sky Suite with private roof terrace.”

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9. Wyboston Lakes

Location: Bedford, United Kingdom

Location:
Max delegates: 627
Meeting rooms: 50
Bedrooms: 416
Nearest airport: 35 mins

Image of Scott, EDGE Venues' Business Operations Director, with the quote: Scott says: "Wyboston Lakes Resort has some really unique venues, from their fantastic take on the seaside at Sandpiper bay to flexible and quirky courtyard areas scattered throughout this large and adaptable venue."

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10. Epsom Downs Racecourse

Location: Surrey, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 800
Meeting rooms: 17
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 33 mins

Scott adds: “The very nature of Epsom Downs Racecourse means its anything but a standard venue. With sweeping views of the racecourse and the distant London skyline from indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, light and airy meeting spaces combine seamlessly with large event spaces and a selection of outdoor terraces to complete this truly unique venue.”

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These spaces offer more than just a place to meet. They provide environments designed to inspire collaboration, motivation, and a lasting impression on your delegates.

Interested in going beyond four walls for your meetings or events? Search for your next space at EDGEVenues.com.

Trendy Meeting Spaces: 10 You Need to Experience

Looking for trendy meeting spaces that go beyond the ordinary? Whether you’re planning a meeting, team retreat, or training, these venues offer a special something to impress your delegates.

Each venue in our curated list of 10 is recommended by a member of our specialist EDGE Venues team:

Trendy Meeting Spaces

1. The Standard London

Daytime view of the London Skyline from the top of The Standard London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 75
Meeting rooms: 5
Bedrooms: 266
Nearest airport: 1hr 29mins

Image of Nichole, EDGE Venues' Operations Director, with the quote: Nichole adds: "The Standard London's meeting rooms come with self-catering options and incredible views of the city skyline. Definitely not your 'standard' meeting experience!"

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2. The Principal York

Location: York, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 155
Nearest airport: 54mins

Nichole says: “The Principal York offers classic historical-styled venues with plenty of natural daylight, ideal for keeping your delegates engaged. Plus, the views of the York Walls add an extra touch of charm.”

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3. Treehouse Manchester

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 7
Bedrooms: 224
Nearest airport: 32mins

Image of Catriona, EDGE Venues' Business Unit Manager, and her quote: "Treehouse Manchester brings the outdoors in, creating spaces designed to spark creativity. Plus, their farm-to-table food adds a unique touch to any event."

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4. Thestudio Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 220
Meeting rooms: 19
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 31mins

Catriona adds: “thestudio Birmingham offers a non-corporate atmosphere with brightly coloured meeting spaces. Tucked away in the city centre, it’s a hidden gem with great outdoor areas.”

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5. Horwood House

Location: Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 270
Meeting rooms: 15
Bedrooms: 165
Nearest airport: 48mins

Image of Freya, EDGE Venues' Business Support, and her quote: "Horwood House recently underwent a £6 million transformation. As a modernised listed Manor House, it's an ideal space to 'get together, meet, and retreat'."

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6. Wyboston Lakes

Location: Wyboston, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 620
Meeting rooms: 50
Bedrooms: 416
Nearest airport: 35mins

Freya adds: “Wyboston Lakes leads the way for sustainability. The venue recently signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, making it a top choice for eco-conscious events.”

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7. Tewin Bury Farm Hotel

Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 800
Meeting rooms: 9
Bedrooms: 53
Nearest airport: 36mins

Image of Felicity, EDGE Venues' Business Support, and her quote: "Tewin Bury Farm offers an expansive 700-acre setting with a range of accommodation. And its space allows for unique team-building activities, from sheep herding to foraging."

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8. ICC Wales

Location: Newport, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 5000
Meeting rooms: 15
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 46mins

Felicity adds: “ICC Wales is dedicated to sustainability. It offers initiatives such as providing carbon footprint information on menus and repurposing unused items for charitable causes.”

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9. Chicago Booth London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 340
Meeting rooms: 20
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 34mins

Image of Scott, EDGE Venues' Commercial Director, and his quote: "Chicago Booth London provides a unique and flexible meeting space flooded with natural light, right in the heart of the City."

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10. Bounce Farringdon

Location: London, United Kingdom

Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 2
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 37mins

Scott adds: “Bounce Farringdon offers meeting spaces in a fun, interactive ping-pong-themed environment. Its spaces combine with the latest event technology for a truly memorable experience.”

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These 10 trendy meeting spaces offer more than just a place to gather. They provide immersive environments designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and a lasting impression on your delegates.

Interested in exploring further spaces for your meetings or events? Give our search a try at EDGEVenues.com.

Good news for future of unique style venues?

Deloitte’s US report could mean greater options for meetings and event bookers.

2019 US Travel and Hospitality Industry Outlook talks of key trends powering growth in a technology-driven industry. A strong economy, rising global consumer purchasing power, and digital innovation have all fuelled record growth in the travel and hospitality industry. But there are still several challenges that could throw the industry off course in 2019.

So Deloitte’s report looks at the biggest trends likely to shape hospitality, airlines, cruises, and ground transportation in the year ahead. And in a section titled ‘Hospitality: Sustaining momentum’, it’s made clear that hoteliers need to plan for the longer term and be prepared for any potential downturns, even if they’re short-lived.

The report claims that those [hoteliers] able to weather any potential storm without drastic reductions in service quality and rates will be better positioned for profitability when the bull market returns. How hoteliers and venue operators achieve the balance will be for their strategists to decide!

And while competition is always good news on rates for meetings and event bookers, it could be positive for unusual venue and accommodation choices too…

“Hotels will likely continue to introduce innovative concepts, products, and loyalty strategies to cut through the noise of the more than 270 trademarked brands (and virtually innumerable independents) that currently exist worldwide. The rollout of new lifestyle, boutique, and contemporary brands in recent years demonstrates the sector’s unrelenting willingness to adapt to an evolving traveler. However, given that traveler preferences are ever-changing, opportunities will always remain.”