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University Venues for a corporate meeting – key considerations
When it comes to finding unique, flexible, and often budget-friendly spaces for meetings and events, university venues for a corporate meeting are fast becoming a top choice among planners. Blending historic charm with cutting-edge facilities, these academic settings offer a diverse range of options – from lecture theatres and seminar rooms to grand halls and green outdoor spaces. With excellent transport links, on-site accommodation, and professional catering, universities provide all-in-one solutions for planners looking for convenience, value, and character.
Why choose a University Venue for a corporate meeting?
- Purpose-built facilities. Universities are designed for learning, collaboration, and communication – making them a natural fit for conferences, workshops, and seminars. With tiered lecture theatres, breakout rooms, and networking spaces, they offer versatile, well-equipped environments for every format.
- Affordable and flexible packages. University venues often provide excellent value for money, with competitive rates and flexible hire options that can suit day meetings, multi-day events, or residential conferences. Many also offer seasonal pricing during academic holidays.
- All-in-one convenience. On-campus venues often provide everything you need in one place – from event spaces and AV support to on-site accommodation, dining, and leisure facilities. This simplifies logistics and enhances the delegate experience.
- Unique and inspiring settings. From grand historic halls to contemporary buildings with striking architecture, universities offer a wide range of distinctive spaces that add character and prestige to your event.
- Excellent locations and transport links. Many universities are located in central, well-connected cities or peaceful campus environments with easy access by road or rail. They also often come with ample parking – a bonus for delegates driving in.
- Sustainable and socially responsible. Universities are increasingly focused on sustainability, with green credentials, responsible catering options, and community impact at their core. Hosting an event at a university can align with your organisation’s CSR or ESG goals.
In this article, we explore why University Venues for a corporate meeting is a smart choice – and share some of our team’s top picks from across the UK.
Our Team’s Top Picks
Warwick Conferences
With over 200 meeting spaces across four venues for up to 1,200 delegates, Warwick Conferences offers flexibility and creativity in a central Midlands location. Delegates can also enjoy on-site facilities including an arts centre, cinema, and sports hub. Sustainability is a core focus too – The Slate venue is BREEAM Excellent and EPC A-rated.
Kirsty
Cloth Hall Court
Located in the heart of Leeds, this multipurpose venue is split across two floors and offers nine meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. While inspired by its rich heritage, the venue meets every requirement of a modern events space.
Erin
Elm Grove Conference Centre, University of Roehampton
Easily accessible from central London, Elm Grove offers versatile meeting and event spaces across two floors. It also provides access to the picturesque Grove House – a Grade II-listed building with excellent outdoor event potential.
Cat
University of Glasgow
The second oldest university in Scotland, the University of Glasgow boasts stunning architecture. Its Main Building, designed in Gothic style by Sir George Gilbert Scott, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and an impressive setting for any event.
Ellie
Keele University
Set within 658 acres of countryside, Keele offers diverse event spaces and convenient accommodation on a self-contained campus. With venues such as Keele Hall and the Denise Coates Foundation Building available year-round, and a Courtyard by Marriott hotel on-site, it’s an ideal choice for residential events. The sporting grounds also provide leisure options for delegates.
Felicity
Royal Holloway, University of London
Set within 135 acres of beautiful parkland, Royal Holloway is a stunning venue that lends itself to a wide range of events. The historic architecture and picturesque surroundings make for an inspiring delegate experience.
Jack
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
Striking contemporary lines meet historic elegance at this Birmingham venue. Alongside the modern hotel and conference centre are two stunning original buildings – Garth House, a Grade II-listed property restored in period style, and Hornton Grange, built in 1928.
Erin
IMAGO Burleigh Court, Loughborough University
This flagship hotel and conference venue is a must-consider for any business with a sporting focus. Located at Loughborough University – ranked the best sporting university in the world for six consecutive years – Burleigh Court offers access to outdoor pitches and the Seb Coe High Performance Athletics Centre (Hi-PAC). For a more relaxed delegate experience, there’s also a leisure and therapy centre at Burleigh Springs.
Kirsty
Jesus College, Oxford
Founded on the site of an old nunnery – with parts of the original buildings still forming the college’s heart – Jesus College offers a selection of unique meeting spaces. Its largest room accommodates up to 72 delegates.
Ellie
University of Kent
Situated in 300 acres of beautiful countryside near Canterbury and just an hour from London St Pancras, the University of Kent offers 150 meeting and event spaces, ample parking, and plenty of outdoor areas for team-building or networking.
Cat
Queen Mary University of London
Located just two miles from the City and Canary Wharf, Queen Mary offers over 100 purpose-built meeting spaces for up to 800 delegates. The Westfield Student Village provides 1,000 ensuite bedrooms in a charming canal-side setting.
Felicity
University of Exeter – Reed Hall
Nestled in landscaped gardens, this Grade II-listed building is an all-year-round hidden gem in the heart of Exeter. Reed Hall offers a peaceful and elegant setting for a wide variety of events.
Emily
Ready to discover the best University Venues for a corporate meeting?
Whether you’re planning a conference, workshop, training day, or team away day, don’t overlook the potential of university venues. With spaces to suit every style and size of meeting, supported by expert events teams and top-tier facilities, they’re a compelling option for any organiser.
Start planning today see the amazing venues available through EDGE.
Register today for free access, or contact Kirsty or Erin to see how our platform can help your agency or business.
