Planning a large-scale corporate conference or exhibition for 500 or more guests is a dynamic challenge — and choosing the right venue is one of the most strategic decisions you’ll make. From flexible floorplans and cutting-edge AV to transport links and onsite services, not all venues are created equal.
Whether you’re organising an international conference in London, a tech summit in Manchester, or an exhibition in Birmingham, this guide highlights the best large-capacity venues in 2026 — all ideal for corporate events, trade shows, awards ceremonies and multi-day gatherings.
Why Venue Selection Matters for 500+ Guest Events
Large events (500+ attendees) come with unique requirements:
- Flexible spaces for sessions, exhibitions, networking and breakout areas
- High-capacity AV and production infrastructure
- Excellent transport access for delegates
- Onsite catering and premium delegate experiences
- Accommodation proximity for out-of-town guests
Choosing a venue that can handle logistics at scale — without compromising experience — sets the tone for your event’s success.
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Top Conference & Exhibition Venues in London
1. ExCeL London
One of the UK’s largest and most versatile exhibition and conference centres, ExCeL London regularly hosts international trade shows, corporate summits and large-scale exhibitions. Its modular halls and integrated facilities make it perfect for events with 500+ delegates.
Highlights:
- Flexible hall configurations
- Excellent transport (DLR & Elizabeth Line)
- Dedicated event management support
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2. Olympia London
A historic event venue that blends tradition with modern capability, Olympia London has multiple halls capable of hosting 500+ attendees, including exhibitions, gala dinners and international conferences.
Highlights:
- Iconic architecture
- Multiple halls and flexible spaces
- Central London location
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3. The Barbican Centre
Ideal for conferences that combine sessions with performances or creative elements, The Barbican Centre offers large auditoria and adaptable foyer space, perfect for conferences, exhibitions and networking areas.
Highlights:
- Theatre-style main hall seating 900+
- Exhibition-ready spaces
- Central London arts hub
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4. Business Design Centre
Located in Islington, the Business Design Centre has a reputation for well-executed corporate exhibitions and conferences with high guest capacity — excellent for trade shows and multi-stage conferences.
Highlights:
- Central London location
- Flexible floor plans and breakout rooms
- Strong transport links
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Best Venues in Major UK Cities
1. Manchester Central Convention Complex (Manchester)
A converted railway station turned world-class conference centre, Manchester Central delivers flexible space for exhibitions, conferences, awards shows and large-scale corporate gatherings.
Highlights:
- Floor capacity for 500–10,000+
- Large exhibition halls
- Proximity to hotels and transport
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2. The SEC Centre & SSE Hydro (Glasgow)
Part of the Scottish Event Campus, the SEC Centre and SSE Hydro offer vast flexible space suited to major exhibitions, global conferences and large corporate events.
Highlights:
- Flexible halls and exhibition spaces
- High AV capacity
- Easy transport access
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3. Birmingham NEC & ICC (Birmingham)
The NEC and ICC Birmingham are among the UK’s most popular large-scale venues, offering comprehensive facilities for big conferences, exhibitions and multi-day events.
Highlights:
- Adaptable halls and meeting spaces
- Onsite hotels and transport links (Airport & rail)
- Exhibition and conference integration
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4. The Brighton Centre (Brighton)
Perfect for coastal corporate retreats or industry summits, The Brighton Centre offers flexible space for large conferences, exhibitions and award ceremonies, with the added advantage of seaside access.
Highlights:
- Large halls and meeting suites
- Theatre and exhibition space
- Easy access from London
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How to Choose the Right Venue for 500+ Delegates
When shortlisting venues, consider:
Capacity & Layout
Ensure the venue supports your floorplan — plenary sessions, breakout rooms, exhibition booths and networking zones.
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Transport & Accommodation
Proximity to airports, rail and hotels improves delegate experience and increases attendance.
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Technology & Production Support
Large conferences need high-capacity AV, reliable Wi-Fi and integrated production support.
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Delegate Experience
From welcoming arrival spaces to quality catering and hospitality areas, guest experience should be seamless.
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Why Event Planners Partner with Agencies for Large Venue Selection
Selecting — and securing — a venue for 500+ guests is not just about space. It’s about:
- Understanding brief and audience
- Negotiating contracts and packages
- Managing logistics, AV and suppliers
- Ensuring health & safety compliance
- Coordinating onsite teams and staffing
For this reason, many corporate buyers work with experienced event management agencies who can handle:
✔ Venue sourcing and negotiation
✔ Detailed site comparisons
✔ Contract and budget management
✔ Production and supplier coordination
At The Event Book, we help clients identify and secure the right venues for large conferences and exhibitions — in London and across the UK — aligned with brief, budget and brand.
Conclusion: Planning Large Conferences & Exhibitions in 2026
The UK continues to offer world-class venues for corporate events hosting 500+ guests, from iconic London spaces to flexible exhibition centres in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and beyond.
The right venue sets the stage for success — and whether you’re hosting an international summit, technology conference or industry exhibition, the planning and delivery need to be seamless.
If you’re looking for venue support, strategic planning or full event management for your next large-scale conference or exhibition, The Event Book is here to help.
👉 Contact us to start your venue search and planning today.
