When organising an event, it’s easy to fall into the assumption that bigger is always better, whether it’s curating an all-encompassing guest list, or opting for a vast venue. In reality, though, not every event needs to be super-sized, and a more intimate gathering can deliver more targeted results.
From our smallest events space, The Cinema, to our largest space, The Cotton Sheds, Victoria Warehouse is what you make it. If you’re planning an event in Manchester and searching for a conference venue for 50 to 350 people, The Archives, The Cellars, and The Bays are great options to explore.
The Bays, our most popular event space, is perfect for corporate and showcase events, able to hold between 50 and 300 people. Basement spaces The Archives and The Cellars meanwhile, can hold up to 350 people, making them on the smaller side in Victoria Warehouse terms (our largest space can hold up to 1000 people!). Nevertheless, they still pack a punch when it comes to impact on attendees and lasting brand impressions.
If you’re currently looking for an events venue in Manchester, let us present our case for why a mid-sized space might be right for you!
1. Building relationships
A smaller event means that your attendees can feel like they really make the most of their networking time, and that they are able to speak to all the people around them. Allowing guests the time and space to foster organic interactions in a mid-sized conference venue is guaranteed to please.
At Victoria Warehouse, our unique spaces feature all manner of break-out zones where guests can sit for a chat, fostering genuine and comfortable interaction.
2. Targeted guest lists
A smaller space means a smaller guest list, and a smaller guest list means a more targeted guest list.
The age-old saying that quality trumps quantity can ring true when it comes to organising an event. Holding a small-to-mid-sized event means that those in attendance will be relevant and curated, and more meaningful for your brand.
3. Managing budgets
At Victoria Warehouse, our unique setting allows for your budget to go further. Our in-house kit, for instance, has been designed for a plug-and-play setup so there’s no hidden production costs. Your spending can be saved for what’s important to you – be it an upgraded lunch or post-conference drinks.
4. Shorter lead time
We’re home to three medium-sized spaces, meaning plenty of capacity to cater for mid-sized events, even with slightly shorter notice. This means that we have the ability to accept bookings as little as three weeks out, whether for a last-minute sales meeting or team-building day.
As a result, when you’re planning your conference or meeting, you can be more agile, jumping on new industry trends and conversations as they arise, and ensuring that your event is of its time.
5. A less corporate feel
At Victoria Warehouse, The Bays is the perfect urban-inspired setting for a more casual event, with its pre-function space and feature bar encouraging organic interaction amongst attendees.
Inside the unique venue, details such as exposed brick walls and industrial-style pillars create a relaxed feel – the ideal ambience for a corporate event that doesn’t feel too corporate.
Our wide-spanning selection of lunch menus can also be used to spice things up, with no beige buffets in sight. Street food stations facilitate a less corporate feel, while the option for a post-conference BBQ is the cherry on top.
Host your event at Victoria Warehouse
No matter the size or scope of your conference or meeting vision, we’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a unique events space in Manchester. We’ve previously worked with the likes of Penguin Books, TikTok, and JD Sports, so we’re no stranger to bringing special and brand-first events to life.
Interested in finding out more? Explore our event spaces and get in touch with a member of our friendly team.
