Business

Film and Photo

What are the venue hire costs for the Lecture Theatre for filming and corporate events?

The Lecture Theatre costs £4,400 (VAT exempt) for full day hire from 8:30am to 5:30pm, or £2,585 (VAT exempt) for half day hire (either 8:30am to 1pm or 2pm to 5:30pm). For extended filming days up to 10pm, the cost is £10,000 (VAT exempt) per day. Weekend hire requires a minimum charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt) for 8 hours between 8:30am-10pm.

What capacity and seating arrangements are available in the Lecture Theatre?

The Lecture Theatre has fixed tiered seating for up to 210 delegates in theatre style. The seating cannot be reconfigured as it is permanently fixed. The space includes a stage area with top table that can accommodate up to 6 people, though this can be reduced to 4 if needed for filming requirements.

What AV equipment is included with the Lecture Theatre hire?

The venue hire includes a comprehensive AV package with projector, lectern with microphone, 6 top table microphones, 3 handheld radio microphones, 4 tie clip radio microphones, laptop use, and comfort monitors. A dedicated AV technician is provided on-site for the duration of your event at no additional cost.

Can I bring my own filming equipment and crew to the Lecture Theatre?

Yes, third-party AV suppliers and filming crews are permitted but must schedule a site visit with an OBW technician to discuss setup requirements. You must provide certification for current PLI and PAT testing for any equipment brought on-site and complete a risk assessment for the work.

What additional spaces are included with Lecture Theatre hire?

The Lecture Theatre hire automatically includes use of the Marble Hall and adjoining Gallery on the lower ground floor. This Venetian palace-style space can accommodate up to 200 people for standing receptions and is ideal for catering breaks, registration, or as an additional filming location.

Are there restrictions on filming times and setup requirements?

Standard venue hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm on weekdays, with extensions available at additional cost. For multi-day filming projects, consecutive day bookings are possible. The venue is not usually open on weekends, so weekend filming requires the minimum weekend hire charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt) for 8-hour access.

What catering options are available and can food be brought on-site?

All catering must be provided by Company of Cooks, the venue's in-house caterer, with packages from £38.80 per person plus VAT. External food cannot be brought into the venue. Day delegate rates include arrival refreshments, mid-morning breaks, working lunch, and afternoon refreshments.

Is live streaming or hybrid event capability available?

The venue does not provide live streaming in-house, but you can use your own preferred supplier or check availability with their preferred supplier. Any third-party streaming equipment must be approved through a site visit with the OBW technician and meet their technical requirements.

What are the booking and payment procedures for the Lecture Theatre?

Bookings can be placed on provisional hold while you finalize details. The venue requires confirmation of your requirements and guest numbers before contracting begins. Payment terms and deposit requirements are discussed during the contracting process, with all venue hire fees being VAT exempt.

Are there any limitations on event types or content restrictions?

The venue declines bookings that are considered very last minute and low budget. As the home of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the venue maintains professional standards and may have restrictions on certain types of content or events that don't align with their institutional values.