Business

Events

What are the exact room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for business meetings?

Room hire varies by space and duration - for example, the Queen Elizabeth II room costs £1,150 + VAT for 8:30am-5pm with a mandatory minimum catering spend of £600 + VAT. The Prince Philip room costs £1,400 + VAT for evening hire (6pm-11pm) with a £1,100 + VAT minimum catering spend. All venues require catering - dry hire is not permitted and external catering is not allowed.

What are the capacity limits for different meeting room setups?

The Great Room accommodates up to 180 theatre style, 80 cabaret, or 35 boardroom. The Benjamin Franklin room holds 100 theatre, 48 cabaret, or 35 boardroom. The Prince Philip room fits 56 theatre, 40 cabaret, or 30 boardroom, while the Queen Elizabeth II room handles 30 theatre, 21 cabaret, or 22 boardroom.

How long can you hold a date and what are the booking confirmation requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. Weekend events require approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house as it's normally closed.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

The Great Room AV package costs £940-£1,182 + VAT and includes data projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, 1 handheld microphone, surround sound, and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each, and flipcharts with pens are £15 + VAT each.

What are the standard operating hours and access times for corporate events?

Events typically run from 8:30am-5pm during weekdays. The venue is normally closed on weekends, requiring a significant additional fee (approximately £12,000 + VAT) to open the house. Access times for setup and breakdown should be discussed when booking.

What catering options are available and can you bring external food?

External catering is not permitted - all food must be provided by RSA House. They offer day delegate packages around £70-£84 + VAT per person including arrival refreshments, breaks, and lunch. Individual items include morning bakery selection (£10-£12 + VAT), fork buffet lunch (£45-£48 + VAT), and afternoon refreshments (£8.50-£10.20 + VAT).

Are there restrictions on event content or organizations that can book?

Yes, RSA House requires detailed vetting including 20 specific questions about your organization's purpose, mission, values, speakers, attendees, and event themes. The organizer must understand and accept RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments, and confirm the event aligns with these values.

What additional services and equipment can be hired?

Optional extras include wireless uplighters at £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16, subject to availability), TV screens from £200 + VAT each, armchair hire from £50-£55 + VAT per chair, and additional AV equipment subject to availability and charges. Water is charged on consumption at £4.50-£5.40 + VAT per bottle.

Which rooms work together and what are the recommended combinations?

The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space directly beneath the Great Room. The Queen Elizabeth II room adjoins the Prince Philip room on the first floor. These combinations are ideal for events requiring both presentation and catering spaces.

What happens if your event doesn't meet RSA's criteria or values alignment?

If your event doesn't align with RSA's mission and values after their vetting process, they will find you an alternative venue rather than host the event. This assessment covers your organization's purpose, speakers, attendees, event themes, and overall alignment with RSA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments.