Business

Events

What are the room hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Room hire rates vary significantly by space and date. For example, a room accommodating up to 410 theatre style costs around £15,000 excluding VAT for a single day. The Churchill room (main conference space) costs £15,120 excluding VAT and includes comprehensive AV package with stage, projection screen, sound system with multiple microphones, projectors, and 2 technicians for 08:00-17:30. All room hires include security, porterage, cleaning service, Wi-Fi, furniture, cloakroom, and dedicated event management team.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

The Churchill (main conference room) accommodates up to 410 people in theatre style. Smaller syndicate rooms like Gielgud, Burton and Redgrave Combined, Albert, and Victoria each hold varying capacities with full AV packages included. The venue can accommodate events ranging from small meetings of 30 people up to large-scale events for 1,200+ guests across multiple sessions.

Are there seasonal closures or restricted availability periods?

The Centre is closed during August and unavailable for bookings during this period. Additionally, some dates may be blocked for whole centre events, which means individual rooms cannot be booked separately. Availability is often limited to specific dates, with the venue sometimes only able to offer alternative dates rather than requested ones.

What is the booking confirmation process and deposit requirements?

No booking is considered confirmed until a contract has been signed by both parties and a deposit paid. All correspondence is subject to contract until binding contracts are concluded. The venue offers availability on a '1st option basis' initially, and they accept no responsibility for costs incurred before contract signature and deposit payment.

What AV equipment and technical support is included?

Comprehensive AV packages are included with room hire, featuring WUXGA high-definition projectors, motorised projection screens, sound systems with multiple wired and radio microphones, induction loops, PC sound, and dedicated technicians (typically 08:00-17:30 with 30-minute breaks). The Churchill includes 2 technicians, while smaller rooms include 1 technician each. Additional AV requirements can be arranged through QEII Live (in-house AV service).

What catering options are available and who provides them?

Catering is provided by QEII Taste by Leith's, the in-house catering service. They offer comprehensive packages including breakfast, lunch, tea/coffee breaks, and dinner options. The venue provides both Deluxe and Michelin dinner packages, with the latter designed by Will Devlin who holds a Michelin Green Star, focusing on innovative catering and sustainability.

What are the standard operating hours and setup access times?

Standard operating hours are 08:00-18:00, with security, porterage, and cleaning services included during these times. Events typically run from 09:00-17:00, though some flexibility exists. Setup access may be available outside standard hours, and the venue can accommodate events requiring early access from 06:00 or extended hours until 23:00 depending on requirements.

Are there discounts available and what determines pricing?

The venue offers discounts on room hire rates, with examples showing 10% discounts being applied to base rates. Pricing appears to vary based on dates, room selection, and specific requirements. Budget considerations are discussed during the quoting process, and rates may be negotiated based on the scale and nature of the event.

What additional services and facilities are included at no extra cost?

Included services comprise visitor Wi-Fi, QEII Centre furniture (excluding exhibition furniture), manned cloakroom, dedicated registration area and desks, business centre facilities, and a complete delivery team including Event Manager, AV Project Manager, and QEII Taste Manager. Security, porterage, and cleaning services are provided during standard operating hours.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what information is required?

The venue requires specific event details including company information, budget parameters, exact guest numbers, and event requirements before providing quotes. Given the venue's popularity and limited availability (especially with August closures and whole centre events), early booking is essential. The sales team requests comprehensive event briefs to create tailored proposals.