Tension builds as the category winner is about to be called. Then comes their name, and that winning announcement will be one of the moments guests remember, curated by those standing in the wings, the organisers!
We know, for an organiser, the work that makes it possible starts long before anyone steps on stage. Guests need to arrive comfortably, dinner and speeches need to keep pace, and production must deliver its biggest moments holding audience engagement throughout.
It is here, that the choice of venue becomes a decision about the entire event.
The De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, home to Central London’s finest awards ceremonies, has built its reputation through design.
Located between Covent Garden and Holborn, the Grade II* listed venue brings together Georgian architecture and striking Art Deco interiors. Dramatic chandeliers and ornate ceilings give awards events an immediate feeling of prestige, and the venues’ Central London location offers an ultra-convenient choice for guests travelling from across the capital and beyond.
At the heart of the venue is the Grand Hall. Accommodating up to 500 guests seated or 1,000 standing, it offers the scale and presence expected of major ceremonies and gala dinners. Its value, however, lies not only in its capacity, but in its adaptability. By choosing not to impose a permanent stage, the venue leaves room for each production to take its own form. Carefully selected production partners bring a detailed understanding of the space, allowing staging and lighting to be designed with intent and consideration.
Yet scale alone does not create a memorable event. Success increasingly depends on the rhythm of the evening and how naturally the experience unfolds. We take the time to understand what your organisation wants its awards to achieve whether designed to recognise colleagues, bring an industry together, entertain clients or raise funds, it is this answer that shapes the guest journey, from the first welcome through to the final celebration.
With 37 flexible event spaces, De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms gives organisers the freedom to shape each part of their event with purpose. Spaces work together so that every transition feels considered rather than simply necessary.
“Thank you for another superb event – the staff were once again fantastic to work with and always went above and beyond. As always, you’ve been exceptional throughout the process, and it’s been a pleasure working with you on yet another event. I also really appreciated the smooth transition with Ben whilst you were away to help keep things moving.”
British Training Awards 2026
It is this combination of thoughtful spaces and assured delivery that will matter as expectations continue to rise. The future of awards will not be defined by spectacle alone, but by occasions where every decision feels connected and guests are free to remain fully present. At De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the character of the historic setting is matched by the flexibility and experience needed to create celebrations that do more than recognise achievement, they give it lasting impact.
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Author: Elouise Mugridge
Elouise Mugridge is Group Sales Manager at Event Industry News. With over 14 years’ experience spanning conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and corporate events, she helps brands connect with event professionals through strategic sales and marketing campaigns. Passionate about event technology and industry innovation, Elouise specialises in creating opportunities that raise visibility and build meaningful connections.
