The Best Networking Venues in Bristol

Bristol is a beautiful place and it's an ideal city for hosting a networking event. There are all sorts of great places to hold a networking event, whether you've got 15 delegates or 150.

Networking events are a great way to meet potential customers. They give you the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships that may lead to business opportunities. One of the most important aspects of a successful networking event is choosing the right venue for your needs.

There are plenty of venues across Bristol that can offer you the space you need for a successful networking event. 

How to plan a networking event

Networking events can be a great way to meet new business connections, build your brand and get the word out about your company. To make sure your event is a success, you need to plan from start to finish.

• Decide who to invite

You need a list of people who will come to the event to network with others. You can invite clients, customers, suppliers, or even people you want to do business with in future. If you're inviting people who don't know each other, make sure there's enough time for everyone to mingle.

• Choose an appropriate venue

Your venue should be large enough so guests can move around freely but small enough that it doesn't feel empty. Ask if they have facilities for disabled guests. If you're planning on serving food or drinks, make sure there's space for a buffet table or bar. You may also want somewhere quiet where people can sit down and talk.

• Choose food and drink options

Depending on the type of event (day or night), you'll need to decide whether you'll provide light refreshments or a full meal. Consider dietary restrictions when choosing food and drink options.

What to look for in a networking venue

When searching for a venue for your networking event there are a number of things you need to consider. You should try to find a space that will be the right size for the number of guests you're planning for, have some sort of catering options, and match the atmosphere you're looking to communicate.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a venue:

Location. If the location is convenient, people are more likely to show up. Choose somewhere that's walking distance from hotels or public transportation. If it’s too far out of the way, people may not show up at all.

Capacity. You should make sure there will be enough room for all of your expected guests and room for mingling and informal discussion. You don't want to end up with a packed house that feels cramped and uncomfortable.

Food and drinks. Consider whether or not you’ll have any food or drink at your event because this can impact how much space you need. Will you be supplying refreshments? Will guests be bringing their own? Is there an adjacent restaurant or cafe where people can grab a bite if they get hungry?

Extras. Some venues offer extras like Wi-Fi, projectors or sound systems, but these aren't always included in the price. Make sure you double-check this before booking.

Our favourite venues for networking in Bristol 

If you're like most business owners, you've probably been to at least one networking event. It's a great way to meet other people in your field and build brand awareness. But if you're looking to get into the habit of regularly hosting your own events, picking a venue can be tricky.

To help make your decision easier, we've shortlisted our three favourite venues in Bristol for hosting a networking event:

Propyard – Located in the heart of town, Propyard is an ideal venue for an intimate gathering. The loft-style space is filled with rustic charm and can be used as a blank canvas for you to decorate as you desire. Its exposed brick walls create a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for mingling and getting to know fellow attendees.

Barrelhouse – This venue is situated on Gordon Road and is one of the go-to spots for networking events in Bristol. This place has a casual feel to it, thanks to its wooden floors and huge windows that flood the room with natural light. There are also several private rooms available where you can host smaller gatherings or workshops.

Veeno Bristol – Located in Old Market Veeno Bristol has quickly become a go-to in Bristol for wine enthusiasts and others just looking for a good time. It's a great little space for hosting a laid back yet classy networking event. 

Booking your venue

When looking for a venue with VenueScanner it’s a natural part of the process to book the perfect one. All you have to do is shortlist everything you see that’s a potential winner by using the heart icon in the upper right corner. When you’ve got a good couple of options you simply head over to your shortlist and send out all enquiries in bulk. When the replies start coming in you just pick the one that suits your budget and requierments best. Easy, right?

If you’re planning a corporate event we have a concierge service that takes the entire process off your hands and can help you source venue, entertainment, catering, and more completely for free. It might sound too good to be true but it’s not! You can also alway contact us on [email protected].