The Best Networking Venues in Glasgow

Glasgow is a city full of history and heritage, but it is also home to some of the world’s top businesses. From banking and finance to retail and engineering, Glasgow is a great choice for your next networking event.

The city centre is home to a number of conference centres, which make for the perfect spot for your event. If you are looking for a more informal affair, why not head to one of the many hotels on offer in Glasgow? There are so many great options for venue hire in Glasgow and we’re here to help you find the very best one for your next networking event. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

What to think about when planning a networking event

There are two ways to think about networking events. The first is as a way to get to know people who can help you make sales, and the second is as a way to grow your network. Before you decide which one you're going to go with, take time to think through the pros and cons of each approach.

The biggest question is: Who are your guests? If they're people you want to meet in order for them to help you close deals, then networking is an excellent strategy. But if they're acquaintances whom you just want to socialize with, then it might not be worth the effort.

Assessing what your guests will want from the event will help you prepare for what goes into your event's structure and its success. Your attendees will have different expectations based on their current career stage, company size and industry so you need to ask some questions and gather some data before deciding how best to put together this type of event.

What to look for in a networking venue

When you look for a venue for a networking event you want to make sure you know what type of space you need. Do you need multiple rooms or just one big space? If it's the latter, choose a room that has high ceilings and big windows. This creates an open and airy feel, which will help everyone enjoy themselves.

Once you know the type of space you're looking for, figure out the size. How many attendees are expected? Will there be speakers? A DJ? Booths or tables with information? Make sure there's enough room for everything, including people walking around and mingling.

Don't forget to consider catering options. Some venues have kitchens on site so they can prepare food right at the venue. Others will allow outside caterers to come in and set up shop. If they don't have a kitchen, ask if they have refrigeration or storage space available.

Decide how much alcohol you want to serve at your event. If it's going to be a casual cocktail party, make sure your venue will serve alcohol or that they'll allow you to bring your own beverages in.

Our favourite venues in Glasgow for networking

Our three favourite venues in Glasgow for hosting a networking event are Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Revolution Mitchell Street and The Engine Works. These three venues always prove popular with organisers and attendees.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery – Situated in the west end of Glasgow, this stunning venue is perfect for a variety of different events including networking and other corporate events. It has a grand entrance that is sure to impress your guests and a large central hall that is ideal for networking. There are also plenty of other rooms available if you’re looking to host a smaller event.

Revolution – If you’re looking to host an evening networking event then Revolution on Mitchell Street is the perfect location. This venue boasts an incredible cocktail menu, as well as cosy booths where you can enjoy them. Easy to find from the main train station, it’s also ideally located for people travelling from outside the city.

The Engine Works – The Engine Works is another great venue that's perfect if you're looking for a blank canvas space to host a fun mingle for your guests. Check out our guide to decorating a blank canvas venue.

Booking a venue with VenueScanner

Booking a venue through VenueScanner is so simple you can ask the intern to do it in their sleep. All you have to do is browse your options on this page and other relevant pages like restaurants in Glasgow or drinks reception venues in Glasgow. Whenever you see something that you like you simply shortlist it with the heart icon on the listing. From your shortlist, you can send out all the enquiries at the same time so you waste no time contacting each venue separately. When replies start coming in you simply compare the options and make an informed decision. 

If you’d rather outsource the entire process our concierge service can help you find the perfect venue, entertainment, and catering for your event. You wouldn’t believe it but it’s all for free. You can also always contact us by email at [email protected] and we’ll help you as soon as possible. Good luck!