Best Conference Venues Canberra for Hire

It's said that Canberra comes from the word Kambera or "meeting place" in the Indigenous language Ngunnawal. It's no wonder then that this vibrant city is a popular setting for conferences and corporate gatherings of all sizes.

Planning a conference in Canberra? Check out this quick guide to finding your ideal Canberra conference venue.

Best venue types in Canberra to hold a conference

Canberra happens to be one of the most affordable and most educated cities in the country. These traits make Canberra one of the go-to cities in Australia for corporate events.

If you've been tasked with organising a conference in Canberra, you need to know the different types of function space that you can use for such an event. Here are some of the most popular conference venues in Canberra:

Hotels

A hotel is always a popular option for conference venues. This ideal space offers all the necessary amenities, including large event spaces, dedicated meeting rooms, good food, plenty of parking spaces and high-speed WiFi. Whether you're looking to host a large-scale conference or a more private planning session, Canberra hotels have what you need. With floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, break-out rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities, hotels in Canberra offer some of the best conference venues in the city. This is also the perfect choice for cocktail parties, networking events, and gala dinners.

Check out function rooms at hotels like Crowne Plaza Canberra, Novotel Canberra and Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport.

Conference centres

A premier choice for conferences, corporate events, and business meetings, conference centres or business centres as they are sometimes known, offer a slightly different alternative to hotels. They have similar facilities but conference venues radiate an air of exclusivity about them that appeals to many corporate clients.

Convention centres

A convention centre is larger than a conference centre. The former is used more often for trade shows whilst the latter is for smaller business gatherings. Corporate functions convention centres in Canberra offer state-of-the-art facilities and ample space to cater to large-scale events and conventions. These function venues are specifically designed to accommodate a large number of attendees and provide everything needed for a successful and productive conference.

Meeting Rooms

If you're planning a small conference or board meeting, a meeting room is a perfect option. You can find meeting spaces for hire at many hotels and business centres in Canberra. Your corporate meetings can be conducted in a professional and comfortable environment, with facilities and services that cater to your specific needs.

Coworking Space

Coworking spaces have become a popular option for small businesses and startups in recent years. These shared office spaces offer an affordable way to get all the benefits of having an office without the expensive price tag. Equipped with AV facilities, high-speed internet, and modern amenities, this is the perfect location for successful conferences.

Blank Canvas Venues

Blank canvas venues are perfect for those looking for a versatile space to host their conference. These flexible function venues provide a blank slate, allowing you to bring your own creative vision to life. Whether you're planning an innovative workshop, a brainstorming session, cocktail event or a team-building activity, these flexible spaces in Canberra offer endless possibilities.

Function centres

Businesses that rent their spaces out on a regular basis are also known as function centres. They specialise in hosting events of all sizes, including conferences, strategic planning sessions, cocktail functions, awards nights, product launches and corporate off-sites.

Restaurants

Restaurants are great for networking events, company celebrations and smaller conferences. They provide a unique and casual setting for individuals to meet up and discuss new business ideas over a good meal. Dining options at restaurants can vary from fine dining establishments to more casual and laid-back eateries. Canberra boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a range of restaurants offering various cuisines to cater to different tastes. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated dining experience or a more relaxed atmosphere, you'll find plenty of options to choose from in the city.

Where to find the ideal conference venue In Canberra

Start the hunt for amazing conference venues in these Canberra neighbourhoods:

Civic (Canberra CBD)

The city centre is home to many of the best business meeting venues located in the ACT. That's because it's close to all the government departments and offices. Canberra's city centre is also close enough for people living in neighbouring suburbs to commute easily. Civic has lots of great activities and attractions nearby that can help generate discussion amongst team members or delegates during your conference. Plus you have easy access to major attractions in the city.

Central Belconnen 

A popular area amongst both locals and travellers, Central Belconnen has a variety of venues catering to all different types of functions. It's an especially good location for companies looking to host training seminars and conferences.

South Canberra 

South Canberra is ideal for larger corporate events, as there are plenty of conference centres and hotels capable of hosting functions for up to 1,000 people. The area has easy access to the city centre via light rail, public transport or even walking! Your event experience in South Canberra is sure to be seamless and convenient for both attendees and organisers.

Central Gungahlin

Central Gungahlin is another great location in Canberra's north that's close to both the city centre and light rail. It's also the ideal area for those wanting to hold training or seminars away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Barton

Barton is a great option for businesses looking for a bit of peace and quiet during their conference. The area has a number of restaurants, cafes and bars that would be perfect for networking events or team-building exercises.

West Belconnen 

The western part of Belconnen has some great options if you're on a limited budget, as the more affordable venue spaces can still create an elegant event for up to 200 people or fewer. The area can also be ideal if you want something that is less formal, such as small pubs or cafes with intimate surrounds and canapé-style menus.

Braddon ACT

A trendy suburb with funky cafes and bars, Braddon is a great option for smaller events or conferences that are looking for a more relaxed vibe. This ideal location is known for its creative vibes, so it's perfect if you want to encourage out-of-the-box thinking during your event!

Outer North

The outer north can provide you with many options when it comes to venue spaces. There are plenty of places for conferences, but there's also a wide variety of function room options at venues that have been built to accommodate events such as weddings or other parties and social functions.

Factors to consider when looking for Canberra conference venues

When looking for conference venues in Canberra, there are several factors to consider that can help you find the perfect space for your event. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Location: Location plays a crucial role when choosing a conference venue in Canberra. Consider the accessibility and convenience for your attendees. Is the venue located near major transportation hubs or highways? Can it be easily reached by public transportation? Having the venue in a central location can increase attendance rates and make it more convenient for your guests.

Capacity: Capacity is another important factor to consider when searching for conference venues in Canberra. You need to determine how many attendees you expect for your event and ensure that the venue can comfortably accommodate that number. Whether you're planning intimate gatherings or large-scale conferences, it's important to choose a venue that has the appropriate capacity to accommodate your guests.

Event Requirements: Does the function space cater to your event requirements such as technology and audiovisual equipment, seating arrangements, catering options, and event support services? It's important to ensure that the venue has the necessary resources and amenities to meet your specific event needs. For example, if you plan to have presentations or workshops, check if the venue has projection screens, sound systems, and microphones. If you require specific seating arrangements such as theater-style or round tables, make sure the venue can accommodate them.

Catering: Catering is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a conference venue in Canberra. The food and beverages served during your event can greatly impact the overall experience and satisfaction of your attendees. Does the venue have onsite catering services or do they allow external catering? Does it cater to your dietary requirements? This is an important question to ask before finalising a conference venue.

Budget: Budget is another crucial factor to consider when looking for conference venues in Canberra. It's important to have a clear understanding of your budget limitations and allocate the necessary funds for venue hire. Check for event packages that include the venue rental, catering, and other services you may require. Some venues may offer discounted rates for non-profit organisations or for private functions held during off-peak seasons. It's also worth comparing prices between different venues to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

5 tips to improve your conference registration

Find your perfect Canberra conference venue

Are you pulling your hair trying to figure out where to find a conference venue in Canberra ACT? Visit VenueNow, the country's largest venue marketplace. Use the platform's smart venue finder to search and book your perfect venue in mere minutes! Event planning has never been easier!

Contact our team of event booking experts today to find the perfect events venue for you and start planning your memorable events!