The Best Networking Venues in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a fantastic choice for hosting your next networking event. It's a city that has all the right ingredients to make sure you, your colleagues and clients will have a fantastic time. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Variety

Edinburgh offers a wide range of venues in which your next networking event can be held, from the most prestigious and glamorous to something more quaint. If you're looking for something quirky, there are plenty of options available that are guaranteed to impress.

• Location

The city centre is compact, easily accessible and boasts a variety of public transport links. Edinburgh has two train stations within its city centre, Waverley Train Station and Haymarket Train Station, making it easy for those travelling by rail. There's also Edinburgh Airport which is located just six miles from the city centre.

• Easy Access

Edinburgh is easily accessible from London by rail, road or plane and offers good value accommodation throughout the year. You don't need to worry about parking either as Edinburgh's public transport is excellent; buses run very frequently and there is a tram service between the airport and Edinburgh City Centre with stops at Haymarket, Princes Street and York Place.

What to think about when planning your networking event

When planning a networking event you should start out by thinking about your guestlist, from there try to understand what these potential guests will want from a networking event, and then move on to picking a venue — if you don't have that locked in yet.

If you're starting with the venue you need to be sure it's accessible for all of your guests. If you're going to be inviting some disabled people or elderly people make sure that the venue is wheelchair accessible. Putting potential guests in an uncomfortable situation will only lead to them not coming again next time.

Make sure that everyone is able to hear conversations properly. An open space with no background noise is ideal as people are more likely to come together and talk openly when they're comfortable and can hear each other properly.

Furniture is also important, especially if you'll have any older folks there. You really don't want anyone getting injured at your event because of faulty furniture! You should also make sure that the chairs are comfortable, not just for the older folk but for everyone invited.

What makes a networking event successful 

Our experience is that the most important thing you can do to make a networking event successful is to ensure that you have a good mix of people. You want a good balance of men and women, and people from different backgrounds and industries and of different ages.

Secondly, having an event where people feel at ease and relaxed is very important. It's not always easy to create this atmosphere when it's a networking event but it helps if there are activities for people to do together. Some kind of ice breaker activity where people get talking works well as does playing games or giving out prizes for winning teams etc.

Thirdly, it's important that no one feels like they're on their own or left out so you need to have enough hosts/hostesses who will make sure everyone is included in the group conversations and activities.

If you follow this advice we’re sure your event will run smoothly!

Our favourite venues in Edinburgh for networking

Edinburgh is a huge draw for businesses across the globe, and with its booming tourism industry, it’s no surprise that the city boasts a wide range of networking venues.

Our top three venues in Edinburgh for networking are:

The Cocktail Mafia – With its relaxed atmosphere and great cocktails, The Cocktail Mafia is one of Edinburgh’s favourites for all things drinks-related. It offers a great option for after-work drinks or team social events and never fails to impress.

No. 32 Hotel and Bar – Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, No. 32 Hotel and Bar is a popular choice for hosting business events. With luxurious surroundings and free wifi, it’s perfect if you need to get some urgent work done while you network!

Assembly Roxy – Situated behind the Royal Mile, Assembly Roxy is a music venue with a twist. It has two bars and three performance spaces with plenty of areas where you can enjoy drinks while you meet new people or catch up with old business contacts. It's ideal if you're looking for a cool blank canvas-style venue.

Booking the perfect venue

Now’s the time to start looking for and booking the venue that’s perfect for your event. Start out by simply browsing the options here and on similar categories like private dining spaces in Edinburgh or networking venues in London. Whenever you see something you like you shortlist it with the heart icon that you see in the upper right corner of the venue listing. When you have a good couple of options you head over to your shortlist and send out all enquiries at the same time. When you get replies it’s easy to compare your options. 

If you’re planning on hosting a corporate event we’ve got an even less time-consuming solution for you: the VenueScanner concierge! They search for a venue for you without you having to lift a finger. They even source catering and entertainment if you want and it’s all for free.

Any questions can be answered at [email protected].