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National Conference Centre

National Conference Centre

Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands

The National Conference Centre is an all-singing-all-dancing events venue just 25 minutes from Birmingham city centre and central to the UK. With over 250,000 sq ft of conference, meeting and outdoor space and capacity for 1800 delegates, this place is hard to beat for business meetings and events including conferences, training and team building days, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, gala dinners and networking receptions.

All 14 spaces at the National Conference Centre have in-built flexibility; the biggest is the Britannia, holding a whopping 1800 guests for drinks receptions, 1400 in theatre style, and 910 for a glittering banquet. The Imperial is the other main suite, with capacity for 1600 people standing, or for 1354 theatre style and 810 dining.

Then there are 4 rooms that hold 600 folk for drinks, 120-400 in theatre style and 300-380 for gala dinners. The Trafalgar holds 500 for a cocktail reception or a maximum of 300 seated, and going down in size, there are three rooms with capacity for 250-350 standing and 72-200 sat down. Balcony 1 and Balcony 2 hold 120 standing, 70 in theatre style, 60 for private dining and 24 for a board meeting; The Crows Nest and Wardroom are ideal for smaller executive confabs and seat 25 and 14 respectively. The vast outdoor space is ripe for bbqs, team building and summer events.

There is vehicular access to all suites, 200MBps wifi, power continuity, and state-of-the-art AV plus an on-site production team. The events team will ensure your event runs like clockwork and you’ll have first rate catering. There are hotels nearby for overnight delegates, and free onsite parking. The venue is just off J6 of the M42, with Birmingham International train station and airport are 5 minutes away.

National Conference Centre Map
Venue National Conference Centre
Max Capacity 1,800 guests
Address Coventry Road
Bickenhill
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 0EJ

Capacity Overview

Max Capacity
1,800
Reception
1,800
Theatre
1,400
Dining
1,000
Dinner & Dance
910
Cabaret
616
Classroom
750

Featured Event Spaces (13)

Britannia Suite - National Conference Centre

Britannia Suite

Area: 887m2
Dimensions: 38.1m (L) x 23.29m (W) x 3.56m (H)
Max Capacity
1,800
Reception
1,800
Theatre
1,400
Dining
1,000
Dinner & Dance
910
Cabaret
616
Classroom
750
More Details

The Britannia Suite has benefited greatly from this refurbishment, improving our overall facilities and offering the very latest in state-of-the art conference resources. The luxurious setting of the Britannia is comfortably capable of hosting over 1400 guests.

Similar in design to the classic style of the Imperial Suite, the Britannia, with its large open space, free of any columns, is ideal for a wide range of corporate events, functions and product launches. With the addition of two sound-proofed partitions, the Britannia may be divided into smaller areas if required.

Imperial Suite - National Conference Centre

Imperial Suite

Area: 810m2
Dimensions: 42.86m (L) x 18.89m (W) x 3.54m (H)
Max Capacity
1,800
Reception
1,800
Theatre
1,300
Dining
810
Dinner & Dance
600
Cabaret
600
Classroom
850
More Details

Decorated in classic style the suite's high level of visual and conference aid technology is not immediately apparent. Crystal chandeliers provide four levels of lighting controlled from a single remote control, whilst the entertainment lighting system is completely concealed behind two huge ceiling panels. These rotate to reveal an ambitious and exciting installation capable of producing a multitude of effects.
The Imperial Suite is equipped with a stunning and versatile video system. A 3 * 4 metre video screen and six 32" LCD monitors are linked to an installation that allows projection of DVD and VHS media, transparencies, cinefilm and projector slides. The system can project computer graphics and also possesses a video typewriting facility.
The suites audio system utilises 52 separate loudspeaker boxes with a total of 110 drive units and an amplification system rated at 6,000 watts. These too are integrated into the classical decor and cannot be seen.

Ballacraine Suite - National Conference Centre

Ballacraine Suite

Area: 364m2
Dimensions: 19.07m (L) x 19.07m (W) x 2.58m (H)
Max Capacity
600
Reception
600
Theatre
120
Dinner & Dance
300
Cabaret
208
Classroom
80
More Details

Connected through a small vestibule to the Bracebridge Suite, the Ballacraine is highly recommended for those holding a combined banquet or conference. It boasts an ensuite bar, air conditioning and a top of the range integral sound system. Despite providing a huge 370 square meters of space, the suite manages to maintain a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Other features include microphone pick-up sockets, lighting controls and integral telephone points.

No matter what the event, you will also benefit from the exceptional catering facilities shared with the Kirkmichael and Bracebride suites. If holding a theatre style conference, the Ballacraine Suite will hold up to 120 delegates. For dinner dances the capacity expands to 208 delegates.

Bracebridge Suite - National Conference Centre

Bracebridge Suite

Area: 368m2
Dimensions: 19.33m (L) x 19.06m (W) x 2.22m (H)
Max Capacity
600
Reception
600
Theatre
120
Dinner & Dance
330
Cabaret
160
Classroom
80
More Details

Searching for a suite that offers both state of the art equipment and comfort? The Bracebridge is one of our most requested suites due to its luxury décor, extravagant features and easy access. Located on the lower floor of the museum, it is especially ideal for disabled and elderly guests. Capable of holding 120 delegates for conferences and 280 delegates for dinner dances, the suite comes with its own well-stocked bar. It is also fully air conditioned and a movable dance floor can be requested.

If holding a conference, you will find the microphone pick-up sockets and telephone points integrated throughout the suite incredibly useful. Our conference staff are also available to organize, plan and advise you if needed.

Compton Suite - National Conference Centre

Compton Suite

Area: 368m2
Dimensions: 19.25m (L) x 19.11m (W) x 5.05m (H)
Max Capacity
600
Reception
600
Theatre
400
Dinner & Dance
380
Cabaret
224
Classroom
250

Manxman Suite

Area: 365m2
Dimensions: 19.16m (L) x 19.03m (W) x 3.15m (H)
Max Capacity
600
Reception
600
Theatre
400
Dinner & Dance
380
Cabaret
240
Classroom
250
More Details

The Manxman Suite is adjoins to the Compton Suite and its facilities and capabilities are identical, except it also acts as an anti-room for the Britannia Suite.

Premier Suite - National Conference Centre

Premier Suite

Area: 367m2
Dimensions: 19.17m (L) x 19.13m (W) x 6.62m (H)
Max Capacity
600
Reception
600
Theatre
370
Dinner & Dance
360
Cabaret
240
Classroom
200
More Details

The Premier Suite's high ceiling allows intricate theatre lighting to be deployed with ease.
The Premier Suite is located on the ground floor of the Conference Centre, along with the adjacent Compton and Manxman Suites. With a total column-free floor area in excess of 370 square metres, the Premier Suite offers a unique venue for conferences, trade shows, and private functions.

Trafalgar Suite - National Conference Centre

Trafalgar Suite

Area: 299m2
Dimensions: 18.65m (L) x 16.05m (W) x 5.1m (H)
Max Capacity
500
Reception
500
Theatre
300
Dinner & Dance
200
Cabaret
112
Classroom
160
More Details

The features of the Imperial Suite extend through the Trafalgar to create a lavish suite accommodating around 300 for a theatre style meeting and 400 for a reception.
Suitable as a meeting or conference room, or as a pre-function room to the Imperial Suite, the Trafalgar includes feature wall coverings, ornate plaster cornices and ceiling moldings as part of its stylish design.
With direct access to extensive dedicated catering facilities, the provides an ideal setting for lunches and receptions.

Whatever the event you are organising in the Trafalgar Suite, you are, of course, assured of our attentive assistance and, should you require it, our help and guidance too.

Waterloo Suite

Area: 250m2
Dimensions: 22.38m (L) x 11.19m (W) x 2.35m (H)
Max Capacity
350
Reception
350
Theatre
200
Dining
200
Dinner & Dance
200
Cabaret
112
Classroom
130
More Details

The suite is very flexible in the options it presents; and can be used as a pre-function room in conjunction with the Trafalgar Suite, for small-scale dinner dances, meetings and weddings.

Kirkmichael Suite

Area: 150m2
Dimensions: 19.42m (L) x 7.7m (W) x 2.27m (H)
Max Capacity
250
Reception
250
Theatre
72
Cabaret
40
Classroom
40
More Details

With its intimate and welcoming atmosphere, the Kirkmichael Suite is one of our smaller options. Capable of holding up to 72 delegates for theatre style meetings and 80 delegates for banquets, it focuses on both comfort and luxury. It is situated close to the Ballacraine and Bracebridge suites enabling it to be used as a hospitality suite.

The Balcony Suite - National Conference Centre

The Balcony Suite

Max Capacity
120
Reception
120
Theatre
80
Cabaret
50
Classroom
50
Boardroom
48
More Details

Spacious, bright and stunning are the best ways to describe the Balcony Suite. It is capable of holding up to 80 delegates for meetings, conferences and banquets and up to 120 delegates for receptions. Within the suite there are large patio design windows which beautifully open out onto a large balcony, providing a view of the entrance to the Museum. The versatile and unobtrusive partition enables the suite to be separated into two different rooms.

If you book in the summer months, chairs and tables will be provided on the balcony for guests to relax and soak up the sun. It truly is a stunning choice for any small event.

Crows Nest - National Conference Centre

Crows Nest

Area: 89m2
Dimensions: 12.17m (L) x 7.32m (W) x 3.1m (H)
Max Capacity
100
Theatre
100
Cabaret
66
Classroom
48
More Details

The newly refurbished Crow’s Nest Suite is both spacious and comfortable. Capable of holding up to 100 delegates for theatre style meetings and up to 66 delegates in classroom layout . It even benefits from an ensuite bar which gives you and your guests everything you need to host your own private party.

Wardroom - National Conference Centre

Wardroom

Area: 37m2
Dimensions: 6.39m (L) x 5.83m (W) x 2.83m (H)
Max Capacity
14
Boardroom
14
More Details

The Wardroom is ideal for one-to-one interviews, or board meetings

Our smallest suite, The Wardroom provides the perfect setting for confidential business meetings, private luncheons or intimate dinner parties.

Adjacent the larger Crow's Nest, the Wardroom can be utilised as an ante-room for functions requiring a separate or private area.

Key Features

  • AV Equipment
  • Disability Access
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station
  • Family Friendly
  • Late Licence
  • Licensed Bar
  • Local Public Transport
  • Music Licence
  • Outside Space
  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi Access