Attended a conference here recently and gotta point out the following: know what's quite poorly designed at the Business Design Centre? The ladies restroom, and that's a problem, especially when it impacts a 3000+ attendee, multi day event. The restroom door swings in, guaranteed to hit anyone waiting for one of the handful of stalls inside. The hand dryer is located directly outside the stall closest to the door. Worst case scenario, a person is drying their hands and gets bumped from one side by someone trying to exit the far stall and sandwiched by another someone waiting in line who's just been shoved forward by someone else trying to open the entry door. Aside from the ladies bathroom design fiasco, the space itself was adequate for the event, on site food was decent, and public transportation as well as lodging are conveniently located. read more

The BDC is a really spacious venue, but can be a little touch and go. I've been to a couple of wine shows here that have been amazing, really taking advantage of the tiered leveling and space, and I've heard stories about events that crammed too much into too little and they fell short, so I guess it'll depend on who's organizing what you're going to! I think it suits well for smaller and medium sized shows, but the centre itself is in a great location on Upper St, allowing for some great places to meet & mingle before and after your conference. There's also some hotel accommodations nearby if you're just in for the occasion. I was quite impressed with the potential of the BDC, and have had some great times here! It's got a good range from professional-to-social gatherings. read more

You will not fail to find this centre situated in Islington, Upper street is a great street with good restaurant, bars and boutiques. There is a massive sign hanging over it: BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE in black and white. Coming up the escalator you will be welcomed by lots of posters displayed on the billboard. The reason why I visited the Business Design Centre a lot was because of the art fair, Christmas fair and more business specialised Seminars. The London Art Fair was not as big as frieze or the art fair Basel/Miami, but definitely had an interesting selection. A specialized fair for smaller fashion companies helped me to get the right contacts regarding production. I also had the opportunity to visit the Christmas fair where I was busy trying all the different food. There I found Christmas decoration for my mother and a Christmas pudding for my grand mother. Every event has been unique and useful. The centre hosts exhibitions, events, seminars, showroom and offices. It has a buzzy, vibrant atmosphere where professionals meet and exchange information! read more

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Was here for an international conference in early '09. The building was beautiful and accommodated our large group of over 2,000 people. The space is very interesting, with many design and internet companies housed there. There is a Dyson design shop there and the loos all have Mr. Dyson's latest hand dryer--I wish I had one! :) One of the challenges with the facility is that the sound system was spotty, so it was hard to hear sometimes, especially if the speaker had a soft voice. read more

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I ended up at the BDC for a Trade Show (A Housewares Show) and was quite astounded by how good this place was. I was used to the NEC in Birmingham for Trade shows (which is just a massive hanger) and so the carpeted and rightly lit room was a nice surprise. This place oozed class and walking round it looked really good with all the stands and the decorations that had been put up. There was bunting galore and it was done tastefully. The three tiered system also gave it that extra good feel to it that is quite hard to put into words and has to be experienced. The food court is nicely tucked away, OTT prices but what else would you expect with a captive audience, luckily mine was paid for by the company though if the prices make you balk there is a supermarket (one of the big chain ones, forget which) down the road for you sandwich needs. All in all this is a great place to be showing or to visit, and is one of the better venues around the country. read more

"Very good conference center" An easy walk from the Angel Underground on the Northern Line - we came in directly from Heathrow and it wasn't difficult at all. Very interesting - they've taken the Royal Agriculture Hall and put in permanent office space - many high tech companies. Then on the mezzanine, there is space for exhibits. Its a wonderful size for a moderate convention. read more

A super cool space, which makes the ideal place for an exhibition or event, as it's very large and spacious. The toilets are on the stairwells, which is a lil bit weird, but liveable. Will be back again for the next food or fashion event. read more

BDC is one of the première event spaces in London for all kinds of exhibitions, shows and functions. The Bar Show is one of my favourites to be held here. The space itself can house hundreds of exhibitors, and has the facilities to wow the most hardy businessman. It's cool, snazzy and easy to get to. So whether you are having an exhibition, a conference or even interested in having office space here, the Business Design Centre can accommodate all your needs. read more

Most of the design and architecture related annual shows are held here, from the Arc Lighting show, The Eco Village show etc. Very professional companies come under one roof every year and compete with one another in new technology and make efforts to expand their brand business with professionals and traders. Its also an opportunity to know what is new in the business and to meet a few esteemed otherwise unsocialble entrepreneurs. Attend one of their shows to get a preview of what its all about. Mostly I find this centre convenient to people who want to get in contact with design professionals and also to get a first hand knowledge on products available in the market. There is also an advisary board to help you in any queries. read more

Business Design Centre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - London, XGL

I've been here for a Bride show before and also recently for Stylist Live. It's a spacious, well laid out centre and never feels too crowded even when it's busy due to its good layout. It can get a bit warm in here so I recommend you wear a light jacket if you're visiting even if it's really cold outside. The toilets are difficult to find, there doesn't seem to be any visible signs anywhere apart from when you are on the top floor. I'd definitely visit again for an event and perfectly located for lunch and drinks after too in the bustling area of Upper Street. read more

Business Design Centre - Stylist Live - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - London, XGL

From Upper Street your first view of this building is a striking façade, with arched glass windows, set back from the street, on top of a series of terraces, it looks modern. Inside however the origins of the hall are revealed. It was originally the Agricultural Hall, started in 1861. At the time the span of the clear space inside was unusually large, beating both contemporaries Alexander Palace and Crystal Palace. Today the old ironwork railings and arched roof still give a lovely feel to the central area, though the rooms around the edge are pretty non-descript. It's a fair sized space, not on the scale of the Excel Centre, but still with plenty of space for a large event with multiple separate rooms for workshops etc. I've attended for an art fair and a recruitment fair. Judging by the 'upcoming' events it is mostly used for business related shows (recruitment for various sectors, management strategies, etc. However they also do an eclectic range of events. Upcoming there are events for stamp collectors or 'Beer Exposed', which promises to allow visitors to experience beer in a new way Shows may be private or open to the public, and prices vary from free upwards. At the moment they also have 'The Islington Beach' out for the summer: a flat area of terrace has been fenced, covered in sand and provided with deck chairs and a palm tree. Something different for Upper Street! read more

Only a 5 minute walk from Angel tube, you will find just situated off the main road the Business Design centre. Its right next to the Hilton hotel so handy if your attending a 2 day event. I went for the Online Marketing Show and its was very spacious inside, no pushing or shoving and overall a good layout. However the cafe is well naff So great location for an exhibition. read more

The BDC looks pretty enough from the outside - it was formerly the Royal Agricultural Hall - and is massive inside. The events held inside range from book fairs to interior design exhibitions, and the space is absolutely suitable for this. It's just hard to get excited about large halls. There are a few places around to grab a bite, no queues for the toilet so... From Angel tube it is about a 10-15 minute walk, although there are busses and parking. It does exactly what it says on the tin. read more

I work in this building - it is indeed massive and there are plenty of varied shows - there is now a sandwich shop right across the road.. as well as the one in the cafeteria. It does the job - enough said really. read more

The food court is nicely laid away, with different foods to choose from. There is also a supermarket that sells and kinds of sandwiches at very affordable price. It is truly a great place to visit;it is one of the bestspotsin the country :) read more