Your chosen event venue is more than just a location, it's an embodiment of your event, a space where ideas and innovations meet to create something unforgettable for your attendees. Your chosen venue can set the tone for your event, and is an integral part in planning to understand your event size, demographic and audience.
In this blog post, we'll venture into the heart of Sussex and discover its most exceptional event venues. From historic settings to contemporary spaces, East Sussex and West Sussex offer a diverse range of venues to cater to every type of expo.
Corn Exchange
Brighton Dome, Brighton, East Sussex
Capacity: 400-800+
Travel: Corn Exchange is 10 minutes’ walk from Brighton train station, or car parking is available for an additional fee at NCP Theatre carpark.
Within the heart of Brighton, the historic Corn Exchange brings together heritage and innovation. This Grade I listed building was originally crafted as the Prince Regent's stables and throughout its journey, the Corn Exchange's purpose has evolved. Today, it stands transformed into a versatile event space and the ongoing £21 million redevelopment is a promise of even greater things to come.
With arched ceilings, maple wood floors, bespoke event lighting, 2-phase power, kitchen facilities and WI-FI, this central Brighton venue is one your guest will not be forgetting.
South of England Event Centre
Ardingly, West Sussex
Capacity: 400-1,250
Transport: A short 10-minute bus journey from Haywards Heath train station, which sees journeys from London and Brighton. Plenty of on-site car parking combining to 6,000 spaces.
One of the largest indoor event venues in the South of England, the South of England Event Centre has over 8000 square meters of space indoors and outdoors, for your event. Located 36 miles from London and 20 miles from Brighton, the South of England Event Centre is accessible buy car, bus and rail.
For small to medium-sized exhibitions, the Norfolk Pavilion creates the perfect atmosphere. With five bright and modern rooms available over two floors, including on-site bar, WC and catering facilities, the venue can be hired as a whole or configured to meet your needs. For larger expos, organisers have the choice of the Queen’s Jubilee Hall, with 1,130m2 of versatile space it can be a blank canvas for any array of exhibitions. The South of England Event Centre also have their own accommodation Rank Lodge, comprising of space for 60 overnight guests.
King’s Centre
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Capacity: 240-1,000
Travel: 10-minute walk from Hampden Station as well as having free on-site parking.
In the heart of Eastbourne, the King's Centre presents a diverse array of event spaces, catering to every occasion, from intimate meetings to grand gatherings. The Main Hall stands as the largest among its ten versatile event spaces. This expansive hall effortlessly transforms to host seminars, conferences, and expos and is equipped with built-in audio-visual resources of video/data projector, PA system, CD and mini-disc playback, DVD player, digital TV, and Wi-Fi.
The King's Centre not only excels in providing adaptable spaces but also takes care of culinary needs with their in-house catering. Offering a variety of options, they tailor the menu to suit the unique requirements of each event. From the moment attendees arrive, the King's Centre is dedicated to creating events that are not just gatherings but memorable experiences in the heart of this vibrant coastal town.
Double Tree Brighton Metropole
Brighton, East Sussex
Capacity: up to 3,000
Transport: 20-minute walk from Brighton train station.
Situated along Brighton's iconic seafront, the Double Tree Brighton Metropole stands out as a premier choice for hosting exceptional expos and events. Featuring 24 meeting rooms, including 4 spacious exhibition halls, this venue offers a versatile canvas for organisers to create their event space.
The array of event spaces can be combined or separated out to accommodate different event sizes, overall accommodating up to 3,000 attendees. Each event space is fitted with air conditioning, visual and audio resources and can be configurable for multiple event setups. The Double Tree Brighton Metropole in-house AV team can be at hand to help, allowing for a seamless technology experience throughout the event.
K2 Crawley
Crawley, West Sussex
Capacity: up to 3,000
Transport: Nearby train stations Crawley and Three Bridges, 450 on-site car parking spaces.
At the heart of event versatility, K2 Crawley's Sports Hall is more than just a venue—it's a dynamic space that hosts a range of events, from the prestigious English Snooker Open to hockey, darts, music concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. The Sports Hall is the main event space, with a capacity of 3,000 and comes fully equipped for seamless event configuration, featuring seating, tables, a stage, and acoustic curtains.
Flexibility is key, as the Sports Hall can be effortlessly divided into three smaller sections, catering to diverse expo needs. Fitted with audio-visual kits and free WiFi, it's perfect for tech-savvy organisers. The on-site café and licensed bar add a touch of convenience, ensuring that catering needs are met effortlessly throughout the course of the event.
Strategically located with Gatwick Airport a few miles away and two nearby train stations, K2 Crawley is easy accessibility for attendees. It has ample parking, with 450 spaces and overflow options for larger events, K2 Crawley upholds its reputation as a go-to venue for events that demand both flexibility and accessibility.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hosting an exceptional expo across East and West Sussex, you have a range of outstanding venues at your disposal. Each venue offers unique features, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedicated events team to ensure the success of your event.
From the seaside locations of Brighton and Eastbourne, to the urban town of Crawley, these 5 venues aren’t just event spaces, they’re your partner in creating unforgettable experiences.
If you are wanting to move away from the traditional expo halls and are looking for a venue further afield, check out our insights of Hampshire expo venues and alternative venues to leave your guests amazed with unique settings.
