The days of sitting in a windowless room for eight hours, staring at a flickering PowerPoint, are fading. Today’s delegates don’t just want to be spoken at; they want to be part of the conversation.
Enter the “Un-Conference.” An un-conference flips the traditional script. It’s participant-driven, high-energy, and focuses on breakout discussions rather than long-form lectures. At The Priory Rooms, our unique layout—blending 1930s architecture with a modern city-centre extension—makes us the ideal canvas for this creative format.
Here is how you can master the art of the un-conference at The Priory Rooms Birmingham.
The key to a successful un-conference is the “Pitch.” Start your morning in our Main Meeting House, our largest and most flexible space. With its grand scale and excellent acoustics, it’s the perfect spot for all 210 delegates to gather and voice the topics they want to tackle.
The Strategy: Use the Atrium just outside for registration and “pitch boards.” Have delegates use Post-it notes to suggest session topics over a cup of our Fairtrade coffee.
The Transition: Group those notes into themes and assign them to our diverse breakout rooms across the building.
A traditional hotel ballroom is often too static for an un-conference. Our venue offers nine versatile rooms that allow for complete physical separation between ideas.
Send the “Tech Innovators” to the George Fox or William Penn rooms, which offer modern AV setups and flexible layouts.
Host intimate “Deep-Dive” circles in the Elizabeth Fry or Margaret Fell rooms, nestled in our lower level for added privacy.
For high-level strategy, the Reading Room or the new Pamela Williams Room provide the perfect quiet atmosphere for small-group breakthroughs.
A staple of the un-conference is the Law of Two Feet: If you aren’t learning or contributing where you are, use your two feet and move. Our building is designed for flow. Delegates can transition from a heated debate in the Lloyd Room to a reflective session in the Sturge Room, or catch up with a peer in our light-filled Atrium. This movement prevents “conference fatigue” and encourages the accidental networking that makes events memorable.
Creativity thrives on natural light and fresh air. Between sessions, encourage your delegates to step into our landscaped courtyard garden—a “hidden gem” in Birmingham’s city centre—for a mental reset.
Fuel the brain with our sustainable catering. From Meat Free Mondays to locally sourced buffets, our food is designed to keep energy levels stable. Plus, as a not-for-profit venue, your event supports the work of the Central England Quakers, meaning your un-conference isn’t just good for your team—it’s good for the community.
Ready to ditch the podium? Whether you’re planning a 2026 conference or a last-minute strategy day, The Priory Rooms Birmingham offers the tranquil atmosphere and professional support you need to break the mold.
Ready to book? 📧 Email us: enquiries@theprioryrooms.co.uk 📞 Call us: 0121 236 2317 🌐 Visit: theprioryrooms.co.uk
