Let’s face it, nobody wants to sit through a soulless PowerPoint marathon for an entire day, in a whitewashed windowless room, while sipping down bad coffee. It’s time to fix the basics, shake things up, and try to stand out. 

1. Keep it real

Virtual events had their day (looking at you Covid-19), but people love real-life experiences. That said, a hybrid element (live streaming key talks, interactive Q&As) can make your event accessible without killing the buzz of in-person networking. It also means you can cast your net a little wider in terms of who is able to attend and engage with your event. 

2. Who cares?

Your conference should answer one question: Why should I be excited about this? Whether it’s an unmissable list of speakers, an innovative approach to networking, or an experience they can’t get elsewhere, make it one people just have to be there for. Spend time thinking about the “Why?” It’ll make all the difference.

3. More stories, less script

No one wants to hear another overly orchestrated, scripted corporate speech. Bring in speakers who have energy, tell stories, and interact with the audience. Ruffle a few feathers, if needs be. Also, depending on the topic and the audience, the format is key. More often than not, panel discussions, fireside chats, and live Q&As beat 90-minute long monologues every time.

4. Punchy, engaging and flexible

Shorter, bitesize sessions keep energy levels up. Let’s face it, attention spans have waned in recent years. So, incorporate interactive elements like live polling, workshops, or even AI-powered networking tools to keep things alive. If things go a little off-piste, good! That looseness is where the magic is.

5. Star of the show: food and drink

Coffee that doesn’t taste like disappointment is a must. So is food that goes beyond a standard beige buffet. This is the fuel that powers ideas, conversations and business. So, provide choice, and healthy options that provide actual energy, not slump, and consider sustainable catering that people will actually talk about.

6. Tech that works (and enhances experience)

A seamless event app for schedules, networking, and live updates? Great. A clunky registration system that crashes mid-check-in? Not so much. Poor tech at an event is unforgivable in 2025. Be sure to check what your choice of venue provides, and do a test run before the big day to avoid last-minute disasters. Even better, see if the venue provides live support.

7. Make networking effortless

People want to meet new people (most of the time, anyway) without the awkwardness. Help them out with structured, not forced networking (speed meets, industry-matching, AI suggestions) and provide cool breakout spaces that enable easy conversation. This is the difference. If people leave your event feeling like they made valuable connections, they’ll feel like the event was worth attending. That simple. 

8. Sustainability? Non-Negotiable

Single-use plastics and paper-heavy agendas? Let’s change that. Attendees love an event that’s eco-conscious — think digital programs, local suppliers. And, there’s a bonus, too: It’s cost-effective for you as an organiser. 

9. Fun allowed

Who says conferences can’t be a little fun? Live music, wellness breaks, VR experiences, or surprise guest appearances can all make your event memorable (for the right reasons). People will very likely forget a lot of what was said during seminar 113. But they will remember the band playing their favourite song, or the morning yoga session…

10. Follow-ups matter

Don’t just disappear after the event. Keep the energy alive with highlights, key takeaways, and exclusive content. Videos, fun photos, soundbites — it will all add value and keep the convo going. If you nailed it, people will be counting down to your next one.

Conferences in 2025 should be engaging, experiential, and a little unpredictable. Get the basics right, then add a little creativity, and watch people actually want to be there.

Film fans are in for a treat next month, as 90s classic The Matrix is coming to Birmingham’s biggest screen. Following its 25th anniversary, the sci-fi spectacular is coming to Millennium Point on 26 April.

The film follows computer hacker Neo as he discovers a shocking secret that turns his world upside down. Soon, Neo is left fighting for his life but his new mentor, the mysterious Morpheus, has prepared him with some surprising skills.

Watch The Matrix on the big screen!

Released at the end of the 90s, The Matrix wowed a generation of cinema goers and changed cinema forever. The film ushered in a new era of action-packed films but remains one of the most exciting movies of all time. Now, a new generation of cinema goers will get to witness The Matrix on the big screen for the first time.

Profits from the science-fiction screening will support real-life science projects in the West Midlands via the Millennium Point Trust. Families can also enjoy a special screening of Moana on the giant screen, alongside a children’s disco, earlier on the same day.

Millennium Point Commercial Director, Rebecca Delmore, commented: “I am thrilled to give film fans the opportunity to experience The Matrix on Birmingham’s biggest screen. Younger fans, who have only seen it on their TV screens, will get to experience it in a whole new way and be amazed – just as we all were back in the 90s!”

Tickets for The Matrix at Millennium Point on 26th April are from £10 and can be purchased on our What’s On.

Millennium Point isn’t just a venue — it’s a vibrant hub that brings Birmingham’s community together. From blockbuster film screenings (on the city’s biggest screen, no less) to science fairs and family-friendly events, Millennium Point has something for everyone.

As a not-for-profit organisation, our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences while giving back to the city we love. Here’s why you should visit.

1. A space for everyone

Whether you’re a film buff, a science enthusiast, or a parent looking for something fun to do with the kids, Millennium Point offers a range of public events throughout the year. Our spaces are designed to inspire and engage, blending education with entertainment in a way that’s accessible to all.

2. Bringing Birmingham together

Millennium Point isn’t just about big events — it’s also about making connections. Our spacious Atrium has hosted everything from artisan markets to cultural showcases, giving local creators and performers a platform to shine. We also work hard to support local, independent businesses.

3. A Venue with purpose

When you attend an event at Millennium Point, you’re contributing to something bigger. All profits from public events go directly into funding STEM education and local community projects. Every ticket bought helps to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Birmingham.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest updates—we’re always adding new events!

Visit us and get involved

Millennium Point is more than a venue—it’s your venue. Whether you’re attending or organising an event, or simply exploring our iconic space, you’re part of a community that values learning, creativity, and fun.

Ready to join the action? Check out our events calendar and discover what’s happening next. 

Millennium Point Trust is more than just a name; it actively has an impact on Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a charity committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Trust channels revenue generated by Millennium Point into local initiatives, projects, and partnerships. Here’s how Millennium Point Trust makes an impact:

1. Funding STEM education for the future

At the heart of our Trust’s mission is a commitment to supporting STEM education. Each year, the Trust awards grants to schools, colleges, and organisations to fund innovative STEM projects. From robotics kits to science workshops, these grants provide young people with hands-on experiences that ignite a passion for learning and inspire future careers.

 

2. Empowering underrepresented groups

The Trust works to ensure STEM is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. By funding initiatives that target underrepresented groups, the Trust helps to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. This focus on inclusivity boosts the STEM landscape and ensures no talent is left ignored.

3. Supporting local organisations

Collaboration is vital for creating meaningful change, and Millennium Point Trust is proud to work with local charities, schools, and community groups. These partnerships enable the delivery of projects that make an impact, from after-school STEM clubs to community events that engage families in science and technology.

4. Encouraging innovation in education

Education doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. The Trust funds creative projects that make STEM subjects exciting and relevant. Whether it’s building solar-powered models or exploring the principles of coding through gaming, these initiatives help students connect STEM to real-world applications.

5. A venue with a purpose

When you book an event at Millennium Point, you’re contributing directly to the Trust’s work. Revenue generated by venue hire is reinvested into the community, funding projects that make a real difference. By choosing Millennium Point, businesses and individuals play a part in creating a brighter future for Birmingham.

6. Inspiring the next generation

Through its work, the Trust inspires young people to see the potential of STEM. By providing access to resources, experiences, and mentorship, the Trust helps young minds imagine themselves as the engineers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow.

7. Driving regional growth

Investing in STEM isn’t just about education; it’s about supporting the economic and social development of the West Midlands. By giving young people the skills needed for high-demand jobs, the Trust plays a role in shaping the region’s workforce and driving its growth as a hub for innovation.

Millennium Point Trust has already made a significant difference, awarding over £40 million in funding since its inception. Its projects have reached thousands of young people, sparking curiosity and ambition across Birmingham and beyond. The Trust’s ongoing commitment ensures that this impact will continue to grow in the years to come.

When it comes to choosing an ideal venue for a corporate event, the location can make all the difference. Millennium Point, located in the centre of Birmingham, offers state-of-the-art facilities, convenience, and a commitment to innovation that sets it apart from other venues. 

So, whether you’re planning a conference, a networking event, or a team-building day, here are the top reasons why Millennium Point should be on your radar…

1. Well-equipped facilities

Millennium Point boasts a range of versatile spaces equipped with the latest technology. There’s the impressive Auditorium, with its giant screen and professional-grade AV system; the spacious and well-lit Atrium, and the multitude of adaptable meeting rooms. High-speed Wi-Fi, dynamic lighting, and customisable layouts ensure that events here run seamlessly, whether it’s a large-scale presentation or an intimate workshop.

2. Central location with top connectivity

Situated in Birmingham’s vibrant Eastside district, Millennium Point is easily accessible. The venue is just a short walk from Birmingham’s New Street and Moor Street stations, making it easy for attendees to arrive by train. For those travelling by car, there are nearby parking facilities for added convenience. Being in the UK’s second city means events here are supported by top hotels, restaurants, and attractions, all within walking distance.

3. Sustainable for eco-conscious events

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword at Millennium Point; it’s something our team cares about. The venue incorporates eco-friendly practices throughout its operations, from energy-efficient systems to waste reduction initiatives. By hosting your event here, you align with a venue that values environmental responsibility.

4. Supportive and experienced team

Planning a corporate event can be quite a task, but the expert events team at Millennium Point makes it a breeze. From initial inquiries to the final moments of an event, organisers receive tailored support. The team provides assistance with planning, technical setups, and on-the-day logistics, ensuring events go off without a hitch.

5. A memorable experience

Millennium Point is a pretty inspiring space. With its striking architecture and innovative design, it leaves a lasting impression on attendees. The venue’s connection to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and education in general adds an extra layer of meaning, especially for businesses in tech, engineering, or science-related industries. Hosting an event at Millennium Point showcases your commitment to progress.

6. Customisable spaces for all events

No two events are the same, and Millennium Point knows that. Whether you need a large space for a product launch, a quiet room for meetings, or an immersive setting for a conference, the venue is able to accommodate. The flexibility of the facilities allows organisers to design an event that aligns with their goals and branding.

7. Make a difference with your booking

Millennium Point is a charitable trust, and revenue generated from venue hire supports STEM education and local community projects. By choosing Millennium Point, your event helps fund initiatives that make a real difference in Birmingham and beyond. It’s an opportunity to combine business with purpose.

Ready to plan your next corporate event? Contact Millennium Point today and discover how they can bring your vision to life.

We are excited to announce our highly anticipated line-up of events for the remainder of 2024. With a diverse range of offerings, there is something for everyone, from Swifties to horror fans!

A Musical Extravaganza

Music lovers are in for a treat as we present a unique screening of The Rolling Stones’ acclaimed concert movie, Shine A Light, on Birmingham’s largest screen on 20th July. There will also be a live performance by Jimmy Regal & The Royals on the same day. For those with a taste for retro records, the much-loved Moseley Record Fair will be taking place on 21st July, accompanied by a live set from international blues star Ben Toury.

Additionally, on 10th August, we’re celebrating the iconic Taylor Swift with a Taylor Swift Family Celebration. This event offers the perfect Summer holiday treat for mini Swifties and includes friendship bracelet making, a glitter tattoo station, a family disco, and a live performance by the incredible Taylor Swift impersonator, Miss America.

Relive the 90s with a Spice Girls night

Pop fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening on 19th October, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls. Dust off your best 90s outfits and embrace Girl Power with the UK’s No. 1 tribute act, the Spice Girls Experience, and a 90s disco.

Book now and enjoy our ‘2 Become 1’ offering which allows you to buy one get one free on all tickets!

Halloween Fun for the Whole Family

On October 26th, families can enjoy a spooktacular children’s disco and a screening of Disney’s enchanting film Coco.

For the brave-hearted adults in the evening, we will also be screening the 40th-anniversary edition of Freddy Krueger’s debut film, A Nightmare On Elm Street, on our giant screen in the evening.

Festive Days Out and Christmas Cheer

Sing-A-Long-A Frozen promises a joyous family experience in December. Join in the fun with a sing-along session, relish in a Christmas children’s disco, and even catch a glimpse of Santa himself on 1st December.

On the 7th December, due to popular demand, the ultimate Christmas romantic comedy, Love Actually, will return along with a delightful bottomless prosecco brunch.

Rebecca Delmore, Millennium Point Commercial Director, comments: “I’m so excited to be celebrating so many musical icons at Millennium Point this year. Midlands music fans will be amazed by The Rolling Stones on our giant screen and little Swifties will love our Taylor Swift Celebration. And you won’t want to miss the ultimate 30th birthday party for the greatest girl band – the Spice Girls.”

Delegates from across the UK headed to Millennium Point last week for the PA Forum Learning & Development Conference 2024. The multi-award-winning events venue hosted 280 business representatives for a full day of inspirational talks and sessions on 5 June.

The PA Forum curated an incredible line-up of business talent to share insights and inspire guests to transform their work in the latter half of the year. Professor Corinne Hoisington delighted delegates with an insight in harnessing the power of AI. There were tips on public speaking from inspirational speaker Nick Elston, and GuruYou founder Rebecca Mander gave valuable career coaching.

With its easily accessible location, large choice of flexible event spaces and breath-taking Auditorium, Millennium Point was the perfect setting for the conference. Guest speakers were able to make a big impression utilising the Auditorium’s giant screen – famed for being Birmingham’s biggest screen. The space also offered perfect sight lines from its 354 tiered seats alongside stunning 4k projection.

The PA Forum was able to take advantage of Millennium Point’s incredible choice of breakout spaces. Delegates enjoyed workshops surrounded by Station’s beautiful natural daylight and the Curzon Suite’s stunning views. The Express and Connect spaces offered multiple breakout spaces alongside touch-screen coffee machines offering delicious Italian-style beverages. The venue’s striking Atrium provided a stunning backdrop for speed networking. Delegates were also able to sample Millennium Point’s fantastic menu with delicious dishes being served including charcoal grilled butterfly chicken breast, Mediterranean pasta with a lemon basil dressing, and a chocolate truffle torte.

The conference also utilised Millennium Point’s unparalleled AV support with multiple cameras across the conference capturing a recording for future reference, alongside live streaming for those who couldn’t make the event in person. With in-house AV support staff, conference organisers could relax to concentrate on their event without any added technical issues.

Victoria Webb, Millennium Point Sales Manager, enjoyed hosting the event stating: “It was a pleasure to work with Daniel Skermer of the PA Forum and to helping him to realise his fantastic vision for the Learning & Development Conference 2024.

Hosting a corporate event is exciting and a great way to engage with your staff or a range of companies within your industry, as it can encourage networking and building strong relationships. Corporate events also help to foster innovation and drive brand awareness. 

Here are a few ways you can ensure you host an engaging corporate event:

1. Define your objectives

When planning any event it’s important to set your objectives. A key objective to consider is how you engage with your audience. Understanding what your goals are will allow you to pinpoint topics, themes and conversations you want to use and encourage to help you meet your goals. This will also help you stick to your set budget and plan and promote your event successfully. 

2. Understand your audience 

When you fully understand who your audience are, their behaviours and preferences you’ll be able to grab their attention and get them to participate with your event. This can help you choose themes and topics of discussion within your event and any activities or aspects of participation that you want to include.

Once you know who your audience is you can start marketing campaigns and processes with a targeted approach. This will help you increase attendees and encourage guest speakers to promote your event. You could also create a dedicated hashtag for the event to promote engagement before it even starts. This will spread further awareness of your brand, create excitement around the event and boost sign ups, attendants and/or ticket purchases. 

This can simply be done through social media posts for free, meaning your marketing doesn’t necessarily have to eat into your budget.

3. Pick the right venue

Venues are an integral part of the experience of a corporate event. If you choose a venue that doesn’t align with the topic or theme of your event you won’t curate an environment that reflects your goals, ultimately leading to a disengaged audience. 

By already defining your goals and audience you should be able to narrow down the type of venue that aligns with your event. 

At Millennium Point, we have a range of spaces perfect for any event. For example, Station, Express and the Auditorium are great venues to hold conferences and corporate events. If you’re looking to hold a more extravagant gathering the Auditorium could be a great option as it’s been newly refurbished with a giant screen and stage. This allows you to host awards ceremonies, talks or presentations. 

4. Incorporate interactive aspects 

Incorporating interactive aspects into your corporate event should add value to your event and keep your audience engaged. For example you could include:

5. Provide entertainment 

Adding entertainment into your corporate event will help you host a more engaging event. You can include things like:

Implementing live entertainment can break the ice between guests, spark conversations and boost engagement. Your entertainment can align with your objectives and build a positive brand reputation.

6. Personalise the experience 

You can personalise your guests’ experiences by tailoring things like their agendas, activities and interactions based on their preferences and interests. This can increase the likelihood of attendees getting involved in activities throughout the event. 

Personalising the event can improve guest experiences, making them more likely to attend future gatherings and get involved with your company.

At Millennium Point we can help you host an exceptional corporate event that heightens your brand reputation and guarantees guest engagement. Explore our range of event spaces today.

Charity events are a great way to raise money for important causes. But this can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you effectively plan a charity event that gains donors and attendees and achieves your fundraising goals. 

Here are a few steps you should follow:

Step 1: Determine the goal of your event 

Like any event, it’s important to determine what you want to get out of it. Determining goals allows you to track and measure the success of your charity event. For example, it’s a good idea to set a goal on how much money you want to raise. This will encourage larger donations from attendees as they’ll want to help you reach your desired amount.

Other goals may include:

Set a budget 

For a charity event to be successful it’s important to remember that significant money and time may need to be invested. To ensure you keep on top of costs, raise as much money as possible and deliver an engaging event, it’s a good idea to create a detailed budget before you start spending money. Your budget should include costs for things like:

Choose the type of event you want to hold 

When planning your charity event, it’s important to define the type of event or theme you want to use. When deciding this you should consider what will resonate more with your guests and encourage better engagement. To get a better understanding of this there are a few questions you can ask yourself:

These questions will allow you to narrow down the type of charity event you hold and any set themes. For example, some types of charity events include:

Research and book a venue

Choosing the right venue is crucial to having a successful charity event. You’ll want to make sure your venue fits your theme, accommodates your cause and is easy to get to for your audience.

Venues are usually the biggest cost and while you want to create an excellent event, you don’t want to overspend or significantly underspend your budget. When looking for a venue you can ask yourself a few questions, such as:

Promote the event, send invites and sell tickets

After spending numerous hours planning the perfect charity event, you don’t want to neglect to promote the event, send invites or sell tickets.

Marketing your event helps you reach a wider audience and encourage people to buy tickets, helping you to sell out your event and reach your fundraising goal. 

Social media is a great way to promote your event as it’s often free and helps you reach an already acquired audience. It also allows you to post regular updates and photos taken during the event for guests to easily access and keep up with any changes or updates. 

You can also send out invitations to those you want to attend helping you curate the perfect set of donors and attendees. This can also encourage others to buy tickets as influential people relating to your cause may influence ticket purchases and conversations about your event. 

Set up the event 

It’s the big day! That means it’s time to start putting all of the finishing touches in place. This may include:

To ensure the day runs smoothly it may be a good idea to create a clear and thorough schedule for the day. This could also include information on dress codes and the times different team members need to arrive. Creating these should, in theory, mean that everyone is on the same page and understands their requirements and the overall plan. 

Get in touch with attendees after the event 

Getting in touch with your attendees after the event makes them feel valued and like they’ve played an integral part in something special. 

Sending thank you notes and updating guests on how much was fundraised lets them know the impact the event has had on the cause. This also helps you build strong relationships that lead to returning guests and donors helping you make significant contributions to your cause in the long-term.  

Hosting a charity event at Millennium Point

We have extensive experience in hosting a whole range of events, including charity events and our spaces benefit from:

Many of our spaces also come with tables and chairs allowing you to create your desired seating plan if required. Our Auditorium is also perfect for a range of events like awards shows and auctions due to our giant screen and stage. 

Formerly known as the first IMAX, the Auditorium has comfortable tiered seating where up to 354 delegates can be seated. It’s also equipped with Datavideo PTC-280 cameras giving you the opportunity to live stream your event. 

If you’re looking to host an exceptional charity event, explore our range of event spaces and their benefits.

We have launched our new and improved catering brochure! Our new menu is brimming with delicious choices to make your event first class!

We review our offer on a regular basis, to ensure our multi-award-winning event service remains current and competitive, and are thrilled to present our latest update. Whether you’re looking to host your film premiere with canapes, or a 3-course meal for your next awards, you can expect an unforgettable experience!

View the menu here.

Our most sustainable menu yet

We are excited to launch our new catering menu which is full of tasty choices perfect for your next event. Our mission is to make our catering options as sustainable as possible without compromising on choice for our clients. With more locally sourced ingredients and wider range of vegan options, it’s our most sustainable menu yet.

Victoria Webb, Event Sales Manager says ‘Millennium Point’s new catering menu is the newest upgrade we have made to continue to provide our guests with the best experience. This update reflects our commitment to providing environmentally conscious options while enhancing the overall event experience for our clients’.

Keep up to date with Millennium Point

Upgrading our menu is just one of the ways we continually develop Millennium Point to give the best experience to our guests, tenants, and customers. With a lot planned for 2024, keep up to date with the latest here.