Leeds is one of the UK ’ s top conference destinations , and the First Direct Arena is at its beating heart
T he First Direct Arena is located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds .
The venue has choice of luxury function rooms and versatile spaces , boosting a breath taking and unique design . Hosting live music , comedy , entertainment shows , conventions , exhibitions , conferences and sporting events .
2,250sqm exhibition space 12,000 maximum theatre style 1,200 maximum banqueting 3 meeting rooms 10,300 hotel bedrooms in area 8 minutes ’ drive to motorway 26 minutes ’ drive to airport 2-minute walk to city centre
The venue was the first in the UK to have a fan-shaped orientation and officially opened on 4 September 2013 , with Sir Elton John , playing to an audience of 12,000 .
The arena ’ s unique “ super theatre ” style configuration has been designed to enhance the visitor experience , with all seats facing the stage and high-quality acoustics providing the best experience in the UK .
“ The arena ’ s unique ‘ super theatre ’ style configuration has been designed to enhance the visitor experience .”
Visitors , guests , delegates and presenters can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with reduced viewing distances inside the venue , accommodating up to 12,000 or 2,250sqm exhibition space .
The First Direct Arena has played host to large trade and consumer exhibitions , together with smaller specialist shows . On top of the main auditorium , there is 400sqm of ancillary exhibition space and an outdoor plaza , which is a great spot to create an entrance to your event for that real arrival buzz .
Leeds-based parcel delivery company Hermes chose the venue for its winter finance event in September 2021 because of the venue ’ s great transport links and flexible spaces .
The first direct arena has been venue of choice for some large corporate events including national conferences for Sky , Asda , NHS , Teach First and JCT 600 all attracting 3000 plus delegates .
The venue is also the home to large local events including Leeds Beckett University Graduations , Leeds Rhinos Netball , Leeds International Tattoo Convention and The White Rose Yorkshire Tourism Awards dinner .
Space to show innovation Hermes chose the venue as a chance to
show off some new technology and host a series of team building activities . First Direct Arena hosted 150 delegates for the event and used the external space try out some new electric delivery bikes . The venue ’ s team took care of all the details from set up , catering and audio visual .
The event took place in the 295sqm FD bar , which has its own dedicated entrance with reception desk , making a great space to welcome the Hermes finance team .
Hermes wanted the main plenary cabaret style so the team could work together in small groups and aid discussion . The FD bar ’ s small stage , inbuilt screen and projector as a real focal point for presenters and panels .
The catering team were able to serve breakfast , lunch and all refreshments in the same self-contained space .
During the morning session , delegates were welcomed onto the external plaza at the front of the venue to try out Hermes ’ new electric delivery bikes . Hermes wanted some outdoor space so the delegates could interact with the new products and the front of the building was even lit up in Hermes blue .
All sessions and activities were held on the ground floor so the delegates could easily access our concourse areas to take part in some team building exercises to finish off the day .
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