SIEM Event Services in the US

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities with offices in six continents and over 100 countries worldwide. In the US, we maintain the transatlantic relationship and partner with international organisations working on shared agendas in higher education, the arts and civil society.

About the Service

The SIEM Event Service provides a personalised events service to British education institutions in the US allowing them privileged access to event and meeting spaces at the British Consulate in New York and the British Embassy in Washington D.C.

Hosting an event at the British Embassy or Consulate General gives you unrivalled credibility and prestige, along with a first-class hospitality experience for your guests. Included in all event packages is:

• A British Council representative who will act as a host
• Logistical support for your event from beginning to end
• Event advice tailored to your specific organisation.

Washington DC - The British Embassy  

The British Embassy in Washington DC is located at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, in an area known as Embassy Row, a short distance from Dupont Circle, the National Cathedral and Georgetown University.

THE ROTUNDA

This elegant and spacious room is ideal for larger receptions, meetings or exhibitions. The Rotunda accommodates up to 200 people, depending on the seating configuration. This multimedia-equipped hall features high ceilings and a wall-to-wall picture window overlooking Massachusetts Avenue. Staging is available on request.

CAPACITIES

• 200 people standing
• 150 people theatre -style (no aisle)
• 120 people theatre- style (with aisle)
• 90–100 people cabaret-style (with tables and chairs)

AMENITIES

• In-house events and facilities team
• Range of catering options, with a focus on British food and drink
• Building security
• A/V capabilities including projector, podium, Firecrest or FNET equipment
• Staging
• Personalised room set up service

THE CONFERENCE SUITE

Whether you're planning a small reception or a formal meeting, the Conference Suite has the built-in flexibility to accommodate your needs. The Suite is comprised of three interconnected conference rooms separated by a foyer area. Each room has moveable soundproof walls that can be reconfigured to accommodate meetings, receptions, luncheons and lectures for six to 85 people. It includes a lounge and bespoke bar area providing an alternative space for more informal meetings.

CAPACITIES

• Conference Room A - six people
• Conference Room B - 78 to 85 standing or 35 to 40 people sitting
• Conference Room C – 15 to 20 people

AMENITIES

• In-house events and facilities team
• Range of catering options, with a focus on British food and drink
• Building security
• A/V capabilities including Firecrest /FNET Access, video conferencing, audio conference calls
• Personalised room set up service

New York - The British Consulate General

The British Consulate-General offices are centrally located in the Midtown East neighbourhood at 51^st Street and 3^rd Avenue, conveniently near the United Nations and Grand Central Terminal.

UNION SQUARE AT THE BRITISH CONSULATE-GENERAL

The Consulate’s Union Square space can accommodate events of various types, including receptions, meetings, presentations, panels and performances.

The events team will work closely with you to tailor the space to your needs, and provide a bespoke food and drinks package.

It’s also probably the only place in New York where you’ll find red British telephone boxes next to artwork by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and David Hockney.

CAPACITIES

• Theatre seating for up to 100
• Receptions for up to 150

AMENITIES

• In-house events and facilities team
• Range of catering options, with a focus on British food and drink
• Building security
• Small and large meeting and conference rooms, subject to availability
• British Council Art Collection
• A/V capabilities

Important Information

Security

Guests will need a government-issued photo ID to be checked by security, and all names will need to be provided for the guest list in advance of the event. The list should include the name, contact information and affiliation of attendees. When issuing invitations for the event, it needs to be made clear that these details will be passed onto the British Council as per data protection requirements.

AV Requirements

If you intend to use a presentation, please note it must be e-mailed to a British Council staff member or brought on a USB drive. We are not able to connect external laptops to the projector or network at the Consulate/Embassy due to security protocol.

Caterers and Vendors

We provide a multi-faceted list of approved caterers with menus ranging in cost to meet a variety of budgetary needs. We supply a list of recommended vendors to support and personalize your event including photographers and florists. Due to secure nature of our venues, we strongly encourage you work with our recommended vendors.

Smoking

The Embassy and Consulate buildings are smoke-free buildings.

Disabled Access

The Consulate building and event space is wheelchair-accessible. There is a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.

Parking

There is no parking available at the Embassy or the Consulate General.  There is street parking available outside the British Embassy on Observatory Circle.