Venue

Every conference is shaped not only by its program and speakers but also by its setting. The venue is where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and inspiration becomes reality. For FOTA, the choice of IET London: Savoy Place reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and participant comfort. Nestled in the heart of London along the River Thames, Savoy Place is more than a building—it is a hub of history, technology, and connectivity that perfectly embodies the spirit of the conference.

This page introduces the venue, explores its unique features and atmosphere, and provides practical details to help attendees plan their visit.

About IET London: Savoy Place

A Heritage of Innovation

Savoy Place is the home of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), an organization that has been at the forefront of technological advancement for over 150 years. The building’s heritage connects directly to FOTA’s mission: blending tradition with forward-looking innovation. Over the decades, Savoy Place has hosted scientists, engineers, and leaders who shaped the modern technological landscape.

A Modern Conference Hub

Completely refurbished in 2015, the venue combines historic architecture with cutting-edge conference facilities. The design balances classical elegance with contemporary functionality, offering an environment that is both inspiring and practical for large-scale international events.

Location

Heart of London

IET London: Savoy Place is located on the north bank of the Thames, just moments away from Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and the City. The central location means attendees are within easy reach of London’s cultural landmarks, hotels, restaurants, and transport hubs.

Scenic Surroundings

Few venues can rival the setting: with panoramic views of the Thames, the London Eye, and Waterloo Bridge, Savoy Place offers a backdrop that is both iconic and energizing. The surrounding area combines the charm of historic London with the dynamism of a global capital.

Atmosphere

The venue strikes a unique balance: professional yet welcoming, historic yet modern. Light-filled spaces, terraces overlooking the river, and elegant interiors create a sense of prestige. At the same time, the design emphasizes openness and connectivity, making it easy for attendees to network, collaborate, and feel at ease.

The atmosphere is deliberately tailored to encourage creativity and dialogue. Unlike anonymous convention halls, Savoy Place creates intimacy without losing scale, ensuring participants feel part of a shared journey.

Features and Facilities

State-of-the-Art Auditoriums

  • Kelvin Lecture Theatre. With a capacity of over 450, this is the flagship auditorium, equipped with advanced AV systems, comfortable seating, and perfect acoustics. It serves as the main stage for keynotes and high-profile panels.
  • Turing Lecture Theatre. A more intimate space seating around 170, ideal for focused sessions, fireside chats, or specialist panels.

Both auditoriums are equipped with high-definition projection, simultaneous interpretation options, and streaming facilities for hybrid participation.

Flexible Meeting Rooms

The venue includes a variety of modular meeting spaces, adaptable for workshops, breakout sessions, and closed-door discussions. Each room is equipped with interactive screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and collaborative tools.

Riverside Terraces

Two spacious terraces overlook the Thames, offering breathtaking views of London. These terraces are perfect for networking breaks, evening receptions, and informal conversations. The combination of open air and iconic skyline creates an unforgettable backdrop for professional interactions.

Exhibition and Showcase Areas

Open-plan spaces on multiple floors serve as the ideal environment for the FOTA Showcase. Attendees can move seamlessly between sessions and exhibition zones, ensuring high visibility for projects and technologies.

Accessibility and Comfort

  • Step-free access throughout the building.
  • Lifts connecting all floors.
  • Accessible restrooms on every level.
  • Assistance dogs welcome.
  • Induction loop systems in lecture theatres.

The venue is fully compliant with modern accessibility standards, ensuring an inclusive experience for all participants.

Catering and Refreshments

Savoy Place houses its own professional catering team. Attendees can enjoy:

  • Freshly prepared meals and snacks tailored to diverse dietary requirements.
  • Coffee stations and refreshments placed strategically around the venue.
  • Elegant dining spaces for networking lunches and dinners.

Transport and Accessibility

One of Savoy Place’s greatest advantages is its superb connectivity. Located in Central London, it is accessible by multiple modes of transport.

By Underground (Tube)

  • Temple Station (Circle and District lines): 4 minutes on foot.
  • Embankment Station (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern lines): 6 minutes on foot.
  • Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line): 10 minutes on foot.

By Train

  • Charing Cross Station: 10 minutes on foot.
  • Waterloo Station: 15 minutes on foot across Waterloo Bridge.
  • Blackfriars Station: 15 minutes on foot.

By Bus

Multiple routes stop along the Strand, Victoria Embankment, and Aldwych, all within walking distance.

By Car

Driving in central London can be challenging, but drop-off points are available near the venue. Paid parking can be found at Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and South Bank.

By Air

  • Heathrow Airport: 50–60 minutes by train and Underground.
  • Gatwick Airport: 45 minutes via train to Victoria, then Underground.
  • London City Airport: 40 minutes by DLR and Underground.

By Bicycle and On Foot

Savoy Place is part of London’s pedestrian-friendly center. Cycle hire stations are nearby, and the riverside location makes walking both pleasant and practical.

Practical Information for Visitors

Accommodation

Given the central location, attendees have a wide range of accommodation options:

  • Luxury hotels: The Savoy, Corinthia, and Waldorf Hilton are within walking distance.
  • Mid-range hotels: Premier Inn, Strand Palace, and Z Hotels nearby.
  • Budget-friendly stays: Hostels and boutique guesthouses in Covent Garden and Soho.

Booking early is recommended, as central London accommodations fill quickly during major events.

Dining

London is one of the culinary capitals of the world, and Savoy Place is surrounded by options:

  • Quick bites: Cafés and delis along the Strand and Covent Garden.
  • Traditional pubs: For those seeking British classics in historic settings.
  • International cuisine: A variety of restaurants serving everything from Italian to Middle Eastern, Japanese to Indian.

Local Attractions

For those extending their stay, the venue is within walking distance of:

  • Covent Garden Market
  • National Gallery and Trafalgar Square
  • Somerset House
  • Southbank Centre and London Eye
  • West End theatres

Connectivity

The venue provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building. Charging stations and power outlets are widely available, ensuring attendees remain connected and productive.

Safety and Assistance

Savoy Place maintains high standards of security. Professional staff and stewards are present throughout the event, ready to provide assistance. Emergency exits are clearly marked, and safety protocols are regularly reviewed.

Why Savoy Place for FOTA?

The choice of IET London: Savoy Place is deliberate and symbolic:

  • Innovation and Heritage. The venue reflects a long history of technological progress while being fully equipped for today’s digital era.
  • Central Location. Easily accessible for international visitors and close to London’s cultural landmarks.
  • Atmosphere. The balance of professionalism and inspiration makes it ideal for thought leadership and collaboration.
  • Facilities. State-of-the-art auditoriums, exhibition spaces, and networking areas support every aspect of the FOTA program.
  • Experience. Attendees feel welcomed, comfortable, and part of something extraordinary.

A Day at Savoy Place

Imagine arriving at the venue on a crisp morning. The Thames sparkles outside, and the iconic skyline sets the tone. Inside, light streams through glass atriums as you pass by welcoming staff. You move into the Kelvin Lecture Theatre for the opening keynote, then wander to the Showcase area where innovators demonstrate cutting-edge technologies.

At lunch, you step onto the riverside terrace, coffee in hand, discussing ideas with colleagues as the London Eye towers in the distance. In the afternoon, you attend a workshop in a modern breakout room, then return to the terrace for a networking reception. By evening, the city lights up, and Savoy Place becomes not just a venue but an unforgettable part of your professional journey.

Conclusion

IET London: Savoy Place is more than a location—it is an experience. Its history, facilities, atmosphere, and centrality make it the perfect setting for FOTA. Every detail, from transport connections to scenic terraces, contributes to a conference environment that inspires learning, networking, and innovation.

For attendees, the venue is both practical and inspiring: a place where ideas are nurtured, relationships are built, and the future of arbitration and technology takes shape. Whether you are arriving from across London or across the world, Savoy Place ensures that your journey is seamless and your experience unforgettable.