Events FAQs
Whether it's your first time at an RSA event or if you're a regular, the latest information and guidance is available on our website.
Booking
Yes, booking is essential. In-person tickets to our public talks can book up very quickly, but we always run a waiting list for any returned tickets.
Details on how to register for an event can be found on the individual event webpage.
Online attendance
If you register for an online ticket, a link to the YouTube livestream will be sent on the day of the event. Booking is limited to one place per event via our free booking software called Eventbrite. We currently use Eventbrite for ticketing which may change in the near future. Read the Eventbrite Privacy Policy.
In-person attendance
Please note that your registration is not an absolute guarantee of a place in the auditorium. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis for those with tickets. Not everyone who books uses their ticket, so to ensure a full house we offer more tickets than there are places.
If you are attending a social event in the House, once you have booked you will be sent a e-ticket from our listing platform, DesignMyNight, and receive confirmation by email. You do not need to print this, but please have the bookers name available if you are not arriving together.
Please note, for all free bookable events we suggest that you purchase a ‘free’ ticket on the event page as this helps us manage capacityon the day to ensure we can accommodate all those who wish to attend.
Event information
You can view a full list of our forthcoming events here. Sign up to our mailing list to receive a regular fortnightly e-bulletin of new events announcements and updates.
No. Our events are open to absolutely everyone. RSA Events are made possible with the support of our Fellows. Find out more about RSA Fellowship and how you can get involved.
Duration of the event will be advertised in the description. The speaker or speakers will generally present for the first half of the event before we open the debate up to the audience. You are welcome to ask a question or make a comment but please try to be concise and to the point so other members of the audience can get involved in the discussion too.
Your visit
Our events typically last between one hour to two and a half hours, with a break if necessary. We ask that you arrive in time as events will start promptly. Doors will open from 30 minutes to an hour before the advertised start time.
Our events start promptly, and we recommend you arrive and take your seat at least 10 minutes in advance of the advertised start time. If you haven't checked in by then, we may offer your place to those waiting for returns.
Your registration is not an absolute guarantee of a place. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis for those with tickets. Not everyone who books uses their ticket, so, to ensure a full house, we offer more tickets than there are places.
This method usually leads to a full room, but on rare occasions we may be a few places out.
We reserve the right to refuse admission after the start time if the room is full or the event will be disturbed by late arrivals.
Yes, but we like to keep disruption to a minimum. If you are running late, please do let us know so we can expect your arrival.
You can use digital media to engage with other people at the event. Our X account is @theRSAorg. Suggested hashtags for each event are displayed on the event detail page. You can pick up the password for the WIFI from our reception area. Please refrain from using laptops as members of the audience can find it distracting.
Fellowship events ‘continue the conversation’ on Circle.
Induction loops are available on request. Mobile loops are available for use in all other rooms including The Coffee House and the Vaults. If you would like to request additional assistance, please email rsa.events@rsa.org.uk
All of our public talks are audio and video recorded and are made available on our website to watch and listen to again. Please be aware that by attending our events you may be visible in the audience in photos or in the video of the event, and if you ask any questions, these are likely to feature in our podcasts.
We do NOT record our Fellowship events as they focus on live participation and seek to enable connection between those attending. Where we do record, these are shared on Circle.
We record many of our public talk events. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for Replay videos of all our livestreamed events, and listen to audio via the Public Talks podcast feed.
You are welcome to take photos at the event but please do not use flash photography as it is distracting to the speaker and disruptive for other members of the audience. If you would like to share your photos with us and others, you can tag us on socials - you can find us under @theRSAorg and @rsahouse
Please do not eat your food in the auditorium. Covered drinks e.g. bottled water or covered coffee containers are permitted. Please do not bring your own food or drinks into The Coffee House.
Most public talks are live video streamed on our YouTube channel. To access the livestream, you would need to register for an online ticket first.
We do not record our Fellowship events as they focus on live participation and seek to enable connection between those attending. Where we do record, these are hosted on Vimeo or shared on Circle.
How to find us and accessibility information
We are located on 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross or Embankment.
Please see here for more detailed information on accessibility.
We welcome visitors with special needs and have tried to adapt our building and services to meet your requirements. Please see our accessibility policy for details. If you are planning to attend a public event and have any additional special requirements, please do contact us in advance so we can ensure your visit runs smoothly - email rsa.events@rsa.org.uk
We are always delighted to receive suggestions and ideas for the programme. Please email a brief synopsis and your speaker suggestions, and make sure to include details as to how your proposal aligns with the RSA’s mission and values, and contributes to our current research and impact
We do receive a high volume of these suggestions, so please do bear with us whilst we review them.
We host all types of corporate and private events from meetings and conferences, screenings, launches and drinks receptions to private dining events, award ceremonies and parties. We are able to accommodate multiple events at one time in our 11 private hire spaces with up to 220 guests in our largest space.
Please view the RSA House page for more information or complete the enquiry form.
Please note:
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by speakers on the RSA’s public platform belong solely to the speakers themselves, and do not represent the views of the RSA. Whilst all efforts are made to ensure the content of talks given at the RSA is accurate and up-to-date, inaccuracies or misstatements may occur, including in the course of live conversation and exchange. The RSA assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of talks given on its public platform.
