If it is the unusual you are after.

So youre after an usual venue, not the size of the Sydney Opera House, but something just as inspiring.

Of course London boasts it all for event organisers from magnificent Tall Ships and historic Sailing Barges on the Thames to Museums and royal palaces for extravagant receptions.

Meetings and conferences make a 10 billion-a-year contribution to the national economy and is an industry that supports 1.8 million jobs. But whats on offer outside the Capital. Here are my top picks:

The Deep, Hull’s 53 million Millennium Commission Lottery project is certainly a venue with a difference. Providing the most spectacular aquarium displays to be found anywhere in Europe, the worlds only submarium is home to nearly 50 sharks and more then 3,500 fish, giving a spectacular backdrop for a variety of events. When you think about it, where else can you banquet with sharks.

A trip to an authentic Victorian fairground should certainly be on any events organisers list. Blists Hill Fun fair is part of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage site in Telford and this venue, complete with sideshows and rides can be hired independently. Alternatively, the entire...