RSA Events FAQ
Whilst we are undergoing refurbishment works our events are selling out even faster than usual. We run a waiting list for all of our events - it is always worth joining this as we do get returned tickets and are able to release extra places.
The RSA Public Events Programme runs a dynamic programme of over 150 events a year.
How much do your events cost?
All of our public events are absolutely free. We have been putting on free lectures since we were founded in the Enlightenment - ensuring great, world-changing ideas are accessible to absolutely everyone.
Do I need to register to attend?
Yes. Booking is essential, our events can sell out very quickly but we always run a waiting list for any returned tickets. Booking is limited to one place per event. This helps us to judge our numbers more accurately. So if you are planning to come along with friends, remember that each person needs to book individually using their own email address.What booking software do you use?
We use free booking software called Eventbrite. Read the Eventbrite Privacy Policy.Do I need to be a RSA Fellow to attend?
No. Our events are open to everyone. RSA Events are made possible by the support of our Fellows. Find out more about RSA Fellowship and how you can get involved. What time do I need to be at the RSA?
We try to start promptly at the stated time and recommend you are in your seat ten minutes before the start of the event. Do you let in latecomers?
We discourage latecomers and reserve the right to refuse admission in these cases. If there is space in the room, and the event will not be disturbed by late arrivals, then we will allow it.Is my place guaranteed?
Your registration is not an absolute guarantee of a place in the lecture theatre.
We ask our audiences to recognise that we are running a free public programme and that we have to significantly overbook to allow for no-shows. It is always disappointing to have long waiting lists and then find several empty seats on the night, which could have been enjoyed by those hopefuls on the waiting list.
This method usually leads to a full room, but on rare occasions we may be a few places out! Please do arrive in good time to take your seat ten minutes before the start time.
All of our events 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.Can I take photographs during the event?
You are welcome to take photos at the event but please do not use flash photography as it is very off-putting for the speaker and disruptive for other members of the audience. If you would like to share your photos with us and others the RSA has a Flickr group.Can I eat my lunch in the event?
Please do not eat your food in the auditorium.
Can I bring my coffee or tea in with me?
Covered drinks e.g. bottled water or covered coffee containers are ok.I can't attend an event - can I listen online?
Yes. All of our events are live audio streamed. Visit the Listen Live page 10 minutes before the start of the event to open the audio stream. We recommend plugging in external speakers or headphones to get the best audio from the stream.Can I watch RSA Events online?
Selected events are live video streamed. Find out more about watching selected events live on the Watch Live page.I missed an event - how can I catch up with it?
We audio record all of our events and the mp3 audio files are available free to download a few days after the event.
Edited video files from selected events are also made available on our website to watch on demand or to download. You can also watch our videos on our YouTube channel or on our Vimeo channel.
We wanted a way to make these ideas as accessible and digestible to as many people as possible, so we asked one of our Fellows, Andrew Park, if he could create a short, animated film to accompany an edited extract of one of our talks. He obliged, and the RSA Animate sensation was born!
We have now had over 50 million views globally, and have inspired, moved, and engaged all sorts of people all across the world. If you're one of the few who still hasn't seen them, check one out on our #1 not-for-profit YouTube channel.Where is the RSA?
The RSA is on John Adam Street in London. The nearest tube is either Charing Cross or Embankment stations.
Get directions to the RSA, 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ.
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.
I would like to propose a lecture or recommend a speaker - what do I do?
Please email a brief synopsis and your speaker suggestions to the RSA Events team.I would like to hire the RSA - who do I contact?
The RSA House is available for hire as a venue. Please contact our RSA House team to find out about our room hire, availability and prices.
The RSA Public Events Programme runs a dynamic programme of over 150 events a year.
How do I find out what is coming up?
You can view a full list of our forthcoming events on our website or join our mailing list.How much do your events cost?
All of our public events are absolutely free. We have been putting on free lectures since we were founded in the Enlightenment - ensuring great, world-changing ideas are accessible to absolutely everyone. Do I need to register to attend?
Yes. Booking is essential, our events can sell out very quickly but we always run a waiting list for any returned tickets. Booking is limited to one place per event. This helps us to judge our numbers more accurately. So if you are planning to come along with friends, remember that each person needs to book individually using their own email address.What booking software do you use?
We use free booking software called Eventbrite. Read the Eventbrite Privacy Policy.Do I need to be a RSA Fellow to attend?
No. Our events are open to everyone. RSA Events are made possible by the support of our Fellows. Find out more about RSA Fellowship and how you can get involved. What time do I need to be at the RSA?
We try to start promptly at the stated time and recommend you are in your seat ten minutes before the start of the event. Do you let in latecomers?
We discourage latecomers and reserve the right to refuse admission in these cases. If there is space in the room, and the event will not be disturbed by late arrivals, then we will allow it.Is my place guaranteed?
Your registration is not an absolute guarantee of a place in the lecture theatre. We ask our audiences to recognise that we are running a free public programme and that we have to significantly overbook to allow for no-shows. It is always disappointing to have long waiting lists and then find several empty seats on the night, which could have been enjoyed by those hopefuls on the waiting list.
This method usually leads to a full room, but on rare occasions we may be a few places out! Please do arrive in good time to take your seat ten minutes before the start time.
What can I expect when I attend one of your events?
Our events typically last between one hour and one hour fifteen minutes, the speaker or speakers will present for the first half of the event before we open the debate up to you in 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.All of our events 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.
How can I interact with others watching the event?
You can use digital media to engage with other people at the event. 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 try to keep the use of laptops to a minimum as some members of the audience can find it distracting.Can I take photographs during the event?
You are welcome to take photos at the event but please do not use flash photography as it is very off-putting for the speaker and disruptive for other members of the audience. If you would like to share your photos with us and others the RSA has a Flickr group.Can I eat my lunch in the event?
Please do not eat your food in the auditorium. Can I bring my coffee or tea in with me?
Covered drinks e.g. bottled water or covered coffee containers are ok.I can't attend an event - can I listen online?
Yes. All of our events are live audio streamed. Visit the Listen Live page 10 minutes before the start of the event to open the audio stream. We recommend plugging in external speakers or headphones to get the best audio from the stream.Can I watch RSA Events online?
Selected events are live video streamed. Find out more about watching selected events live on the Watch Live page.I missed an event - how can I catch up with it?
We audio record all of our events and the mp3 audio files are available free to download a few days after the event. Edited video files from selected events are also made available on our website to watch on demand or to download. You can also watch our videos on our YouTube channel or on our Vimeo channel.
Where do the RSA Animates come from?
The RSA Animates were created as a new way to spread the great ideas featured in our lecture programme. Every year we welcome hundreds of amazing thinkers to the RSA, and we end up with hours and hours of incredibly inspiring lectures, talks and debates on tape.We wanted a way to make these ideas as accessible and digestible to as many people as possible, so we asked one of our Fellows, Andrew Park, if he could create a short, animated film to accompany an edited extract of one of our talks. He obliged, and the RSA Animate sensation was born!
We have now had over 50 million views globally, and have inspired, moved, and engaged all sorts of people all across the world. If you're one of the few who still hasn't seen them, check one out on our #1 not-for-profit YouTube channel.
Where is the RSA?
The RSA is on John Adam Street in London. The nearest tube is either Charing Cross or Embankment stations.Get directions to the RSA, 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ.
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.
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