About RSA Events & FAQs
RSA events are free of charge, open to all, and reach a global audience through our innovative 'watch live', video and animated formats.
We are the team behind the groundbreaking, award-winning RSA Animates and RSA Shorts animation series, and our online videos have now reached over 100 million viewers worldwide.
Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Not sure what you can expect from an RSA Public Event? Check out our FAQ list below.
Frequently asked questions
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 to receive a regular fortnightly e-bulletin of new events announcements and updates.
Do I need to register to attend?
Yes, booking is essential. Our events can book up 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. If you are planning to come along with friends, remember that each person needs to book individually using their own email address. 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 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.
What time do I need to be at the RSA?
RSA 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.
Is my place guaranteed?
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.
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 10 minutes before the start time to avoid disappointment.
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.
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 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.
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. Our Twitter account is @RSAEvents. 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.
I’m hard of hearing, how can I access an event?
Induction loops are available on request. Mobile loops are available for use in all other rooms including Rawthmells and the Vaults.
If you would like to request additional assistance, please email: [email protected].
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 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 in your Instagram images - you can find us under @RSA_Events.
Can I eat or drink in the event?
Please do not eat your food in the auditorium. Covered drinks e.g. bottled water or covered coffee containers are permitted.
Can I watch RSA Events online?
Most RSA events are live video streamed on our YouTube channel. With every event, a Replay or edited version will be made available afterwards.
I missed an event - how can I catch up with it?
We audio record all our events and the mp3 audio files are available free to play or download a few days after the event. You can find all our current audio files on Simplecast.
If we live stream an event, this will be available as an RSA Replay indefinitely on our YouTube channel - these videos are the full event, including audience Q&A. Edited video files from selected events are also made available on our website to watch on demand or to download.
Where do the RSA Animates come from?
In 2008, we were looking for a new way to make the ideas from our public events programme as accessible to as many people as possible online. So, we asked one of our Fellows, Andrew Park, if he could create a short, animated film to accompany an edited audio extract of one of our talks. He obliged, and the RSA Animate sensation was born!
Since then, RSA Animates have received millions of views, and have inspired, moved, and engaged people all over the world. If you're one of the few who still hasn't seen them, check one out on our 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. 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 protected]
I would like to propose an event or recommend a speaker - what do I do?
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 goals: [email protected]
We do receive a high volume of these suggestions, so please do bear with us whilst we review them.
I would like to hire the RSA - who do I contact?
RSA House hosts 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.
