Event planners looking to save some pennies are opting for more unusual venues, according to leading event experts.
More traditional hotels and conference centres have been usurped by alternative venues, including the humble pub.
Mark Bevan, head of partner services for hotel, travel and event management company Expotel said notions of prestige are declining in favour of consideration of price.
According to Bevan, hotels should be aware of the "threat" posed by pubs.
"Almost every week Expotel is now booking smart pub-type venues for meetings because they are seen as a viable ‘no-frills' option," he said.
"The relatively pub basic offering is proving to be a workable alternative to a dedicated meetings environment for a growing number of clients."
Lower prices for function suites, which double up as meeting rooms are tempting the punters, as well as "generous catering arrangements", said Bevan, although he admitted such venues are better suited to "less formal event types".
Des Mclaughlin, managing director at Grassroots, agreed that hotels are losing out in the price war, although he has seen clients heading for all-inclusive training centres rather the down the pub.
"We've seen a move from the top end of the four star [hotel] market," he said. "People will avoid residential meetings if they can, therefore a hotel is suddenly not the only option."
Many training centres are offering all-inclusive packages, with no additional charges outside of the original quote, which adds a sense of security.
People can't afford to get their budgeting wrong these days, according to Mclaughlin, although there is money being spent - "a big move on from a year and a half ago," he said.
Other trends seen by Grassroots includes ultra-modern contemporary style venues, of which there are not enough in London, and private members clubs, for people looking to be discrete with their meetings.
David Battley, director of events and meetings management at HRG, said corporate clients often look for alternative venues as a means of saving money, but warned it can pose problems.
"The challenge with trying to use alternative venues is two fold and encompasses company policy and accountability," he said.
"With a traditional venue users are assured of quality standards and site safety. This is not always the case with alternative venues and as such many corporates are unable to work with them."