Event Planning Guide
Event Planning Considerations
The Union Events & Scheduling Team is available from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. After hours and on weekends, a Union Student Building Manager is always on duty to assist you. Please call the Union Event Managers for assistance with all events and to answer any questions you may have. Call us at 801-581-7251 or email us.
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- What day and time do you want your event? Determine the date, time of day, and optional dates for your event (just in case what you are looking for isn't available).
- What type of event are you having? Meeting, conference, reception, speaker, luncheon, etc.?
- How many participants or attendees are expected?
- What is your budget for your event? There are many free smaller meeting rooms available for students and student organizations in the Union. Rates are listed on the Rooms & Rates page or please call us at 801-581-7251 for further assistance.
- What type of setup do you want? We have multiple options for room setups including but not limited to: board room, round tables, auditorium style, etc. If you are not familiar with the rooms, setup options, or room capacities in the Union, please refer to the Rooms & Rates page for pictures and detailed descriptions.
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Why Advertise?
Being the community center of campus, the A. Ray Olpin Union Building receives over 4 million + visitors each year - ensuring maximum exposure for advertising. Located at the heart of the University of Utah, the Union draws many students, staff, and visitors every day. Advertising here ensures your event captures the attention of an engaged audience - boosting visibility and attendance. Make your event a campus highlight by leveraging this prime location.
For a list of advertising options, please visit the Advertise at the Union page or email the Union Marketing Team for more information on options, availability, and rates.
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Parking is never free in the visitor lots on campus except for Saturdays and Sundays (unless there's a football game on a Saturday, then there is a charge). For more information about parking, please visit the Directions & Parking page.
If you're planning an evening event on a weekday, it's best to start the event at 6:30 pm or later. For certain events, we can arrange for the lots surrounding the Union (except the visitor lot) to be free after 6 pm. Without coordinating with the Union, there is no free parking on campus before 8 pm on a weekday and visitors must pay to park in the visitor lots.
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Security Personnel may be required for certain events such as concerts, dances, rallies, demonstrations, lectures, and large gatherings. The need for security is determined by the Union Director and Campus Police. When required, the Events & Scheduling Team will arrange officers through University Public Safety. All charges are billed to the sponsoring group as part of the event cost. Please contact Union Events & Scheduling for more information (801-581-7251).
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The Union has equipment to produce events with high-quality lighting and sound. In the Union Ballroom, we have added an LED Display Screen for all presentation needs.
All meeting rooms in the Union are equipped with built-in TVs. Union Event & Building Managers assist with adapters and connections.
For more detailed information, please call our office at 801-581-7251 or refer to our Equipment & Services page.
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While in the Union, connect to the "UGuest" network. For more information on connecting to the "UGuest" network, please download the "UGuest" Guide.
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Meals and refreshments served in the Union must be ordered through the University of Utah Catering and Dining Services. Dining Services can be reached at 801-581-7256 or on their website.
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Room setups are coordinated through the Events & Scheduling Department. Within the limits explained on the Rooms & Rates page, the use of certain equipment and furnishings is without charge. Additional equipment rented from third-party suppliers and sub-contracted personnel charges will be billed to the reserving group. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
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Discuss ideas with the Events & Scheduling Team as additional cleaning costs may be charged. Decorations and banners must be removed immediately following an event. The Union is not responsible for the loss of any materials left in or at the building.
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Advertising tables are placed in designated areas for University groups. Campus groups can reserve an information table free of charge located either outside on the Patio Walkway or inside the Union Recreation Area by the Billiards. Please contact Union Events & Scheduling or refer to our Facilities Use Procedures for more detailed information on the solicitation procedure.
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Approval is subject to staff availability and additional fees and operating costs will be charged to the group making the request.
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University Organizations and Departments with the ability to pay with PCard or Chartfield will be invoiced and are expected to pay upon receipt of the invoice. All other groups, individuals, and non-university organizations must pay in advance of the event. Groups that default on payment may be refused services or will be required to pay for future services in advance of the event.
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There is a CANCELLATION POLICY for the Union on holds, agreements pending, or confirmed meetings/events. Failure to cancel a room reservation may result in the loss of scheduling privileges.
90-Day Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees apply to events canceled less than 90 days prior to the start of an event in the Ballrooms, Saltair, Crimson View, and Panorama East.
30-Day Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees apply to events canceled less than 30 days prior to the start of an event in the Tanner Plaza, Patio, Walkway, Den, Parlor A, and Collegiate.
7-Day Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees apply to events canceled less than 7 days prior to the start of an event in the 300's, Parlor B, and Union Meeting Room
For detailed policies, please view our Facility Use Procedures.