Pricing for Events and/or Conferences
Catering, audio-visual equipment and any additional requested services are priced per use. Room rental includes one basic set-up with tables and chairs. All room rental rates are based on a daily rate.
Hours of Operation
The USC Aiken Conference Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.and during scheduled events being held in the facility. Evening events should end prior to 10:00 p.m. unless otherwise planned.
Weekend Hours: Weekend hours may be made by appointment or as relating to a scheduled function.
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather USCA reserves the right to cancel events.
Parking
Parking at USC Aiken is free and available in Lots A, B, C, and D for participants in groups of 50 or less. All group participants are asked to park within the white lines in these lots, otherwise they will be subject to a parking ticket. Larger groups may be asked to park in a specially designated area.
Catering
The USC Aiken Conference Center does not allow any food or beverages to be brought in by event participants and/or outside caterers. All food and beverage services, including alcohol, must be managed and provided by USC Aiken’s caterer. Catering guarantees are due five (5) business days prior to the event. The group will be billed for the guarantee or for the actual number served, whichever is greater. In the event of cancellation within 48 hours of a food function, the customer is liable for any food and production costs incurred up to that time. Any food functions at the Center must be approved by the USC Aiken Conference Center Director. Food and/or beverages may not be removed from the premises following any function, this policy is in compliance with health regulations. We will be happy to make all catering arrangements for you.
Alcoholic Beverages
No alcohol is allowed in the Conference Center. Events with alcohol must be held in the Etherredge Center or Convocation Center.
All requests to serve alcoholic beverages must be submitted to the Director of Conferences and Continuing Education. Legal consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted at events that have been pre-approved by the Chancellor.
There will be no open containers outside of the pre-approved designated areas. Individuals will be held responsible for their behavior while under the influence of alcohol. Failure to comply with South Carolina state law and University policy may subject the person or group to state and /or University penalties. All state regulations apply to the serving, selling and purchasing of alcoholic beverages on the USC Aiken campus.
Alcoholic beverages must be ordered along with catering from the university food service. The Office of Conferences and Continuing Education will be glad to make all of these arrangements for you.
Decorations
The Conference Center staff will be pleased to arrange for the purchase of freshly cut flowers, centerpieces, etc. No decorations may be hung from the ceilings or placed on walls. All candles must be globed.
Posters/Signs
Easels can provided for any posters or signs to be displayed during a meeting or seminar. No signs or posters are allowed to be pinned or taped to the doors or walls. The placement of organizational banners must be arranged and approved prior to the event.
Pre-event Shipments/Labor Charges
All shipments must be approved through the USC Aiken Conference Center. A labor charge may be assessed for unloading items to storage areas. No shipments will be accepted earlier than 48 hours prior to an event and must be picked up within 48 hours after the event unless prior arrangements are made.
Room Assignments
The USC Aiken Conference Center reserves the right to make room assignments based on group size and space maximization. If the guarantee for an event falls below the original expected attendance, the USC Aiken Conference Center reserves the right to reassign the event to an appropriately-sized room.
Security
The Director of USC Aiken Public Safety has the option to require security at any event held on campus by outside groups renting USC Aiken facilities. These services are billed at an hourly rate and may require payment for a minimum number of hours.
Accessibility
The University of South Carolina meets ADA requirements. If you need special services, assistance or accommodations to participate in an event or program please call the Office of Conferences and Continuing Education at 803-641-3587 at least one week prior to the event for information and a fee schedule.
Liability
The USC Aiken Conference Center reserves the right to inspect and control all events being held in the Center. The USC Aiken Conference Center does not assume responsibility for personal property and equipment brought into the Center. Liability for any damage to the premises or University equipment will be the responsibility of the contracting party and will be charged back to them accordingly. The USC Aiken Conference Center is not liable for any bodily injury during the use of campus facilities. In certain cases, groups may be asked to submit to USC Aiken a certificate of insurance for general liability.
Damages
There will be a charge for any and all damages to the facility, equipment and /or furnishings which occur during use. This includes, but is not limited to, tape on walls, doors and/or floors. There will also be a charge when excess cleanup is required.
- Please DO NOT use confetti or glitter for decorations in the Conference Center or anywhere on campus.
- Please DO NOT use any sort of tacks, nails, or screws ANYPLACE in the Conference Center,
- Please DO NOT use tape ANYWHERE unless its use has been approved by one or our staff members.
- Please DO NOT hang banners or flags ANYWHERE unless cleared by a staff member. You will need to indicate where and how these will be hung.
- If you require the use of water or access to water, please let us know immediately so that we can work with you.
- If you require the use of "extra" electricity, please let us know before you "plug in" so that we can ensure that no single circuit is overloaded.
- Please be VERY CAREFUL when unloading, loading and transporting your supplies/materials in the Conference Center. In particular, dollies and carts should be used with caution so that walls and corners are not damaged.
Responsibility of Scheduling Group
It is the responsibility of the scheduling group to be aware of all USC Aiken Conference Center policies and guidelines, as they pertain to the use of the facility for events. The group representative who signs the USC Aiken Conference Center Agreement accepts the responsibility for ensuring that all policies and guidelines are followed while event attendees are using the facility.
Confirmations/Cancellations/Deposits/Payments
- A reservation is not confirmed until a USC Aiken Conference Center contract has been signed by both parties.
- Cancellations must be made with the USC Aiken Conference Center at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled event or the full rental fee will be charged.
- The USC Aiken Conference Center reserves the right to release unconfirmed reservations fifteen (15) business days preceding the event.
- In some cases a deposit may be required.
- All groups will be billed following their events, with the full payment due no later than 30 days after receipt of the bill. All unpaid accounts are subject to late fees and collection costs.
Sales Tax
All USC Aiken Conference Center prices are subject to state and local sales tax.
Administrative Fee
All groups will be charged an administrative fee of 10% of the total invoice or a minimum of $25.00 per event.
Smoking Policy
The use of any tobacco product is prohibited on all university property.
Use of University Name
The organization or individual must agree that no advertisement or other public statement shall assert or imply that the University of South Carolina Aiken supports, approves, or endorses any product, service, interest, position, or ideology of the organization or individual, unless such advertisements or statements have been approved in writing by USC Aiken in advance of publication.