BU Event Planning: Venues, Catering, Audio/Visual, Security, and TransportationBU Event Planning: Venues, Catering, Audio/Visual, Security, and Transportation

Boston University Event Planning

BU students pursue their passions inside and outside of the classroom. From competing in broomball leagues to contributing to the student literary magazines Clarion and Burn, BU students are passionate about their studies and their communities.

BU also values the importance of a strong academic reputation, and its alumni include 13 current or former governors and 33 members of the United States House of Representatives. With that kind of pedigree, it’s no wonder that BU students excel in their fields.

Venues

Located in the heart of campus, George Sherman Union is not only the student center but also Boston University’s premier central campus events facility. With spaces suitable for lectures & meetings, banquet dinners, awards ceremonies, and receptions, GSU has something to offer every type of event.

Make your big day unforgettable with a wedding ceremony and reception at the historic Castle. This extraordinary Tudor Revival mansion on Bay State Road features mahogany paneling, massive fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Kick up your heels at the 225-seat state-of-the-art Dance Theater and Rehearsal Space, which is ideal for rehearsals, classes, and performances. Guests can even take advantage of the world class Fitness and Recreation Center, which offers exclusive daily and weekly member rates for event attendees.

Catering

BU’s campus offers a wide range of meeting, conference, and performance facilities year-round. From the Tudor Revival Castle to state-of-the-art athletic venues like Agganis Arena and FitRec Center, we’ve got you covered. We offer professional catering services with a wide variety of options including plated dinners, garden parties, celebratory toasts, and more.

Pick-up catering is available for Student Organizations — perfectly sized items by the dollar plus platters and party packages. BU aspires to zero waste and we strive to meet that goal by recycling as much as possible.

Review the Event How-To Guide for details on key contacts and institutional processes for arranging your event. Check the Internal Planning Calendar and online Event Request Calendar in 25Live to ensure that your requested date/time does not conflict with another event.

Audio/Visual

Whether you’re hosting a concert with live music or just need a projector to show your slides, it’s best to start working with Student Life early. We’ll help you take stock of what’s worked before, as well as guide you through a search for new spaces and capabilities.

Once you’ve locked down the date and venue, put your event on our internal planning calendar. This ensures that you don’t conflict with another student group’s plans. Plus, it helps the Student Life Office to get a headcount of attendees, which is helpful for reporting back to Allocations Board (and, potentially, attracting future funding).

Security

Whether there are large crowds or high-profile guests, safety is always a priority. BUPD conducts security briefings and training for students and staff on a regular basis, including information about reporting suspicious activity.

Students are encouraged to be prepared for emergencies by knowing the basics (911 is an emergency number; knowing how to silence your phone, or access your device’s emergency SOS features) and planning ahead by reviewing campus maps, identifying escape routes, and checking stairwells and windows.

The University encourages student expression of opinion but expects that such expression be peaceful and free from violence, hatred, intolerance and bigotry. Events on campus that prompt a counter-demonstration may necessitate additional safety measures such as relocating the Event or restricting it to Affiliates only. The University also reserves the right to impose a lockdown.

Transportation

Due to BU’s urban setting, it is recommended that guests use public transportation as much as possible. If guest parking is required, University lots are available on a daily or overnight basis with pre-paid or pay-on-entry options. In addition, the BU Shuttle (BUS) traverses both the Charles River and Medical Campuses at regular intervals; a BU ID is required to board. MBTA buses and subways, as well as commuter rail, also serve the area, with live maps, schedules, and fares on the MBTA website. For bike commuting, BU offers convenient Bluebikes stations with discounted memberships for students and employees.

For shipments, the Events Specialist can provide a shipping address and instructions for outgoing packages. BU’s courier service, as well as local taxi companies, are readily available.

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