
This page contains a short compilation of information that is often helpful to our internal partners. If you still have questions, or don't see the information you need here, please contact our office. We're happy to help!
The University of Washington Tacoma is located in the heart of downtown Tacoma on the 1900 block of Pacific Avenue. The Office of Events & Conferences is located in William W. Philip Hall, at 1918 Pacific Avenue. We are located on the second floor just to the left when you come up the stairs.
Yes, we do! The University has over 50 classrooms that non-university organizations and individuals may rent. Please note that University of Washington Tacoma courses will always receive priority in the scheduling of classrooms.
Spaces scheduled on campus follow a scheduling timeline. Specific dates that spaces become available to request are based on the type of space being requested — academic space vs. non-academic space.
Academic spaces include classrooms, computer classrooms, and breakout rooms. These spaces must give first priority to University courses and all reservations assigned in academic spaces may be subject to change due to academic needs. This will include reassignment or cancellation.
Non-academic spaces include conference rooms, indoor event spaces, outdoor event spaces, and building lobbies/atriums. We are now accepting event reservations through August 31, 2023 for event space rentals.
Yes, Conference Services offers a nonprofit and government rate when it comes to room rentals. To find out more about what a room would cost, please contact us at 253-692-4676 or tacconf@uw.edu
Yes, the University of Washington wireless (Wi-Fi) service is designed as a primary access network for UW students, faculty and staff, but is also available for guest use with a guest account. This network provides Wi-Fi coverage inside most buildings as well as some outdoor areas campus. If you would like access to wireless internet, there is a small fee of $25.00 for the creation of the guest account. This account would give access to all your attendees.
Yes. Here is the link to view the space: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/uwy/uwy-303-304.
The UWY is a joint space that the University shares with the YMCA. Our Conference Services Team can help with the booking process if you would like to have your event at the UWY.
If you would like to have food at your event, we have a preferred caterers list. Here is the link to our preferred caterers list: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/uuf/caterers.
Yes.
The Campus Accessibility Routes contains maps with detailed descriptions of access to the Tacoma campus facilities.
For information about parking on University premises, visit disability parking.
Yes. We have lactation rooms for breastfeeding mothers in GWP 410 & MAT 204A. The UWT lactation rooms are for current students, staff, faculty, and UWT guests. The room can be used on a drop-in basis and is available when the buildings are open. Please contact Campus Safety after 5pm or before 8am.
To gain access, please contact:
Student Engagement (M-F, 8am-5pm)
MAT 103/ 253-692-4901
uwtsl@uw.edu
Campus Security (Between 5pm-8am)
DOU 180/ 253-692-4416
The University of Washington Tacoma has many options when it comes to A/V support for your conference. We can provide equipment or technical support in order to ensure your conference media runs smoothly.
Media Services Conference Support Policies |
Equipment Requests: Requests to setup equipment that is not included in the room will incur the minimum labor charge. Contact Conference Services for list of equipment available and pricing. |
Emergency Support: If, during a conference, Media Services is called in for emergency support there will be a charge of 2x the minimum hourly rate. |
Required Media Technician: Conferences that utilize a video production company for public distribution must coordinate with a University Media Technician to ensure conference is recorded properly. |
Deadlines: All equipment and support details must be provided 1 week prior to confernce. Cancelation within 1 week of an conference will incur a charge of 50% of the total A/V costs (equipment and support). |
Change Order: Any changes to a setup within 48 hours of a conference may incur a 20% surcharge. |
Technical Services:
We have media technicians who are available to assist with any kind of technical needs you may have. Services that they offer include:
- Running sound
- Performance cues
- Lighting changes
- PowerPoint assistance
Video recording of your conference:
- Pre-production: can include project consultation and/or project coordination
- Videotaping: uses professional lighting, digital video and audio systems to help create HD, broadcast quality video material
- Post-production: can finish up projects with modern editing and duplication facilities, and can convert video programs into the latest streaming formats
Contact Conference Services for current video production rates.
Yes, there is hourly paid parking available on campus for both UW Tacoma parking lots and City of Tacoma on-street parking. For more information on rates, locations, and other parking options, feel free to visit UW Tacoma’s Transportation Services’ website at https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/fa/facilities/transportation/parking.
Clients may use any of their own equipment, signage, decor, etc. that will contribute to the success of their event. The removal and/or disposal of these items immediately after the event will be the client’s responsibility. For the use of signage and decor within our facility, the following are prohibited:
- Glitter
- Confetti
- Staples
- Sequins
- Nails
- Tacks
- Scotch, masking, duct and electrical tape
- Fog/smoke/bubble machines
- Fire and/or open flames of any kind
Any and all damages caused by signage and decor, including helium balloons released to the ceiling, will incur charges related to repair and/or removal.
Event cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees are then assessed for each booking, per room per day, as follows:
- 8-14 days prior to scheduled event will be charged 25% of the room rental rate plus any unique costs incurred.
- 7 days prior to a scheduled event will be charged the full room rental rate plus any unique costs incurred.
The Office of Events & Conferences attempts to accommodate short notice requests to the best of our ability. However, when changes are requested fewer than three (3) business days prior to event date, a Short Notice or Change Fee of $100 may be applied. Changes include, but are not limited to: audio/visual, rentals, labor/staffing, food and beverage/catering, setup/layout or start/end time requests.
Depending on the time and date, there may be students on site during an event. Another group on campus may be holding their own event as well, however, simultaneous gatherings will take place in their own respective UW Tacoma spaces.
Yes, there will be a Conference Services staff member available during all meetings and events as a point of contact for clients. In addition to a member of our team, there will also be an officer from Campus Safety roaming the campus.
Yes. Here is a link to emergency evacuation routes, assembly points, heart defibrillator and emergency phone locations, with more information about these items - https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/fa/safety/emergency-evacuation. There is also a first aid kit located at Campus Safety & Security Office in Dougan, Room 180.
Our team is growing and depending on the capacity of each staff member, event coordinator roles may shift. We hope each event or conference you host with us is a smooth process whoever you are working with from our staff to lead student employees.
Events & Conferences can provide signage for your conference on campus. We can provide sandwich boards, stand signs and breakout signs. The sandwich boards are used for directional signage purposes and are great for directing people around campus.
Payments may be made online here, https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/conference/online-payments or through check, by mailing it to: Office of Events & Conferences, University of Washington Tacoma, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
There is a loading zone by William Philip Hall off S 21st., turning on Dolly Roberson Lane, and by the Joy building off Commerce Street. See campus map here: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/campus-map.
There are multiple outlets to purchase special events coverage. A quick Google search will bring several up. These policies may be purchased online and applications are super quick to complete. Some common places people have purchased are:
- K & K insurance (kandkainsurance.com)
- Event Insurance Now (eventinsurancenow.com)
Additional information: The Board of Regents of the University of Washington must be named as an additional insured. We should be requiring $1M per occurrence and $2M in the aggregate liability coverage which can be obtained via the special events coverage. If liquor will be served coverage must apply to liquor service, as well.