Conference Center

Pricing for Events and 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 USCA Conference Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and during scheduled events. Evening events should end before 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 inclement weather, USCA reserves the right to cancel events.

Parking

Parking at USCA 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

No outside food and beverage is allowed on the USCA campus. All food and beverage needs must be handled by the University’s Catering partner. Please visit the following website: usca.catertrax.com or call (803) 641-3596.

Decorations

The Conference Center staff will be pleased to arrange to purchase 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 be provided for any posters or signs to be displayed during a meeting or seminar. Signs or posters are not allowed to be pinned or taped to the doors or walls. The placement of organizational banners must be arranged and approved before the event.

Pre-event Shipments/Labor Charges

All shipments must be approved through the USCA Conference Center. A labor charge may be assessed for unloading items to storage areas. No shipments will be accepted earlier than 48 hours before an event and must be picked up within 48 hours after the event unless prior arrangements are made.

Room Assignments

The USCA Conference Center reserves the right to assign rooms based on group size and space maximization. If the guarantee for an event falls below the original expected attendance, the USCA Conference Center reserves the right to reassign the event to an appropriately-sized room.

Security

The Director of USCA Public Safety can require security at any event held on campus by outside groups renting USCA 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 before the event for information and a fee schedule.

Liability

The USCA Conference Center reserves the right to inspect and control all events held there. The USCA 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 contracting party's responsibility and will be charged back to them accordingly. The USCA Conference Center is not liable for bodily injury while using campus facilities. In some instances, groups may be asked to submit a certificate of insurance for general liability to USCA.

Damages

There will be a charge for any and all damages to the facility, equipment, and /or furnishings that 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 tacks, nails, or screws ANYPLACE in the Conference Center,
• Please DO NOT use tape ANYWHERE unless its use has been approved by one of 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 water or access to water, please let us know immediately so we can work with you.
• If you require "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 during load-in and load-out while transporting your supplies/materials in the Conference Center. In particular, dollies and carts should be used cautiously to avoid damaging walls and corners.

Responsibility of Scheduling Group

The scheduling group is responsible for being aware of all USCA Conference Center policies and guidelines regarding event use. The group representative who signs the USCA Conference Center Agreement accepts responsibility for ensuring that all policies and guidelines are followed while event attendees use the facility.

Confirmations/Cancellations/Deposits/Payments

• A reservation is not confirmed until both parties have signed a USCA Conference Center contract.
• Cancellations must be made with the USCA Conference Center at least ten (10) business days before the scheduled event, or the full rental fee will be charged.
• The USCA 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 USCA 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 USCA in advance of publication.