The Ohio State University
Conferences, Meetings and Events
1739 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43210
1739 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Event Types Welcomed
Adult Social Event | Corporate Social Events | Expo/Competitions | Family Reunion | Professional Meeting/Training/Conference/Retreat | Wedding Ceremony/Reception | Youth Retreat/CampMaximum
Meeting:3500
Meeting:3500
Meeting
Rooms:34
Rooms:34
Maximum
Overnight:3500
Overnight:3500
Runner-up: Best Venue for Formal Affairs
Ohio Union is Perfect for Large Conferences, Meetings and Events
VIP Gala Fundraiser and Formal Affair
Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom- Ballroom for large events
Gala Fundraiser
Complimentary Wi-Fi and Built-In LCD Projectors and Screens
Performance Hall and Outside Potter Plaza
Tech Conferences and Networking Events
Performance Hall - Perfect for Receptions, Conferences and Galas
Great Hall of Ohio Union
Plated Meal for your Culinary Selections
Conference Vendors Pre-Function Space
Sphinx Centennial Leadership Suite and 34 Dynamic and Flexible Meeting Spaces
Ohio Staters Traditions Room - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
Cartoon Room - Banquet Meal or Meeting Room
Barbie Tootle Room - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
Ohio Union University Catering 
Potter Plaza Outdoor Event Space
Senate Chamber - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
Archie M. Griffin East Ballroom Pre-Function Space 
Poster Session Event Space for Conferences
Large Conference Theater for Meetings or Breakout Sessions
Wedding Reception
Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom-5 Built-In LCD Screens
West Plaza Outdoor Area
About
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio Union centrally located in Columbus, Ohio is the perfect place to host your next conference, corporate/board meeting, holiday celebration, wedding reception, banquet, gala/fundraiser and other special events. Our 34 dynamic spaces are sure to impress, and our professional Columbus event services will make your event one to remember. Most of our event spaces are flexible and can be set up in banquet, theater and classroom style to best suit your event, and the campus is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, hotels, and local entertainment.
The Ohio State University’s Office of Summer Conference Housing welcomes the opportunity to host your next event. We successfully host many summer conferences in the Ohio Union, with summer conference housing available in our residence halls and dining facilities during the months of May, June and July. During the academic year, we have hotel accommodations available nearby.
Each summer season, Summer Conference Housing coordinates the residence hall housing, meeting space and traditional dining experiences of nearly 25,000 guests spread throughout over 125 unique events. No matter the size subject matter or scope we take pride in providing our guests with the finest Buckeye experience possible!
View some more of the features below to see why The Ohio State University should be your Columbus event venue for everything from corporate meetings to weddings and more!
Our coordination services include:
The Ohio State University’s Office of Summer Conference Housing welcomes the opportunity to host your next event. We successfully host many summer conferences in the Ohio Union, with summer conference housing available in our residence halls and dining facilities during the months of May, June and July. During the academic year, we have hotel accommodations available nearby.
Each summer season, Summer Conference Housing coordinates the residence hall housing, meeting space and traditional dining experiences of nearly 25,000 guests spread throughout over 125 unique events. No matter the size subject matter or scope we take pride in providing our guests with the finest Buckeye experience possible!
View some more of the features below to see why The Ohio State University should be your Columbus event venue for everything from corporate meetings to weddings and more!
Our coordination services include:
- Providing a pre-consultation meeting to organize and refine your housing, residence hall meeting space and traditional dining needs
- Arranging for the delivery of University Services including housing, traditional dining, residence hall facility meeting room needs and more
- Providing office services, technology and support
- Following up and physically checking on arrangements prior to guests’ arrival, to ensure that all arrangements are delivered as expected and requested
- Providing a comprehensive final invoice for all requested services
LOCATION + TRANSPORTATION
:John Glenn Columbus International Airport - 12 minutes
Taxi | Bus | Metro | Lyft | Uber
Onsite: Yes Fee
CATERING
University Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Ohio Union. Our talented food and beverage team is eager to enhance your meeting or special event with culinary creations guaranteed to delight your guests! Whether your event calls for a casual lunch buffet, outdoor cocktail reception, or elegant plated dinner, University Catering will prepare a menu that, paired with our innovative event spaces and dedicated staff, will make your event a surefire success.Must Use In-House Catering
Cultural Catering
Venue Hosted Alcohol Permitted
Self-Service Alcohol Permitted
AMENITIES + UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
MEETING + EVENT SPACE CAPACITIES
3500 Attendees
34 Spaces
:
Theatre Style 1500 | Classroom Style 750 | Standing Reception 1500 | Seated Reception 850
TECHNOLOGY
The Ohio Union offers many special event accommodations including built-in audio visual equipment and free wireless internet. Staging, dance floors, and specialty lighting are available upon request to enhance your event.With over 90 LCD screens throughout the building and built-in audio visual equipment, such as LCD projectors and screens in almost every room, the Union is able to accommodate many technology needs. Several spaces boast AV Booths and specialty lighting.
Yes
Free
Yes
Yes
RENTAL POLICIES
Alcohol ConsumptionOVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
3500 Overnight Guests
AC Singles & Doubles
Yes
Free
Suite Style and Hallway Pod Style
Accommodations
Accommodations
3500
Total Number of
Overnight Guests
Overnight Guests
Accommodation Types
| Residence Halls | 1,315 rooms | 2,500 beds | floorplan | image
Smith-Steeb, Park-Stradley and Siebert are eleven story residence halls with resident rooms on floors two through eleven. Residence Halls are available May-July. Each building has the following features:
Each floor has four bathrooms, each containing a community sink area and individual-use, private, lockable rooms with shower and toilet.
Hall desk staffed 24 hours/day to respond to guest inquiries.
Study lounge space on each floor.
Kitchen facilities in either the basement or 1st floor.
Laundry facilities in basement.
A 3D virtual tour can be seen HERE
This accommodation has A/C
Smith-Steeb, Park-Stradley and Siebert are eleven story residence halls with resident rooms on floors two through eleven. Residence Halls are available May-July. Each building has the following features:
Each floor has four bathrooms, each containing a community sink area and individual-use, private, lockable rooms with shower and toilet.
Hall desk staffed 24 hours/day to respond to guest inquiries.
Study lounge space on each floor.
Kitchen facilities in either the basement or 1st floor.
Laundry facilities in basement.
A 3D virtual tour can be seen HERE
This accommodation has A/C | Residence Halls | 101 rooms | 526 beds | floorplan | image
The Residence on 10th is a six story residence hall with resident rooms on floors one through six. Residence Halls are available May-July. It has the following features:
Shared suite-style bathrooms.
Hall desk staffed 24 hours/day to respond to guest inquiries.
Study lounge space on each floor.
Kitchen facilities on the ground floor.
Laundry facilities on the ground floor.
Indoor bicycle storage available.
Dining Services adjacent to facility
A 3D virtual tour can be seen HERE
This accommodation has A/C
The Residence on 10th is a six story residence hall with resident rooms on floors one through six. Residence Halls are available May-July. It has the following features:
Shared suite-style bathrooms.
Hall desk staffed 24 hours/day to respond to guest inquiries.
Study lounge space on each floor.
Kitchen facilities on the ground floor.
Laundry facilities on the ground floor.
Indoor bicycle storage available.
Dining Services adjacent to facility
A 3D virtual tour can be seen HERE
This accommodation has A/C | Hotel | Nearby Hotels | 1100 rooms | image
When you are hosting a large event or conference in the Ohio Union during the academic year (August-April), University Hospitality District is your one-stop to finding the best hotels, transportation, and support services that Columbus, Ohio has to offer. Ask for the OSU rate and transportation to and from the Ohio Union. To learn more, visit http://www.uhdcolumbus.com/
This accommodation has A/C
When you are hosting a large event or conference in the Ohio Union during the academic year (August-April), University Hospitality District is your one-stop to finding the best hotels, transportation, and support services that Columbus, Ohio has to offer. Ask for the OSU rate and transportation to and from the Ohio Union. To learn more, visit http://www.uhdcolumbus.com/
This accommodation has A/CAmenities + Unique Experiences
AMENITIES
Amenities
Event Spaces
Meeting and Event Spaces
Max Capacities
3500
Overall
750
Classroom
Style
Style
1500
Standing
Reception
Reception
850
Seated
Catered Event
Catered Event
Meeting + Event Spaces
| 5,070 SQ FT | image | image
Located on the first floor of the Ohio Union, the Great Hall Meeting Room is the most versatile room in the building. With the ability to divide the room into two medium or three smaller rooms, this space is ideal for receptions, breakout meetings and lectures.
Located on the first floor of the Ohio Union, the Great Hall Meeting Room is the most versatile room in the building. With the ability to divide the room into two medium or three smaller rooms, this space is ideal for receptions, breakout meetings and lectures.
| 2,900 SQ FT | image | image
Featuring artwork from Ohio State Alumni and local Ohio artists, the Cartoon Room offers a uniquely creative atmosphere. This room is a versatile meeting room that can function as one large meeting space or be split into two smaller sections.
Featuring artwork from Ohio State Alumni and local Ohio artists, the Cartoon Room offers a uniquely creative atmosphere. This room is a versatile meeting room that can function as one large meeting space or be split into two smaller sections.
| 2,508 SQ FT | image
This state-of-the-art theater features a built-in stage, tech booth and green room and is a great private space for showing films or hosting seminars, performances and larger meetings. Each seat includes a wooden pull-out desk and a laptop outlet.
This state-of-the-art theater features a built-in stage, tech booth and green room and is a great private space for showing films or hosting seminars, performances and larger meetings. Each seat includes a wooden pull-out desk and a laptop outlet.
| 17, 539 SQ FT | image | image
Named for two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, the grand ballroom is the largest room in the Ohio Union and one of the largest ballrooms in Central Ohio. With its three beautiful chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, this is the ideal space for large conferences, gatherings and special events.
The space can also be divided into the East and West ballrooms, and includes pre-function spaces ideal for registration or buffet tables. No matter what type of event you're hosting the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom is the perfect space to accommodate every event need.
Named for two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, the grand ballroom is the largest room in the Ohio Union and one of the largest ballrooms in Central Ohio. With its three beautiful chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, this is the ideal space for large conferences, gatherings and special events.
The space can also be divided into the East and West ballrooms, and includes pre-function spaces ideal for registration or buffet tables. No matter what type of event you're hosting the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom is the perfect space to accommodate every event need.
| 5,186 SQ FT | image | image
Known for the beautiful high ceilings, colorful chandeliers and large built-in stage, the Performance Hall is the second largest space in the Ohio Union. Often used for plenary sessions, banquets, and galas, it’s a great fit for an array of events.
Looking for a room with a unique feature? The east wall of the Performance Hall opens up to Potter Plaza, an outdoor area perfect for cocktail receptions or smaller gatherings.
Known for the beautiful high ceilings, colorful chandeliers and large built-in stage, the Performance Hall is the second largest space in the Ohio Union. Often used for plenary sessions, banquets, and galas, it’s a great fit for an array of events.
Looking for a room with a unique feature? The east wall of the Performance Hall opens up to Potter Plaza, an outdoor area perfect for cocktail receptions or smaller gatherings.
Food + Beverage
Food + Beverage
Availability
Catering
University Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Ohio Union. Our talented food and beverage team is eager to enhance your meeting or special event with culinary creations guaranteed to delight your guests! Whether your event calls for a casual lunch buffet, outdoor cocktail reception, or elegant plated dinner, University Catering will prepare a menu that, paired with our innovative event spaces and dedicated staff, will make your event a surefire success.Dining Options
| Seating Capacity: Varies by Location; 350-1,000 Seating Range | image
These traditional dining venues provide the full range of great-tasting, wholesome, comfort food you crave, with a touch of buckeye inspiration to nourish the minds of tomorrow. Plus, our Solutions station is exclusively dedicated to guests with vegetarian/vegan preferences and gluten-free or other dietary restrictions.
There are three locations convenient to each residential area of campus.
These traditional dining venues provide the full range of great-tasting, wholesome, comfort food you crave, with a touch of buckeye inspiration to nourish the minds of tomorrow. Plus, our Solutions station is exclusively dedicated to guests with vegetarian/vegan preferences and gluten-free or other dietary restrictions.
There are three locations convenient to each residential area of campus.
- Kennedy Traditions on South Campus
- Scott Traditions on North Campus
- Morrill Traditions on West Campus
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The heart of OSU resides here. Located in the Ohio Union, the Union Market offers classic favorites at the Fired Up! grill, fresh salads at Across the Field, international fare at Buckeye Passports and fresh deli sandwiches and wraps at Dough-HIO. Cuisine includes Deli-Style Sandwiches, Entrees/Pastas/Wraps, Ice Cream, Pizza, Salad, Salad Bar, Soup, Specialty Coffees, Subs, Sushi, Yogurt/Fruit, Bagels/Muffins/Pastries
The heart of OSU resides here. Located in the Ohio Union, the Union Market offers classic favorites at the Fired Up! grill, fresh salads at Across the Field, international fare at Buckeye Passports and fresh deli sandwiches and wraps at Dough-HIO. Cuisine includes Deli-Style Sandwiches, Entrees/Pastas/Wraps, Ice Cream, Pizza, Salad, Salad Bar, Soup, Specialty Coffees, Subs, Sushi, Yogurt/Fruit, Bagels/Muffins/Pastries
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Experience a blast from the past in Sloopy's Diner at the Ohio Union! Catch all your breakfast favorites, diner-style classics and sandwiches named for student leaders and alumni at almost any hour of the day in this 1950's-inspired diner. Cuisine includes Breakfast Entrees, Breakfast Sandwiches, Deli-Style Sandwiches, Entrees/Pastas/Wraps, Salad, Soup, Yogurt/Fruit, Bagels/Muffins/Pastries
Experience a blast from the past in Sloopy's Diner at the Ohio Union! Catch all your breakfast favorites, diner-style classics and sandwiches named for student leaders and alumni at almost any hour of the day in this 1950's-inspired diner. Cuisine includes Breakfast Entrees, Breakfast Sandwiches, Deli-Style Sandwiches, Entrees/Pastas/Wraps, Salad, Soup, Yogurt/Fruit, Bagels/Muffins/Pastries
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In honor of our legendary Coach, Woody's Tavern, located in the Ohio Union, showcases pizza, Ohio's finest beer and wine, popcorn and good old-fashioned root beer. If the six foot high pizza oven alone doesn't make it the campus hot spot, its DJ booth and timeless charm of a brasserie will!
In honor of our legendary Coach, Woody's Tavern, located in the Ohio Union, showcases pizza, Ohio's finest beer and wine, popcorn and good old-fashioned root beer. If the six foot high pizza oven alone doesn't make it the campus hot spot, its DJ booth and timeless charm of a brasserie will!
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Warm-up with a specialty coffee or cool down with a scoop of homemade gelato in the Ohio Union coffee shop, Espress-OH. Conveniently located near the bus stop, stop by Espress-OH for a tasty treat and remember to check for special seasonal coffee creations throughout the year.
Warm-up with a specialty coffee or cool down with a scoop of homemade gelato in the Ohio Union coffee shop, Espress-OH. Conveniently located near the bus stop, stop by Espress-OH for a tasty treat and remember to check for special seasonal coffee creations throughout the year.
Location
Location + Transportation
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Nearby Airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport - 12 minutesTransportation + Parking
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
| website
Located next door to the Ohio Union, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of materials related to cartoons and comics as well as museum galleries featuring exhibitions that are free and open to the public
Located next door to the Ohio Union, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of materials related to cartoons and comics as well as museum galleries featuring exhibitions that are free and open to the public
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A self-guided tour of the unique facilities at Ohio State. Learn the history behind some of Ohio State's oldest academic buildings, wander through the many paths of the Oval, and pass by the Ohio Stadium.
A self-guided tour of the unique facilities at Ohio State. Learn the history behind some of Ohio State's oldest academic buildings, wander through the many paths of the Oval, and pass by the Ohio Stadium.
| website
Go behind the scenes at the Ohio Stadium on a guided tour that takes you inside the storied history of Buckeye Football.
Go behind the scenes at the Ohio Stadium on a guided tour that takes you inside the storied history of Buckeye Football.
| website
Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the culturally rich Short North Arts District is a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio. Visitors are invited to explore our vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of amazing art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.
Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the culturally rich Short North Arts District is a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio. Visitors are invited to explore our vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of amazing art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.
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The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University's multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art.
Through exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies, and education programs, the Wexner Center acts as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences that enhance the understanding of the art of our time.
The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University's multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art.
Through exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies, and education programs, the Wexner Center acts as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences that enhance the understanding of the art of our time.
Technology
Technology
Equipment Available On-Site
Description
The Ohio Union offers many special event accommodations including built-in audio visual equipment and free wireless internet. Staging, dance floors, and specialty lighting are available upon request to enhance your event.With over 90 LCD screens throughout the building and built-in audio visual equipment, such as LCD projectors and screens in almost every room, the Union is able to accommodate many technology needs. Several spaces boast AV Booths and specialty lighting.
Technology
Audio-Visual and Equipment
The Ohio Union offers a variety of audio-visual and technological accommodations to enhance our clients’ events. Capabilities include:
Complimentary wireless internet
Built-in audio-visual equipment
LCD projectors and screens
Staging, dance floors and podiums
Specialty lighting
Green rooms
Additional equipment and service are available on request.
Our event services staff will advise you on equipment, set-up and pricing to ensure your event is a success.
Testimonials
Testimonials
"I want to thank you for all of your efforts in supporting our event last week. You were tremendous – you clearly have an exceptional talent in meeting planning and creativity and problem solving! Our members loved the facilities at the Ohio Union. They are beautiful and comfortable, and it was great for all of us to be in an environment with so many energetic students around. Thank you to you and your team!"
"We had a lot of positive comments on the food and Ohio Union’s catering this year from our attendees! They were happy with the variety of foods on the breakfast buffet, and the healthy and “real” food options available. We have a lot of vegetarians, vegans and health-conscious attendees and they were very pleased with the choices. Plus- we greatly appreciated the catering team’s flexibility with tweaking some of the pre-set menu options."
“I want to thank the staff at the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University for a beautiful reception. The organization, efficiency, service, friendliness and attention to the guests from servers, bartenders and the rest of the staff was flawless. The food was absolutely delicious and elegantly presented. All of our guests were talking about the fabulous hors d’oeuvres and dinners. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making the reception an Ohio State memory of a lifetime for all of us. You’re the greatest.”
“Everything went very smoothly at the renewable energy event. I received a lot of wonderful feedback from those in attendance about the facility, the layout, and they literally raved about the food.I appreciate the Sales and Event team, the catering team, the AV team, the guys who helped us haul our stuff in and out of the building, EVERYONE for their assistance in making the seminar such a smooth and seamless process for us. I was just discussing with the rest of the team this week their thoughts and everyone really enjoyed being at the Ohio Union.”
"Dear Ohio Union AV Department,
I just want to let you know, your AV team was so helpful to me today. They…rushed around to help me; Had an “I’ll do anything I can” attitude; Problem solved when out-of-the-box thinking was critical!; … and even made a cardboard box to help me! They did not just say, ”Sorry, I can’t help” I am so thankful to them. My presentation at the Ohio Union went so well, and it’s all thanks to them!"
