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Home > Ohio > The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University

Conferences, Meetings and Events
1739 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43210

3500Largest Group
34Meeting Rooms
3500Overnight Guests
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  • Ohio Union is Perfect for Large Conferences, Meetings and EventsOhio Union is Perfect for Large Conferences, Meetings and Events
        
  • VIP Gala Fundraiser and Formal AffairVIP Gala Fundraiser and Formal Affair
        
  • Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom- Ballroom for large eventsArchie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom- Ballroom for large events
        
  • Gala FundraiserGala Fundraiser
        
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and Built-In LCD Projectors and ScreensComplimentary Wi-Fi and Built-In LCD Projectors and Screens
        
  • Performance HallPerformance Hall
        
  • Tech Conferences and Networking EventsTech Conferences and Networking Events
        
  • Performance Hall - Perfect for Receptions, Conferences and GalasPerformance Hall - Perfect for Receptions, Conferences and Galas
        
  • Great HallGreat Hall
        
  • Plated Meal for your Culinary SelectionsPlated Meal for your Culinary Selections
        
  • Conference Vendors Pre-Function SpaceConference Vendors Pre-Function Space
        
  • Sphinx Centennial Leadership Suite and 34 Dynamic and Flexible Meeting SpacesSphinx Centennial Leadership Suite and 34 Dynamic and Flexible Meeting Spaces
        
  • Ohio Staters Traditions Room - Meeting Room or Breakout SessionOhio Staters Traditions Room - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
        
  • Cartoon Room - Banquet Meal or Meeting RoomCartoon Room - Banquet Meal or Meeting Room
        
  • Barbie Tootle Room - Meeting Room or Breakout SessionBarbie Tootle Room - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
        
  • Ohio Union University Catering Ohio Union University Catering
        
  • Potter Plaza Outdoor Event SpacePotter Plaza Outdoor Event Space
        
  • Senate Chamber - Meeting Room or Breakout SessionSenate Chamber - Meeting Room or Breakout Session
        
  • Archie M. Griffin East Ballroom Pre-Function Space Archie M. Griffin East Ballroom Pre-Function Space
        
  • Poster Session Event Space for ConferencesPoster Session Event Space for Conferences
        
  • Large Conference Theater for Meetings or Breakout SessionsLarge Conference Theater for Meetings or Breakout Sessions
        
  • Wedding ReceptionWedding Reception
        
The Ohio State UniversityVisit WebsitePhone
  • Overview
  • Event Spaces
  • Accommodations
  • Catering
  • Dining
  • Technology
  • Area Attractions
  • Testimonials
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 and professional Columbus event services will make your event one to remember. Most of our spaces are flexible and can be set up in banquet, theater and classroom style to best suit your 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.

Conveniently located near downtown Columbus, with a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and entertainment.

The Ohio State University’s Office of Summer Conference Housing welcomes the opportunity to host your next event in Columbus, Ohio!

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 (1-3,500 guests), subject matter (academic, faith-based or athletic) or scope (state, national and international), 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. 
Nearest Airport/ Number of Minutes:
John Glenn Columbus International Airport / 12
Public Transportation Options:
Taxi
Bus
Metro
Lyft
Uber
Metro/Public Transportation Proximity:
Onsite
Parking Onsite:
Yes
Parking:
Fee
Room Type(s):
AC Singles & Doubles
Bath Type(s):
Suite Style and Hallway Pod Style
ADA Accessible:
Yes
Largest Group:
3500
Number of Meeting & Event Rooms:
34
Largest Classroom Style:
750
Largest Theatre Style:
1500
Number of Overnight Guests:
3500
Overnight Room Rate Per Person:
Varies w/ Linen Service Chosen; Range is $22 - $62 per Night
Largest Standing Reception:
1500
Largest 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.
Onsite Wireless Internet:
Free
Wi-Fi In Meeting Space:
Yes
Wi-Fi In Meeting Space Cost:
Complimentary
Wi-Fi In Guest Rooms:
Yes
Wi-Fi In Guest Rooms Cost:
Complimentary
Onsite A/V Staff:
Yes
Food & Beverage:
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:
Yes
Cultural Catering Available:
No
Alcohol Permitted:
Yes
Can Bring Own Alcohol:
No
Ropes Course / Team Building:
Yes
Phone:
614-292-9835
Event Space Available:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Overnight Accommodations Available:
May
June
July
Ideally Suited For:
Adult Social Event
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Family Reunion
Professional Meeting/Training/Conference/Retreat
Wedding Ceremony/Reception
Youth Party
Youth Retreat/Camp




Event Spaces

Meeting RoomDescriptionsSquare Footage
Great Hall Meeting Room 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.

 5,070
Cartoon Room 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.

 2,900
US Bank Conference Theater 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.

 2,508
Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom 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.


 17, 539
Performance Hall and Potter Plaza 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.

 5,186

Accommodations

Facility# of Rooms# of BedsRoom TypeBath TypeA/C
South Campus High Rises (Smith-Steeb, Park-Stradley & Siebert Halls) 1,315 2,500 Residence Halls Communal yes
The Residence on 10th 101 526 Residence Halls Shared yes
University Hospitality District 1100 Hotel Private yes

Catering

  • University 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.

    http://universitycatering.osu.edu/
    >>> menu (PDF)

Dining

  • Traditional Dining Services (All-You-Care-To-Eat Options)
    Seating Capacity: Varies by Location; 350-1,000 Seating Range
    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
  • Union Market
    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
  • Sloopy's Diner
    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
  • Woody's Tavern
    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! 
  • Espress-OH
    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.

Technology

TypeDescription
Audio-Visual and Equipment 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. 

Area Attractions

AttractionDescription
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum 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
The Ohio State University Self-Guided Walking Tour 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.
Ohio Stadium Tours Go behind the scenes at the Ohio Stadium on a guided tour that takes you inside the storied history of Buckeye Football.
Short North Arts District 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. 
Wexner Center for the Arts 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.

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!"
    Angel Capital Association

  • "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."
    American Horticultural Society- National Conference

  • “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.”
    Mother of the Bride for Wedding Reception

  • “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.” 
    Corporate Client for first time “Green” Event

  • "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!"

    OSU Student Customer

Talk to a Venue Specialist: 1-877-244-6110