fbpx

Event Types Welcomed

Adult Social Events
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Family Reunions
Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Youth Parties
Youth Retreat/Camps

About

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sentinel and adjacent to the Clark Fork River, there is the historic University of Montana. UM is perfectly equipped to host an unforgettable private event, with 74,200 square feet of dedicated exhibit space for conferences, trainings, tradeshows, weddings, or retreats. UM has welcomed countless government organizations, nonprofits, businesses, athletic groups, youth groups and religious groups to experience its beauty and charm.

The University of Montana has a wide range of venues and versatile meeting spaces on campus. Intimate meeting rooms for breakout sessions, classrooms decked out with state-of-the-art technology, outdoor patios and balconies, atriums, amphitheaters, and even a grand ballroom with hardwood floors and sweeping mountain views to provide the perfect setting for your engagements.

When looking for an event venue, we realize flexibility is key as well. University of Montana’s one-stop shop model means that you can choose from a wide selection of resources and services, all with a focus on sustainability. Award winning UM Caterers work with local Missoula area farmers to craft menus for anything from small continental breakfast gatherings to elegant gala banquets seating thousands.

Event Parking, transportation and security are all readily available. Our University of Montana Conference Planning Services can help with budget development, marketing, and continuing education credits. Seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art display, audio and visual technology into your event with the help of onsite technicians. UM is also within walking distance of local Missoula hotels and UM’s residence halls can accommodate large groups or individuals in the summer at very affordable rates, making it the perfect wedding venue for parties of all sizes. Something exciting is always happening on campus and concerts, art galleries, plays and readings are all open for guests. If you want to explore the outdoors instead, the University of Montana Outdoor Program can craft virtually any teambuilding or adventure trip, from white water rafting down the Alberton Gorge to guided mountain hikes. Impress your guests and book your event at the breathtaking University of Montana campus in Missoula, Montana!

Food & Beverage Options

Food Zoo

We offer the best value per meal, and you can't beat the variety of nutritious, self-serve, buffet-style meals with unlimited seconds! There is an ever-changing choice of entrees, homemade soups, an extensive salad bar, fresh fruits, fresh baked desserts, traditional fast food favorites, and a daily vegetarian selection including vegan options. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/food_zoo.php

Cascade Country Store

The Cascade Country Store opens for breakfast with hot food specials, cereals, pastries, coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, beverages and the ever popular breakfast burrito. Located in the Lommasson Center, The Cascade Country Store boasts a food court style atmosphere offering Barrel Head Pizza, Grizzly Grille favorites, Old El Paso Cafe, Block and Barrel Deli, a wide variety of health and beauty aids, groceries, and delicious Bear Claw Bakery desserts and pastries. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/cascade_country.php

UC Food Court

The UC Food Court is a contemporary style food court that features breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches, Bear Claw Bakery pastries, cereals, coffee and beverages. Lunch options include Pizza Hut, Wing Street, Mark Pi's, Garden City Greens, Casa Nina, Doc's Sandwich Shop, Soups N Such, and Eson Gib-Sushi. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/uc_food_court.php

Coffee and baked goods

Jus Chill'n, The Bear Claw Bakery, La Peak, Recess, Think Tank, and Biz Buzz are some of the various campus options for local coffee and espresso, baked goods, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bagels, cookies, and smoothies.

UC Market

UC Market is a not for profit organization that is owned by students and faculty. We pride ourselves on low prices and great customer service. Stop by for the cheapest goods anywhere in Western Montana and enjoy some great music at the same time!

Banquet or Receptions

In any banquet space, such as the UC Ballroom, Payne Native American Center, Stadium Club, or Sky Box, UM Catering can create a unique and original dining space with a menu carefully crafted for your event.

Catering Options

University Catering Services

Responsible for all campus food and beverage needs, University Catering Services invites you to take advantage of award winning services reserved exclusively for UM guests. We will provide you with specialized menu planning, cuisine prepared from our onsite state of the are kitchen, professional event management and exception service. Visit University Catering's Website: http://life.umt.edu/dining/catering/

UM Farm to College

University Dining Services and four UM graduate students teamed-up in the spring of 2003 to create the UM Farm to College Program, dedicated to buying more food locally to feed the campus community. http://life.umt.edu/dining/farm_to_college/default.php

Accommodations

  • Number of Overnight Rooms: 1800
Overnight Room Attributes
  • Linens Provided
  • Microwave
  • WiFi

Residence Halls

There are 9 different residence halls available on campus. Each room contains two twin beds. Cable TV and internet access are available in the rooms. Visit Residence Life's website at http://life.umt.edu/rlo/.
2 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

DoubleTree

The Doubletree Hotel Missoula Edgewater is the Premier Choice for Missoula lodging. Featuring impressively spacious guest rooms, a rich selection of amenities and a refreshing view of the historic Clark Fork River, Hellgate Canyon and Mount Sentinel.

Destination Missoula

Missoula, the "Garden City" is known as the state's cultural center. There are countless activities, events and historical places to Explore. Visit Destination Missoula's website at http://www.missoulacvb.org.

Holiday Inn

The ideal choice among Missoula hotels, the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown offers comfortable accommodations in a prime location. Leisure guests and business travelers will enjoy our modern hotel services, including our indoor hotel pool, sauna and hot tub. Visit our extensive on-site fitness center or our full-service, 24 hour business center, and our popular hotel restaurant, Brooks & Browns. As a pet friendly Missoula hotel; we feature pet-free floors for our guests with allergies. All rooms are smoke-free.

This accommodation has A/C

Featured Amenities

Accessible Facilities
Bus
Eco-Friendly
Fitness Center
Golf
In-House Catering
Linens
Near Public Transit
Outdoor Space
Overnight Rooms
Paid Parking
Taxi
Theater Seating
WiFi

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

32 Campus Dr.,

University Center, Room 340,

Missoula, Montana 59812

Transportation

Taxi
Bus
Lyft
Uber

Nearby Airport

Missoula International - 12 minutes

Nearby International Airport

Missoula International - 12 minutes

Parking

Parking on Site: Yes

Nearby Cities

Missoula – 1|Spokane, WA – 200

Things to Know

Catering

Must Use In-House Catering: Yes

External Catering Allowed: No

Can Bring In Own Food: No

Cultural Catering Available: Yes

Venue Policies

Alcohol Consumption: Yes

Smoking Permitted: No

Eco Friendly: Yes

ADA Accessible: Yes

Technology

The University of Montana offers full audio & lighting production, on-site technical staff, data-ports, video conferencing, multi-media theater w/surround sound and PowerPoint projection, DVD, blu-ray, and digital links.

Guest Wi-Fi: Free

Onsite Tech Support: Yes

Wi-Fi In Meeting Space: Yes

Equipment Available On-Site:
  • Projector Screen

Testimonials

Have you previously hosted a conference elsewhere and had a different experience?

I have hosted other fundraisers in other locations in Missoula, other than the University Center (not with Five Valleys, but other organizations). The UC’s commitment to clean, streamlined, modern event hosting is a breath of fresh air. Other locations, especially in our area, get stuck in the decade they were built in. Not so at the UC. They have a versatile, open layout with helpful, flexible staff; up-to-date AV and tech; and UC Catering provides a well-run, well-organized catering service that consistently delivers meals that are delicious, interesting and planned with intention.

What was the best thing about hosting your event at the University Center?

The best thing about hosting an event at the UC is that I know all our needs are taken care of. The UC removes the worry about the details, as I know they have all the details well in hand. From the table layouts to catering and from lighting to snacks for our volunteers, I feel as if I have a partnership with the UC, rather than a business arrangement. They understand our organization, our event, and our needs and they rise to the occasion.

What are three other benefits that they’ve enjoyed as a result of hosting your event at the UC?

1) Hosting through the UC allows us to plan the event we want, rather than the event that will fit into the space. Our close relationship with the UC and their easy communication ensures that if we have last minute changes, challenging set-ups or sold-out crowds that we will be hosted comfortably.

2) The UC is well set up for hosting a big event. From allowing us to use the service elevators to set up, to having handicap-accessible entrances for our guests, to on-site catering. And it’s all tied up with a convenient location. The UC really is a one-stop destination for a great event.

3) Working with the UC staff is a pleasure. Karen is friendly, helpful and earnest when it comes to nailing down the details, and Ryan is organized and flexible when it comes to catering. But it’s not just the managers. The whole staff—the courteous catering staff, the knowledgeable AV/tech support, and the general set up crew—are all welcoming and help attend to any need we might have.

What would you say to anyone considering hosting an event like yours at the UC, and would you recommend it?

I would say to contact them yesterday! Everyone in town knows that the UC’s calendar fills up fast—not only because it’s at the University of Montana, but because they are so good at what they do. I would absolutely recommend the UC to anyone wanting to host an event in the Missoula area.

Thanks again, Karen!

Lena
  

Lena Viall - Five Valleys Land Trust

After a less than ideal event at another venue in the area, we decided to look into some other options for location and services for our largest fundraiser of the year. After our first meeting with the event staff at the University of Montana we knew we had found the perfect venue. Every step of the way we were treated as if we were the only client with exceptional service, guidance and professionalism.

From the prompt responses to last minute questions, to the flexibly with our menu options we truly could not have asked for a better event. The staff at Montana Event Services, UC is on top of every detail, leaving us with little to worry about when the big day approached.

While the food and venue itself were exceptional, we were most impressed with the value. Not only was our event more affordable than years past, but we came in well under budget – a must for area nonprofits like us!

We would encourage anyone looking to take the chaos and the unknowns out of their event planning to book with Montana Event Services, UC. You will not be disappointed!
 

Emily Adamson - Humane Society of Western Montana

I cannot say enough great things about the event services at the University Center. The staff was professional, prompt and friendly. The food was delicious. I greatly appreciated the ability to do a food tasting prior to the event. It was extremely convenient to have all the supplies and decor for my event in one place.

Chrissy Roberts - Planned Parenthood