UW Conference Center Sees Increase in Business

Since assuming management of the University of Wyoming Conference Center Feb. 1, UW Catering and Events has hosted 295 events there, serving a total of 33,150 people.

That uptick in use already has made the Conference Center a financial success, which had not been achieved previously.

“We didn’t know exactly what to expect when we took over, but the use of the Conference Center has been tremendous,” says Eric Webb, executive director of UW Residence Life, Dining/Catering and Events, and the Wyoming Union. “Combined with our scheduling of events at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center and the Wyoming Union, we are staying very busy and expect to see continued growth.”

The 295 total events at the Conference Center include 47 conferences of more than one day. The busiest month was September, when there were 80 events at the Conference Center serving 8,494 people. The UW-owned and operated Conference Center, which adjoins the privately owned and operated Hilton Garden Inn, has a large ballroom and meeting rooms with flexible venue space that can accommodate a wide variety of events, conferences and meetings.

Among the organizations that have held conferences at the Conference Center are the Wyoming Planners Association, the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, and the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Just across 22nd Street, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, which opened one year ago, features 12 unique event and meeting spaces -- including the largest ballroom in Laramie, salons, an atrium, concourse and conference rooms. Since Feb. 1, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center has hosted 325 events serving 22,847 people. That includes 43 conferences of more than one day, some that also used the Conference Center -- including events held by the Wyoming Community Foundation and the Wyoming Association of County Officers.

October was the busiest month at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, with a total of 58 events serving 5,306 people.

UW Catering and Events also provides catering services in the historic Wyoming Union at the heart of campus. Events held there are focused on student-related programming, allowing activities that involve alcohol to be held at the Conference Center and the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

UW Catering and Events, a unit of UW Residence Life and Dining Services, serves as a one-stop shop for anyone -- inside or outside the university -- planning meetings, interviews, recruiting activities, fundraisers, banquets, conferences, weddings and other events. The staff of more than 100 offers a comprehensive menu that includes buffets, plated meals, hors d’oeuvres, bakery items, desserts and beverages. The menu offerings are available through full-service (waited, buffet-style and reception) or limited service including delivery and pickup.

“From black-tie affairs to casual luncheons, our highly trained and experienced staff creates elegant settings and diverse cuisines that will satisfy any palate,” says Derek Jones, associate director of UW Catering and Events. “We work hand in hand with local vendors to deliver a complete event package to meet all of your expectations.”

To learn more, go online to www.uwyo.edu/reslife-dining/catering/, call (307) 766-2050, or email catering@uwyo.edu.