Hi Joy
It's such a good question and getting the balance right on the continuum is an important challenge. I couldn't quite tell if you are inquiring about institutions with two buildings: a conference center and a separate union, or a union with identifiable conference center/function within. I'll assume the latter (mostly) and be happy to comment on the former if I assumed incorrectly. Perhaps revealing that the majority of union career is Midwest, these are some ideas for you (mostly driveable, if interested): U of Michigan has three unions with significant conference activity and one of them (Michigan League) has a smaller boutique hotel operation; Purdue has a large union with a significant hotel operation plus an adjacent / separate conference facility; Wisconsin has two unions and one has a sizeable hotel and conference function; Illinois and Indiana have quite large hotel operations and conference activity within their unions; and you've heard already from our friends at Ohio State. These are, of course, all Big 10 institutions. I recall Bowling Green State University having an active conference program visibly promoted, and Western Kentucky has a conference center (Knicely Conference Center, I think?). You might also want to search the Unique Venues website for venues in your area just to get a feel for what's out there. Finally, when you get ready to launch into your project, you might consider writing your RFQ/RFP specifications to ask the selected consultant / firm to provide benchmarking of such facilities, as well as market analysis for your area – this information will help you feel confident about the spaces you include (and at what size, type, etc.) as well as financial projections for your new building. I found this to be helpful in my projects. What an exciting time – good luck and enjoy the ride!
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Loren Rullman
Principal & Director, Higher Education
Workshop Architects Inc.
Milwaukee WI
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2021 09:12
From: Joy Polkabla - Byers
Subject: Campuses with a Student Union and Conference Center
Good Morning!
We are in the early stages of a campus renovation of our student union or a new build at Youngstown State University. I am looking for any schools that have a Conference Center and a Student Union to contact in the future. Thank you in advance and wishing you a great remaining of the year. JPB