5 Ways the Wisconsin Union Can Help with Your Event
If you’re planning an event, from a wedding to a conference, you’ve come to the right place when you contact the UW Conferences & Events and the Wisconsin Union.
Putting Wisconsin humility aside for a moment, we’ll say it: we’re pretty great at helping people pull off meaningful “wow-your-aunt-will-talk-about-this-for-months” moments and “that-was-the-best-conference-ever” experiences.
So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite Sunburst Sparkler, and let’s dive into five ways we can help make your event possible ( and take a whole lot of stress off your plate).
- Catering
Food at events matters. You and we both know it can make or break the vibe of a celebration or the productivity of a meeting or conference. (We’ve all been to that event with the sad crackers and flavorless cheese slices.)
Worry not. Our catering team knows how to keep guests well-fed and happily hydrated. Whether you’re picking up party-ready platters, catering an event in a Wisconsin Union space, or having everything delivered right to your venue, we’ve got options. And they’re competitively priced, too.
We study pricing across town to offer choices for a wide range of budgets without ever sacrificing quality.
Appetizers? Check.
Entrées? Absolutely.
Desserts that mysteriously disappear even though you swear you ordered enough? Yep, we’ve got those, too.
👉 Browse the Union deliciousness: union.wisc.edu/host-your-event/catering.
- Event Space and Planning
Have an event idea? Whether you’ve got every detail mapped out, or you’re still in the dreaming phase, our event pros are ready to help bring your event to life in a Wisconsin Union space.
From Memorial Union’s classic lakefront charm to the Fluno Center’s sleek sophistication to Union South’s modern vibe, and Pyle Center’s location and amenities, we offer spaces that fit events of many sizes.
In Wisconsin Union–operated venues, we handle: room setup and configuration, tech support, many day-of logistics and those “Where did the place cards go?” moments
You focus on the purpose of the event. We’ll take care of the rest.
👉 Let’s make it happen: union.wisc.edu/host-your-event.
- Guest Accommodations
Let’s be honest: traveling for an event is already a journey. Whether guests are coming from 500 miles away or 50, after a beautiful celebration or a full day of conference sessions, there’s nothing better than collapsing into a comfy bed with takeout and a familiar TV rerun playing in the background.
Give your guests a cozy place to land in downtown Madison with Wisconsin Union–run accommodations:
🏨 Club Suites at Memorial Union
Lake views. Terrace access. Daily events nearby. Dining just a few floors down. Peak Madison vibes.
🏨 The Fluno Center
Modern rooms, downtown location, and on-site dining.
🏨 Wisconsin Union Hotel at Union South
On-site recreation, frequent film showings, and delightful dining options.
Bonus: Each stay includes parking for one vehicle on-site or across the street.
Your guests get a great night’s sleep. You get fewer texts about parking, food options, and where to get work done. Win-win.
🔗 Book a room at the Wisconsin Union Hotel or Club Suites: union.wisc.edu/visit/stay-at-the-union.
🔗 Inquire about Wisconsin Union Hotel or Club Suites room blocks: union.wisc.edu/visit/stay-at-the-union/room-blocks-special-events.
🔗 Book a Fluno Center guest room: fluno.com.
📞 Call us about Fluno Center room blocks: 608-441-7117.
- Entertainment for Your Guests
We host more than 1,000 events each year. Plus, we offer on-demand activities at Memorial Union and Union South. This means there’s almost always something happening that you don’t have to plan yourself.
So when guests ask, “Is there anything to do nearby?” you’ve got easy answers.
An hour between a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour? Send guests bowling at Sett Recreation.
Planning a post-conference activity? Point them to kayak or snowshoe rentals at Outdoor UW.
👉 Check out what’s happening: union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar.
👉 Contact us to create a private group activity: union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/group-activities.
- Welcome Basket Gifts
A thoughtful welcome basket sets the tone for your event and gives guests something to remember their time in Madison.
Our Badger Markets and online Terrace Store are basically Wisconsin joy in retail form, featuring exclusive items inspired by our iconic sunburst design.
Shop online at terracestore.union.wisc.edu, or browse in person at Badger Markets in Memorial Union or Union South.
