University of Wisconsin-Madison (opens in new window)

Conference Management

More Than An Event — An Experience

Our certified one-stop-shop services include all aspects of planning support. The Wisconsin Union's professional staff will assist you in making your conference a success.

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Your Goals. Your Timeline. Your Budget. We Make it Happen.

Conference Management

    • Manage and design custom conference websites   
    • Venue research and site selection   
    • Handle all logistics and technical needs
    • Plan and coordinate banquets, receptions, and other social events
    • Arrange Hotels and University housing room blocks
    • Sponsor and exhibitor coordination


    View Our Brochure 

  • Custom Website

    • Develop custom conference website and registration site
    • Content and agenda updated instantly
    • Mobile Friendly
    • Deliver targeted and personalized communications to your audience

    Abstract Submission Site

    • Manage submission process for proposals
    • Communicate with speakers and reviewers regarding submissions, including acknowledgement letters and program presentation information and assignments
    • Design schedule
    • Coordinate and manage online review process for submission selection
    • Coordinate abstract book layout and printing

    Event App

    • Keep participants informed and involved through a mobile attendee app
    • Send news and alerts
    • Connect with other participants
    • Provide key event information
    • Speaker presentations

    Management

    • Professional staff
    • Develop event timeline and budget
    • Daily management of all on-site meeting logistics
    • Create and manage conference-specific email address for participant correspondence
    • Arrange lodging
    • Plan social events, side trips, and fun activities
    • Take care of all logistical and technical needs

     
    More on Specialized Services 

    • University and University Systems
    • Professional Associations
    • Government Agencies
    • Community Partners
    • Groups from 25 to 1,500 or more
    • Regional, National, and International Participants

Service Packages

    • Develop custom conference registration site
    • Manage registration database
    • Process registration payments
    • Provide participants with invoices and receipts
  • Includes Standard Services plus:

    Registration

    • Administer visa letter creation and delivery
    • Create custom participant reports

    Logistical Assistance

    • Coordinate room set-up and provide custom room diagrams
    • Coordinate audio-visual equipment and technical support
    • Reserve meeting rooms for receptions, banquets, poster sessions, and other events
    • Develop menus with catering staff
    • Act as a liaison between conference officials and meeting facility personnel

    Financials

    • Manage financial operations of the conference
    • Assist in setting registration fees and policies
    • Prepare final revenue and expense reports
    • Review and confirm accuracy of meeting facility invoice following event
  • Includes Standard and Professional Services, plus:

    Registration

    • Provide on-site management throughout the conference
    • Personalized Event App

    Logistical Assistance

    • Unlimited planning meetings and correspondence between Conference Team and Conference Organizer(s)
    • Develop event timeline with deadlines
    • Coordinate transportation including airport shuttles, special event shuttles, and participant parking
    • Create and manage conference-specific email address for participant correspondence
    • Design conference signage in building and in individual meeting rooms

    Financials

    • Prepare and manage a comprehensive conference budget
    • Establish and maintain a conference account for depositing and disbursing funds
    • Monitor income and expenses and provide detailed financial reports
    • Create contracts and process payments for direct conference expenses
    • Manage exhibitor and sponsorship contracts and payment
    • Process honoraria and travel reimbursement for designated speakers or officials

    Website Development

    • Manage and design a custom conference website*
    • Content managed and updated directly by Conference Management staff

    Abstracts

    • Custom online abstract submission site*
    • Manage submission process for collecting and reviewing proposals
    • Communicate with speakers and reviewers regarding acknowledgement letters, program presentation information, and assignments
    • Work closely with conference organizer to design schedule
    • Coordinate and manage online review process
    • Coordinate abstract book layout and printing*

    Lodging

    • Research meeting, hotel, and event facilities and request proposals
    • Contract room blocks with area hotels, the Wisconsin Union Hotel and University housing with discounted rates
    • Coordinate special room assignments for organizers
    • Reconcile all lodging bills and coordinate direct payment

    Social Event Coordination

    • Plan and coordinate banquets, receptions, special tours, and other social events
    • Research cost and request competitive bids
    • Determine food and beverage requirements; negotiate menus and prices
    • Participants are Union Members through event and enjoy member benefits


Our Spaces

Union South

Memorial Union

Conference & Registration Services Team

Laura Richards

Associate Director of Conference Services and Registrations

Hannah Soehn

Conference & Registrations Manager

Dana Flickinger

Conference Coordinator

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