GUEST & EVENT SERVICES
Our modern building features a flexible salon-ballroom space, large ceremonial courtroom, as well as a variety of smaller seminar rooms. Our versatile, accessible spaces and state-of-the-art technology allow us to host an event of any scale.
Our Event Spaces
Marjorie & Ralph Knowles Conference Center
85 Park Place NE
Lower Level
Atlanta, GA 30303
A/V Capabilities
- Mounted Projector
- Drop-down Projection Screens
- Podium with Wired Microphone
- Handheld and Lavaliere Microphones
- HDMI or VGA+Stereo-mini line Input Capabilities
- Wireless Internet Access
- Onsite Audio-Visual Assistance Available (fees apply)
Courtroom/Auditorium
Capacity
- 230 fixed chairs
- 1 row of 30 chairs can be added for a maximum capacity of 260
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $500
- Full-Day: $700
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $750
- Full-Day: $1100
No food or beverages are allowed in the Ceremonial Courtroom.
All 3 Salons
Capacity
- Lecture/Theater: 200
- Banquet: 160
- Classroom: 144
- Conference (U or Box): 90
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $750
- Full-Day: $900
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $900
- Full-Day: $1200
Room Set-Up Costs
- Lecture/Theater: $225
- Banquet: $300
- Classroom: $375
- Conference: $375
One Salon
Capacity
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $250
- Full-Day: $300
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
Room Set-Up Costs
- Lecture/Theater: $75
- Banquet: $100
- Classroom: $125
- Conference: $125
Faculty Commons
85 Park Place NE
3rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
A/V Capabilities
- PC Smartboard with HDMI or VGA+Stereo-mini line Input Capabilities
- Wall Mounted LCD Screen
- Wireless Internet Access
- Onsite Audio-Visual Assistance Available (fees apply)
Capacity
- Banquet: 45
- Classroom: 45
- Chevron Style Classroom: 45
- Conference (U or Box): 45
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $400
- Full-Day: $700
Room Set-Up Costs
- Lecture/Theater: $50
- Banquet: $50
- Classroom: $50
- Conference: $50
Arbitration & Mediation Spaces
85 Park Place NE
4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Atlanta is known as a hospitable venue for international dispute resolutions. Georgia courts follow a non-interventionist pattern in arbitration and mediation cases. Many Georgia companies can resolve disputes through international or domestic arbitration and mediation.
Companies that need international or domestic resolution can book hearings at the Georgia State University Law Center for Arbitration and Mediation. The Atlanta International Arbitration Society and other stakeholders collaborate here in a congenial legal environment. The center also hosts high-profile conferences and events, and develops model dispute resolution legislation. Thought leaders gather here and discuss arbitration and mediation. The center augments the college's instruction of international law and alternative dispute resolution.
Large Hearing Room
Capacity: 18-20 seats
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $400
- Full-Day: $600
Room Set-Up Costs
- Conference: Included
Small Hearing Room
Capacity: 7-9 seats
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $200
- Full-Day: $300
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
Room Set-Up Costs
- Conference: Included
Breakout Room
Capacity: 2-4 seats
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $100
- Full-Day: $200
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $200
- Full-Day: $300
Room Set-Up Costs
- Conference: Included
Other Spaces
Catherine Henson Atrium
85 Park Place NE
First Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: Varies
Room Set-Up Costs
- Reception: $100
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $600
- Full-Day: $700
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $900
- Full-Day: $1,300
Lecture Hall
85 Park Place NE
2nd & 3rd Floors
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: 80 & 90 Seats
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $500
- Full-Day: $700
Classroom
85 Park Place NE
1st, 2nd & 3rd Floors
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: 50 seat
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $400
- Full-Day: $600
Seminar Room
85 Park Place NE
1st, 2nd & 3rd Floors
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: 15-20 seats
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $200
- Full-Day: $300
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $300
- Full-Day: $400
5th Floor Terrace
85 Park Place NE
5th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: 40
Room Set-Up Costs
- Reception: $100
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $500
- Full-Day: $700
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $700
- Full-Day: $900
6th Floor Terrace
85 Park Place NE
6th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Capacity: 50
Room Set-Up Costs
- Reception: $100
Internal Pricing
- Half-Day: $600
- Full-Day: $800
External Pricing
- Half-Day: $900
- Full-Day: $1,100
*Rates effective as of July 1, 2024
Services & Policies
College of Law Students, Faculty & Staff Reservations
- College of Law student organization leaders, faculty, and staff may request reservations, changes, and cancellations online through the Virtual Event Management System (Virtual EMS) for the use of event and meeting space in the College of Law building. Please note that Virtual EMS will require the use of VPN software that is available here.
- A helpful tutorial on using Virtual EMS is available here. Please visit our Virtual Event Management System (and use your GSU email address and password) to submit a request or to create a reservation account. Requests to schedule an event or make changes to an event within 48 hours of a reservation date must be made to the College of Law Events Office by phone at 404-413-9280 or via email at [email protected]
University Departments
- Other Georgia State University departments outside the College of Law may request to reserve space for meetings and events in the College of Law via the online event request form here.
External Clients
- Prospective clients should fill out the online event request form here for the College of Law Events Office to review. The use of University facilities for University programming and events takes priority over all other uses. The use of University facilities by external third-party groups is subject to availability and requires a contract, the payment of a use fee, and the provision of satisfactory insurance. If the prospective event is in line with the University’s missions and space is available, a reservation quote and Facilities Use Agreement will be generated. The signed agreement, along with a 40% nonrefundable deposit, will be due within seven business days of receipt of the agreement.
- All event requests for external clients must be made 21 calendar days prior to the proposed event date to be considered for approval. External clients may request event space up to 6 months in advance.
The College of Law Knowles Conference Center has one exclusive caterer, Panther Dining Catering. The Conference Center Office can provide assistance in selecting menu items and quantities, but all catering orders will be submitted by the client directly.
Once an order is submitted, clients will need to supply the contact name and order or BEO number of the service request.
More information about Panther Dining Catering can be found on the Panther Dining website.
Other Catering Services
Other catering services outside of the exclusive caterer may be arranged after approval from the Conference Center office, and for drop-off service only. Use of any outside vendor by any College of Law or Georgia State University group will require completion of a Contract Routing Form along with the Facilities Use Agreement, and Immigration Security clearance. The completed Contract Routing form and all appendages will need to be submitted to the Conference Center Office no later than 60 days prior to the event.
Please note:
- While external caterers are permitted for drop-off service, the use of the Catering Kitchen is exclusively for Panther Dining only. No exceptions will be made for other caterers to use the Panther Dining Catering Kitchen.
- Coca-Cola products are the only authorized soft drinks in the Knowles Conference Center and College of Law event spaces.
Non-catered Food
Non-catered food items are only allowed during Internal College of Law events. Outside food items, either for distribution or consumption within the event space, must be declared at minimum 3 days prior to the scheduled event in writing to the Conference Center office for approval.
No food or beverages are allowed in the Ceremonial Courtroom. Groups found with food and beverages inside the Courtroom will incur a cleaning fee.
Use of the Knowles Conference Center audio/visual system is included in the base-use cost of renting the space. Groups or individuals using event space are required to furnish a laptop or media device. One presentation laptop is available to rent for $50/day.
All of our spaces with media capabilities will accept either HDMI or VGA+Stereo-mini line-in inputs. Resolution for presentations should be set to 1920 x 1080 pixels or a 16:9 image aspect-ratio.
The Ceremonial Courtroom and Knowles Conference Center salons are equipped with a podium and integrated media console with a fixed microphone. Additional wireless microphones are available for a fee of $30 per microphone (limit two per room/section).
*Some A/V services may be temporarily unavailable. Please check with your College of Law Event Coordinator for availability - [email protected]
| A/V Services | Pricing |
|---|---|
| A/V Support - Event Start/Setup Only - Weekdays only, not available on weekends. Minimum 2 business days notice needed. Available in-person or remote based on event needs. | $25 setup fee |
| A/V Support Weekdays- A/V Support Throughout Entire Event. Minimum 5 business days notice needed | $40/hr |
| A/V Support Weekends - A/V Support Throughout Entire Event. Requires recording/streaming/hybrid package. Minimum 10 business days notice needed. | $50/hr |
| A/V Support Weekends - Without 10 business days notice - Limited remote support (subject to approval and availability) | $40/hr |
| Hybrid Webex Meeting (Advanced) (Lower-Level Rooms Only) - In-person and virtual video participants. Multi-camera view. Requires A/V Tech throughout event. | $75/hr (plus A/V Tech fee) |
| Hybrid Webex Meeting (Basic) - In-person and virtual video participants. Online participants can show their video and chat with each other. Single position camera view. Requires A/V Support Setup at event start fee. | $60/hr (plus $25 setup fee) |
| Portable PA Sound System - includes one handheld microphone, and ability to play music | $100 each |
| Portable Panel Microphone System (up to 8 tabletop mics) | $100 for whole system |
| Presentation Laptop | $50 each |
| Recording Add-On for Hybrid Events | $25/hr |
| Recording Only - Utilizes high quality Panopto recording, with a Webex backup. Shareable link provided upon completion of event. | $50/hr |
| Slido Audience Interaction Service: Used for audience Q&As, moderating, and polling. Select service to have a QR code generated & distributed at your event. Guests will scan the code and be able to submit questions anonymously while event hosts screen & moderate questions. |
$30 each |
| Wireless Advancer/Clicker | $10 each |
| Wireless Handheld Microphone | $30 each |
| Wireless Lavaliere Microphone | $30 each |
Additional meeting supplies and equipment are available for rental or purchase.
- High Boy/Tallboy tables (10 available): $20 each
- Dry Erase Board (4 available): $25 each
- Easels—Display (10 available): $10 each
- Easels: Dry Erase/Flipchart (6 available): $15 each
- Flipchart with markers: $10 each
- College of Law Step and Repeat: $20 each
Wireless connectivity via the Georgia State University on-campus network is available to event guests, 24 hours a day. Sponsoring departments may request guest internet access for individuals or groups via guestwireless.gsu.edu.
Once granted access, guests will obtain connectivity by choosing “GSU-Guest” from their list of available networks on their wireless device. Guests can then open a web browser, and enter the username and password supplied by Conference Center Services.
- Terrace Reception: $100 per setup
- Atrium Reception: $100 per setup
- Open/Close Salon Air-Wall(s) Mid-Event: $40 per instance
- Weekend/Building Hours Staffing Fee: $50/hr for events after 5 p.m. M-F, or on Saturday/Sunday
- Facilities Repair/Maintenance Fee: Contingent on Repair Needed
- Courtroom Cleaning Fee (for events that violate the Food and Beverage Policy for the Ceremonial Courtroom): Contingent on Cleaning Needed
- Late Payment Fee: $100 plus 1.5% interest for each month the payment is late
University Departments and Chartered Student Organizations
All charges related to an event hosted by a university department or chartered student organization must be paid via a university account. Within 2 business days of the event completion, an invoice will be processed and sent for the remaining balance, including incidentals. The balance must be paid in full within 30 days of the invoice date.
- Full Balance Due: Within 30 days of the invoice date
- Payment Methods: Speedtype
Co-Sponsored Groups
All charges related to a co-sponsored event will be processed through a university account. Within 2 business days of the event completion, an invoice will be processed and sent for the remaining balance, including incidentals. The balance must be paid in full within 30 days of the invoice date.
- Full Balance Due: Within 30 days of the invoice date
- Payment Methods: Speedtype
Non-University or Unaffiliated Groups
The organization or group must enter into a contractual agreement with Georgia State for the use of space and services. In addition, non-university events will require valid proof of insurance. A deposit of 40% of all charges must be received by the Conference Center Office within 7 business days of signing the contract, with the full balance due 3 business days prior to the event.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Within 2 business days of the event completion, an invoice will be created for any remaining charges, incidentals, or credits and as a final bill summary. The payment of any remaining charges must be paid in full within 30 business days. Failure to make payment in full by this time will automatically terminate the Facilities Use Agreement and will result in a $100.00 late fee plus interest in the amount of 1.5 % per month.
- Deposits Due: 40% within 7 days of event confirmation
- Full Balance Due: Three days prior to the event; incidentals within 30 days of the invoice
- Payment Methods: Check, Money Order or Credit Card
Parking & Transportation
The College of Law is located at 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, at the corner of Park Place and John Wesley Dobbs Avenue. Directions to the College of Law can be found here. The College of Law has limited parking available for events.
- V-Lot Parking – 7 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303
- $10 per space per day.
- There are a limited number of parking spaces available in the V-Lot, and parking is subject to approval by the College of Law Events Office.
- The College of Law Events Office will need the names of each guest parking at least 2 business days prior to the event. Each guest on the list will need to provide their name at the call box. They’ll then be issued a validation ticket, which is required to exit the lot.
- V-Lot parking lot hours may vary – please confirm with the College of Law Events Office for each event day.
- T-Deck Parking – 42 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303
- $10 per space per day
- Available to GSU students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Guests are required to self-pay
- Parking is subject to availability based on the University’s needs
- Street Parking & Surface Lots
- Street Parking may be available along John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and is subject to availability.
- There are numerous surface lots available along John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and Peachtree Center Avenue and are subject to availability.
- MARTA
- The closest MARTA train station is the Peachtree Center Station located on Peachtree Street, just a three-minute walk from the College of Law.
Cancellations & No-Show
Cancellation Fees
- More than Seven Days Prior to an Event: 50% of Room Use and Set-up Fees
- Within Seven Days of Event: 75% of Room Use and Set-up Fees
- Within Three Days of Event: 100% of Room Use and Set-up Fees
No-Show
Any groups or individuals who are absent and do not cancel their reservation will not receive a refund and will be assessed cancellation fees based on the cancellation fee schedule above (see column Within Three Days of Event in chart).
Changes to Service
Decorations
- No items may be taped or pinned to any walls in the building, unless blue painters tape is used.
- Candles, votives, tea-lights, and open flames are not permitted in any event space within the College of Law. The exception to this rule is the use of Sterno heating elements as provided by approved catering services.
- No glitter, feathers, confetti (including confetti inside balloons), or sand are permitted.
- Balloons must be weighted, and not tied/taped to any College of Law surface or piece of furniture.
- Floral arrangements are permitted, but must be removed or disposed of upon the completion of the event.
A cleaning fee may be added if any violations occur.
Music
Event Postponement
Inclement Weather
Alcohol Policy
How to Request Permission to Serve Alcohol at an On-Campus Event
Persons who would like permission have alcohol served at an on-campus event may seek approval to do so by having the event sponsor complete and route a Request To Serve Alcohol Form to the university’s Office of Legal Affairs.
All applicable departments identified on the request form must indicate their support of the event by signing the request form prior to submission of the document to the Office of Legal Affairs for review. The request form must be received by the Office of Legal Affairs for consideration no less than two (2) weeks prior to the event. Permission to serve alcohol at an on-campus event, if granted, is conditioned on strict compliance with the requirements of this policy.
Review of Policy Requirements
The student group faculty/staff advisor (if a student organization is hosting the event) or the administrative supervisor of the group (if an university unit/subunit is hosting the event) is responsible for reviewing the provisions of this policy with the sponsoring group prior to the event. If the event is sponsored by an outside group, then this obligation is the responsibility of the authorized group representative identified on the corresponding Request To Serve Alcohol Form. All groups are responsible and will be held accountable for reviewing and abiding by the policies and information found on the university’s Code of Conduct site.
Prohibited Events
Events where the alcoholic beverages are the main focal point of the event are prohibited as are any events that contribute to alcohol overindulgence or abuse.
Limit Hours of Service
Service of alcoholic beverages must be discontinued after a reasonable time and any service that exceeds two (2) total hours must cease at least one hour prior to the scheduled end of the event.
Advertising
Advertising for the event may not include specific reference to the fact that alcoholic beverages will be available.
No Sale of Alcohol on Campus
Because the sale of alcoholic beverages on any property owned or controlled by the university is strictly limited, cash bars at on-campus events are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages at on-campus events may not be paid for by selling tickets for them whether in advance or at the door.
Purchase of Alcohol
No state funds, including student activity fees or other funds maintained in university accounts, may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Student organization funds self-generated by an organization and maintained in off-campus bank accounts and/or Georgia State University Foundation funds may be used for the purchase of alcohol; provided, this provision may not be construed to allow alcohol for on-campus events to be paid for by selling tickets to the on-campus event, either in advance or at the door.
Sponsorship and Donations from Alcohol Industry
Student groups may not accept sponsorship or donations of alcoholic beverages from persons or entities whose primary focus of business is the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol products.
Who May Serve Alcoholic Beverages
The group sponsoring the event must use a licensed and insured caterer or TIPS (Training Intervention Procedures for Servers) trained server to serve alcohol at the event and to monitor the consumption of alcohol at the event; provided, there are limited circumstances when the president or his designee may grant university departments permission to serve alcohol without a caterer/TIPS server. The group sponsoring the event is responsible for providing the caterer/TIPS server with a copy of this policy.
The caterer/TIPS server must agree to abide by all of requirements of the policy. No self-service of alcohol is permitted. No pass-service of alcohol is permitted at functions that students or minors may attend. For purposes of this policy, “pass service” shall mean the service of alcohol carried out by catering staff moving about the event facility and pouring or distributing wine or other alcoholic beverages for event attendees.
No Access to Common Source Containers
No common-source containers of alcohol (e.g., kegs, beer balls, champagne/punch fountains, punch bowls, frozen drink machines, etc.) may be used at any function unless there is a licensed caterer or TIPS trained server who is not a member of the sponsoring organization who will have sole access to the containers and will take responsibility for controlling the dispensing of alcoholic beverages in a legal and responsible manner.
Delivery and Removal of Alcohol
The alcohol must be on site with the caterer/TIPS server before the start time of the event (i.e. the caterer must bring the alcohol or the group sponsoring the event must deliver the alcohol to the caterer/TIPS server before the event starts). Alcohol may not be delivered once the event has started and all alcoholic beverages must remain inside the reserved or designated event space during the actual event.
Any alcohol remaining at the end of the event must be removed from the premises by the event sponsor; provided, no alcohol may be released to a person who is visibly intoxicated. In the event there is alcohol remaining at the end of the event and the event sponsor is visibly intoxicated, then the remaining alcohol shall be poured out by the caterer/TIPS server prior to leaving the event facility.
No Underage Drinking
The group sponsoring the event is responsible for taking reasonable steps necessary to prevent underage drinking at the event.
Check Identification
If students or minors may attend the event, then the group sponsoring is responsible for designating persons responsible for checking the IDs of anyone ordering alcohol at the event who appears to be younger than 30 years of age. Persons designated to check IDs may not drink alcohol at the event and questionable forms of identification must be rejected.
Refuse to Admit or Serve Intoxicated Guests
No visibly intoxicated person should be admitted to the event or served alcohol at any function.
Safe Travel
A reasonable effort should be made to arrange a safe trip to and from the sponsored event for all attendees. The sponsoring group should encourage event attendees to have a designed driver who will refrain from drinking and should make taxi information available to event attendees.
Provide Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The group sponsoring the event must provide nonalcoholic beverages available for the duration of the event.
Serve Food
Food must be available for the duration of the alcohol service at the event.
Post Drinking Restriction in Prominent Places
Notices informing event attendees of the legal drinking age must be conspicuously posted at alcohol service locations at events where the event attendees may include students or members of the public who are younger than the legal drinking age.
Restrict Alcoholic Beverages to a Controlled Area
The group sponsoring the event must take reasonable steps to keep alcoholic beverages from being taken outside the predetermined boundaries for the event, to prevent visibly intoxicated persons from entering the event and to prevent persons from leaving the event to drink and then being readmitted to the event.
Arrange for Event Security
Georgia State University Police Officer(s) must be present for any event on campus at which minors may be in attendance or if 75 or more people may attend. The group sponsoring the event is solely responsible for paying the cost of hiring the number of required officers (officers require a four-(4)-hour minimum hire).
At student events where minors may be in attendance, the officer(s) must be uniformed. The number of officers necessary to manage the event will be at the discretion of the director of Georgia State University Police. A greater number of officers may be required at events at which alcohol is to be served for more than two (2) hours.
If event security is required, the officer(s) are to maintain a security presence and to respond to requests for intervention. They will maintain contact with the event sponsor, the event caterer/TIPS server, and event facility staff and are to intervene when circumstances warrant intervention, when there is a duty to act, and as reasonably requested by the event sponsor, caterer or facility staff.
Cancellation for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the rules set forth in this policy, state law or with the university Alcohol Policy, as applicable, may result in the immediate cancellation of an event but will not release the group sponsoring the event from any and all charges associated with the event. Failure to comply may also result in the loss of on-campus space reservation privileges, university disciplinary proceedings and/or criminal charges.
Any alcohol remaining at an event canceled for noncompliance with the university Alcohol Policy must be disposed of by the caterer/TIPS server before leaving the event facility and no reimbursement or other compensation shall be due to the group sponsoring the event for the alcohol or alcohol service.
Storage and Deliveries
Shipping Address
Georgia State University College of Law
Knowles Conference Center Office
85 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Damages and Loss
Evacuation Plan and Emergencies
Building Emergencies
In the event of an emergency in the building, automated alarms and sirens will activate, instructing guests to either shelter in place or exit the building via planned evacuation routes. Evacuation routes are posted on every floor near the elevators and stairs. During a building emergency, do not use elevators.
Medical Emergencies
For medical emergencies, dial 911. Your call will be routed to a Georgia State University police dispatcher who can assist you and send ambulance services to your location.
Building Hours and Exceptions
Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
These hours are subject to change to accommodate the College of Law academic calendar, as well as University holidays and closings.
Groups requesting to hold events after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or on weekends, are subject to a $40/hr staffing fee. Please note that the building hours cannot be adjusted for events and the times posted are the only times groups can access event spaces.
Submit an Event Request
Featuring a flexible salon-ballroom space, our large ceremonial courtroom, as well as a variety of smaller break-out seminar rooms, we can host events of almost any scale. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities, we have been designed from the ground up to be accessible, affordable and flexible.
Start planning today for your event at Georgia State Law!
Contact Us
Georgia State University College of Law
Knowles Conference Center
85 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303