Using Event Spaces
Learn about Campus Activity Complex room setups, equipment requests, audio-visual options, costs, and more.
Event Equipment and Furniture
Hosting a meeting or event and need more tables or chairs, or other specialized furniture? CAC staff can provide furniture and equipment to support your event needs, and they can help arrange rentals for items that are not in MIT’s inventory. Some services may incur additional fees.
To ensure smooth planning:
- Submit requests at least 30 working days in advance for large events.
- Submit requests at least 10 working days in advance for standard events.
Hosting a meeting or event in your office and need more tables or chairs? Submit your request here:
Audio-Visual Support
- MIT Audio-Visual Services provides equipment and technical support for classes, concerts, and other campus events. To request AV equipment or technical assistance, complete the online request form on the MIT Audio-Visual Services website.
- MIT Video Productions offers video production, post-production, and live webcasting services to support lectures, events, and storytelling across campus. To learn more, schedule services, or request a quote, please visit the MIT Video Productions website or email mvp-info@mit.edu.
- E33 Productions is a student-run organization that provides lighting design, event setup, and equipment rentals for concerts, dance shows, receptions, and other campus events. They pride themselves on working collaboratively with clients, especially in designing creative and effective lighting plans, and in offering professional services at reduced costs. To learn more or connect with their team, visit the E33 Productions website or email e33@mit.edu.
Room Setup Support
The CAC can accommodate a range of room setups in the spaces they manage. A range of the most commonly requested setups are noted below, and other configurations are available to suit event needs. Please request all setups at least one week in advance, and for significant events, allow at least three weeks for planning.
- Conference Style: Recommended for small groups (less than 20 people). Tables are placed side-by-side to form one large table, with chairs arranged around the perimeter.
- Lecture Style: Ideal for general meetings and lectures of any size. Chairs are arranged in rows facing a lectern or panel table.
- U-Shape: Designed for presentations to groups under 25 people. Tables are arranged in a U-shape with chairs around the outside. Narrow 6′ x 18″ tables are used in W20.
- Hollow Square: Similar to the U-shape but enclosed on all sides, suitable for larger group discussions. Not oriented for presentations. Narrow 6′ x 18″ tables are used in W20.
- Classroom Style: Used for conferences and lectures where attendees need to write. Narrow 6′ x 18″ tables are arranged in rows with up to three chairs each, facing a lectern.
- Banquet Style: Common for meals and banquets. 60″ round tables are surrounded by up to 8 chairs each. For 10 chairs per table, contact CAC.
Charges, Fees, and Payment
Spaces managed by the CAC can be booked free of charge for recognized student organizations, unless the organization’s event has a non-MIT co-sponsor or the event runs beyond its reserved time. Student leaders should consult with the CAC or Student Organizations, Leadership, and Engagement (SOLE) prior to making a reservation. Academic departments, labs, and centers, and MIT administrative offices, will be charged a fee for the use of CAC spaces.
Some events may require additional services, which carry extra costs. Examples include special lighting, electricians, furniture moves, extra cleanup, or damage repairs. Free estimates for CAC services are available upon request.
Payments for CAC spaces and services must be made through a requisition. Student groups can coordinate these payments via SOLE.
Any group using a CAC space is financially responsible for any damage to facilities or equipment caused by their members or guests.
Major Event Spaces
- Kresge Little Theater (W16-035)
- Kresge Main Auditorium (W16-109)
- Lobdell Dining Hall (W20-208)
- Morss Hall (Building 50/Walker Memorial)
- Sala de Puerto Rico (W20-202)
- Wong Auditorium (E51-115)
- MIT Community: $165/hour
- Non-MIT: $390/hour
Mid-sized Event Spaces
- Forbes Family Café (32-162)
- Kresge Rehearsal Room A (W16-033)
- Kresge Rehearsal Room B (W16-030)
- Stratton Center Basement Conference Room (W20-027)
- Stratton Center Mezzanine Lounge (W20-307)
- Stratton Center Private Dining Room #1 & #2 (W20-301/302)
- Stratton Center Room 407 (W20-407)
- Stratton Center Room 491 (W20-491)
- Stratton Center Twenty Chimneys (W20-306)
- Stratton Center West Lounge (W20-201)
- Religious Activities Center Main Dining Room (W11-190)
- MIT Community: $41/hour
- Non-MIT: $102/hour
Small Event Spaces
- Religious Activities Center Community Room (W11-155)
- Religious Activities Center Small Dining Room (W11-180)
- Stratton Center Basement Conference Room (W20-027)
- Stratton Center Private Dining Rooms #1, #2 and #3 (W20-301, 2, 3)
- MIT Community: No fee
- Non-MIT: $72/hour
Lobbies & Common Areas
- Lobby 10
- MIT Community: $112 (flat)
- Non-MIT: $102
- Lobby 13
- MIT Community: $112 (flat)
- Non-MIT: $102
- Charles Vest Student Street (Building 32/Stata Center)
- MIT Community: $41
- Non-MIT: $102
- Individual Outside of the Stata Classroom Spaces
- MIT Community: $58 (flat)
- Non-MIT: $84 (flat)
Outdoor Venues
- Dertouzos Amphitheater (Stata Center)
- MIT Community: $80 (flat)
- Non-MIT: $160 (flat)
- Kresge Barbecue Pits
- MIT Community: $25 (flat)
- Non-MIT: $50 (flat)
- Chapel Turnaround
- MIT Community: $125 (full-day), $63 (half-day)
- Non-MIT: $125 (full-day), $63 (half-day)
- Kresge Lawn, Kresge Oval, McDermott Court/Dot, Plaza, and Walker Lawn
- MIT Community: $41/hour
- Non-MIT: $102/hour
Cancellations
To ensure fair and efficient use of spaces, any cancellation should be promptly communicated to the CAC. This prevents fees from being charged (see below) and allows others the chance to reserve these valuable spaces.
- Major event spaces: Cancel at least 3 weeks in advance to avoid a fee.
- Mid-sized and small event spaces: Cancel at least 2 working days in advance to avoid a fee.
- Setup Fees: If the room has already been set, labor charges will apply for setup and breakdown.
Personal Events
The CAC is proud to support MIT community members throughout life’s milestones. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, and their children are invited to contact the CAC using the form below to reserve spaces such as the MIT Chapel for weddings, memorials, and other religious ceremonies, including baptisms, bar/bat mitzvahs, naming ceremonies, and vow renewals.
CAC provides a range of services to make planning seamless, including:
- Assistance with scheduling and reservations
- A site visit with a walkthrough that includes recommendations based on past events
The Chapel normally seats 114 people, however, extra folding chairs can be brought in to accommodate up to 140 people.
Current MIT students do not have to pay fees for MIT Chapel ceremonies. All others have 15 days to submit a 50 percent non-refundable deposit in order to lock in your reservation. The remaining balance is due one month prior to your event.
Reservation Process
To check availability of dates, please contact CAC by completing the inquiry form. You can anticipate a response within 48 business hours.