The University of Maine is a picturesque campus located in Orono, Maine. Its home to a diverse student population and numerous beautiful event spaces. Hosting an event at the University of Maine is an excellent idea for event planners who want to take advantage of a beautiful venue while providing a comfortable environment for their guests. Whether you are planning a wedding, a business conference, a continuing ed event, or a charity event – the University of Maine has all the amenities you need to make your gathering unforgettable!
1. Ideal Venues for Events
The campus contains several event venues, including the Wells Conference Center, Collins Center for the Arts, Buchanan Alumni House, and Alfond Arena. These venues can accommodate various events, from small-scale gatherings to large banquets and conferences. The Memorial Union houses a range of meeting rooms, ballrooms, and other spaces ideal for a diverse set of events. The outdoor venues, including the Orono Bog Boardwalk, the Old Town Forest, and the Maine Bound Adventure Center, make for perfect venues for outdoor events. The varied and excellent infrastructure The University provides helps event planners to plan indoor or outdoor events without any hesitation.
2. Experienced Staff
The University of Maine has a dedicated staff of event coordinators who will help plan the perfect event. The conference and event team will work closely with you to ensure that your gathering’s theme, food, and decor is tailored to your specific needs. From planning and coordinating to setup and breakdown, the staff will be there to offer any necessary assistance. Whether you need help with audiovisual equipment or catering, the UMaine team will have all the solutions at hand.
3. Accommodations and Transportation
The University of Maine offers excellent accommodations for event attendees. The Black Bear Inn Conference Center and Suites provide accommodation for guests who wish to stay on-campus. Housing options include more than 3,400 beds in traditional residence halls, and/or 400 beds in suite-style halls with full kitchens, living areas, and private bathrooms. The University of Maine has partnered with national rental car companies to provide discounted rates for event attendees. There are also several bus lines that run from major cities in Maine to the campus for event attendees. With Bangor International Airport just 20 minutes from the university, UMaine’s location is convenient for guests traveling from out of town.
4. Dining Options
The campus features several dining options that cater to different preferences. Whether your guests want to grab a quick bite or have a full dinner in a sit-down restaurant, there are plenty of options available. The Bear’s Den, located in the Memorial Union, offers a wide range of dining options, including sandwiches, pizza, and coffee. The Wells Conference Center provides a wonderful dining experience in a beautiful setting, which is suited for sit-down dinners. Enjoy regional dishes that the locals enjoy, cooked by the campus dining team – incredible Maine lobster and blueberry pie for dessert!
Photo courtesy of University of Maine
5. Unique Activities
The University of Maine boasts several unique activities that provide guests with an enjoyable and memorable experience. The Maine Acadian Heritage Council provides a tour on lumberjack skills and a plethora of Acadian heritage celebrations, food festivals, and learning opportunities. The Bangor City Forest holds many hiking trails to snowshoe, hike, and ski through and the university’s exotic forest walking trail features an 18-minute audio podcast that educates guests on the different flora present in the forest. These are excellent options to add an element of fun and excitement to your event that are just a little bit “off the beaten path!”
The University of Maine is the perfect location for hosting an event – with multiple event venues, dedicated staff, excellent accommodations, transportation, unique activities, and delicious dining options, you will love hosting an event here. Whether you’re organizing a small-scale event or a large conference, the University of Maine has everything you need to make your event a grand success. Reach out to the event coordinator and give your guests an experience they will never forget!