Some guests have special dietary needs. Most caterers can easily meet these requests with pre-planning. Here are common diets and what they mean:

• Vegetarian or Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians – No beef, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish or animal flesh of any kind.
• Pescatarian – No meat or animal flesh other than fish.
• Vegan – No meat or processed foods containing animal-derived ingredients such as eggs or dairy. May avoid sugar and wine.
• Gluten-Free – No foods containing gluten.
• Kosher – No pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, shellfish, insects or reptiles. Meat and dairy products may NOT be made or consumed together. See Jewish Dietary Laws for additional requirements. 

Engage in climate action by taking steps to make your events more eco-friendly! You will be guided by a sustainability consultant to reduce environmental, social, and financial costs of your event, while using your platform to educate others.  The Green Certification Team is available to work with you as you plan your event. 

Need insurance for your upcoming camp, conference, meeting, or event?
We’ve made the process simple. Just visit TULIP (Tenants’ and Users’ Liability Insurance Policy) to find a low-cost general liability insurance option designed for external users—third parties who are not affiliated with the university and do not receive university funding.

Before purchasing, make sure that:

• The University of South Carolina is listed as an additional insured for all events.
• Liquor liability coverage is included if alcohol will be served.
• If vendors are participating, they either:
  • Provide proof of their own insurance listing the University of South Carolina as an additional insured, or
  • You purchase vendor coverage through TULIP when prompted.
• The coverage you select meets the requirements of your facility use agreement.

Event Resource Guide, developed by Communications and Marketing, to support the promotion of your event.

University-related conferences and events can access a variety of resources, including:

• USC Today for faculty and staff news
• USC Times (print publication)
• USC calendar of events for public events
• The Daily Gamecock student paper (print and online editions)
• WUSC radio station
• Garnet & Black student magazine
• Carolina Reporter, the practicum newspaper of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Carolina News
• SCTV
• Stay Informed (Student Affairs e-newsletter)
• Campus digital display boards
• Gamecock Cable
• Flyers and posters
• Listservs
• Social media

External communications strategies include:

• Email campaigns
• Direct mail
• Listservs
• Local newspapers, television and radio stations
• Organization and association newsletters
• Trade or industry news outlets
• Paid advertising
• Print advertising
• Social media
• Press releases

Both the University of South Carolina and City of Columbia boast an array of versatile meeting facilities, lodging, restaurants, entertainment and cultural experiences. Normal parking challenges come with any mid-sized city. We'll work to ensure your guests have convenient parking or plenty of parking options. 

We can also support you with reserving shuttle transportation both on and off campus.

Learn more about USC's special event parking and shuttle reservations.

In compliance with the STAF 3.02 - Alcohol Policy and Guidelines for the University Community, there are several requirements that must be completed through Substance Abuse Prevention and Education before being permitted to serve alcohol at a campus event.

1. Attend an Alcohol Policy Training Workshop.
2. Complete the Event Registration Form.

Beverage Amounts

A staff member from Substance Abuse Prevention and Education will calculate beverage amounts using the Beverage Amounts Worksheet and return your form to you once it has been approved so that you may provide your vendor with beverage amounts.