Food/Beverages/Alcohol
Technical
This is a summary of some key areas that may apply to
events occuring at the Waco Convention Center. Please
see the actual contract and Terms and Conditions for the
full text.
General
What are the building's hours and what are extended
hours?
The building is generally open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM,
unless there is not a night crew scheduled to come in
at 5:00 PM. There is an additional $100 per hour charge
to open the building early, or to keep it open past midnight.
The building closes at 1:00 AM and is not available for
rental past this time.
Where are your offices located?
The Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau's offices are
located on the lower level of the Waco Convention Center.
The office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through
Friday.
What are the insurance requirements?
The City of Waco requires $1,000,000 event insurance coverage
for all events in the Waco Convention Center. The City
of Waco must be named as additional insured.
What about time for decorating or caterers?
The times allowed to have access to the room are written
on the contract. If additional time is required to decorate
or set up the room, or a caterer needs access prior to
the contracted times, we charge half the normal rental
price. Please contact us as soon as possible if the contract
does not cover the time needed for decorating.
What are the deposit requirements?
A deposit consisting of the room rental is due upon execution
of the contract. The remainder is due 7 days in advance
of the function. Rooms are not firmly reserved until the
deposit is paid and the contract has been signed by both
parties.
When is security required?
Security is required for any event where alcohol is being
served, events with dancing and other events as deemed
necessary by Waco Convention Center Management. Security
for the event may be provided by any licensed peace officers
(Waco PD, Sheriff's Deputies, DPS Officers, etc.) The
Waco Convention Center can provide contact names for these
organizations, but arrangements for scheduling and payment
must be made directly with the security provider. The
Waco Convention Center must receive notification at least
ten (10) days prior to the event of all security arrangements.
Security for all events must be in place at least 30 minutes
prior to the start of the event and must remain at least
30 minutes after the contract time for the event expires.
Failure to have required security at the event may result
in cancellation of the event.
Food & Beverages
Can you provide catering in-house?
Yes! The Waco Convention Center has an in-house
catering department with a wide range of offerings.
Please see our website for sample menus.
Can we bring in food and beverages?
No. Outside food and drink is not allowed. This includes
beer, wine, liquor, champagne, mixers, sodas, juices,
bottled water, snacks, finger foods, etc. All food &
beverages must be provided by the Waco Convention Center
or an approved caterer.
What about Beer, Wine & Liquor Service?
The Waco Convention Center is the exclusive provider,
server and seller of all beer, wine and liquor in the
Center. For all events, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
(TABC) regulations must be strictly adhered to. Security
is required when alcohol is served.
What about donated alcohol?
Donated alcohol is not allowed in the Waco Convention
Center.
Do you allow outside caterers to cater in the facility?
The Waco Convention Center allows any caterer found on
our approved caterer list to
be used. The catering fee is 15% on food and beverages
and is paid by the caterer. In accordance with the Waco-McLennan
County Health District's regulations, no outside food
or drink is allowed in the Center unless provided by an
approved caterer.
What about water service?
Water service is Sparkletts brand water in 5-gal. plastic containers. It costs $35 for the first 5-gal. container, with stand and 150 cups, and $20 for each additional container, per station, per day.
What about food & beverage donations?
All potential food and beverage donations must be requested
in writing to Liz
Taylor, Convention Center Manager, no later than 5
days prior to the event. The letter should indicate the
products and quantity to be donated. The donation must
be provided by a licensed, professional caterer in order
to comply with health department regulations. Be advised
that submitting a letter does not mean automatic approval.
Technical
Do you have Internet access available?
Yes., There are a limited number of hard-wired broadband connections in each room. An order form can
be found at wcc-electrical.asp.
An ethernet card and Cat-5 cable is required for the computer
to use this service. It is not a wireless connection.
If one connection to the Internet is made and networked to multiple computers, charges will be applied for each computer that uses our bandwidth.
Do you have wireless Internet access available?
Yes, in the main lobby areas only, both upper and lower levels. There is no charge for using the wireless connection.
What about electrical service?
Electrical charges may be incurred depending on services
required. Electrical service is normally needed for bands,
exhibits and tradeshow booths. There are different prices
based on how much power is required. There are limits
on the amount of power available in some locations within
the building. Technical assistance is not provided; a
sound technician may be required for operating sound or
recording equipment.
What about telephone service?
If telephone service is needed for a exhibit booth or
meeting, arrangements must be made separate from the Center.
Call AT&T at 1-800-499-7928 for this service.
Note: High-speed Internet access is available in every room of the Center, via cable modem, so a phone line is not normally required unless it is needed for an actual phone, or for a POS machine.