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Conferences and Events

Conferences & Events Agreements

To submit a contract request for Conferences & Events using the Contracts+ module in the PantherExpress System, users must request access and complete the required training before placing the request.

Most event agreements required by non-University venues contain non-standard terms and conditions that must be reviewed and approved by Purchasing Services prior to the event. Departments do not have the signing authority to contractually obligate the University. In accordance with University Policy FN 07, departmental event planners must use a University reviewed, edited and approved agreement.

Utilize the Payment Method Flowchart and the following checklists to determine the procedure for requesting contract signatures and paying for event rentals and services.

There are three types of Conference & Event agreements: 

Conference & Event - Hotel

Anthony Travel, in coordination with the University, provides a managed Hotel Program for all events  and group reservations that require hotel meeting room or sleeping room accommodations. This Program provides the following benefits:

  • Helps mitigate risk in the negotiation phase with Anthony Travel working directly with hotels to obtain the most favorable pricing and terms. 
  • Increases buying power by leveraging total spend across the University and Anthony Travel. 
  • Provides your department and its guests with discounted accommodations that meet the University's standards of quality and service.
  • Anthony Travel brings a wealth of in-depth knowledge and experience working with venues on premier events locally, nationally and internationally that you can leverage for your events.

When booking hotel rooms or event space for University business, review the Hotel Checklist and follow the processes below: 

Booking hotel event space or 10 or more sleeping rooms for University business

All contracts with any hotel, regardless of dollar amount, must be initiated through Anthony Travel's Hotel Program Manager. Purchase, Pay & Travel, in coordination with Anthony Travel’s Hotel Manager, provides a managed Hotel Program for all groups and events as it pertains to hotels including the authority to negotiate agreements on behalf of the University and cultivating hotel relationships. 

University departments looking for hotels (for event space or a group of 10 or more sleeping rooms), submit a contract request through the Contracts + module of the PantherExpress System with the contract type selected as "Conference & Event - Hotel (Room Blocks/Conf Space)". 

For questions or assistance, review the FAQ or contact Allison Jones, the Anthony Travel Hotel Program Manager, at allisonjones@anthonytravel.com or 412.267.7151 . 

Booking fewer than 10 rooms for University business

Individual hotel rooms can be booked online through the Concur booking tool or with an Anthony Travel agent. Anthony Travel agents are available by email or phone to assist with booking hotels along with any other travel accommodations such as flights, car rentals, and more. Visit this page for more information about Anthony Travel, including how to contact their agents during business hours or for emergency assistance during non-business hours. 

Visit this page for a full list of benefits related to utilizing Concur and Anthony Travel. 

Conference & Event – Non-Hotel

Examples of Non-Hotel agreements in Conferences & Events include Restaurants (not located in a hotel), Entertainment Artists, Event Equipment Rentals, Fireworks, etc.  Please note, agreements for guest speaker engagements are not processed through Conferences & Events.

Signature Venues

A Signature Venue is a local venue with whom the University has an established Event Main Agreement template.

  • Review the Signature Venue Checklist
  • Be sure to review the current list of Signature Venues.
  • All agreements with a Signature Venue must use the Event Master Agreement template.
  • Agreements with Signature Venues valued at $15,000 or under AND paying with a OneCard, do not require signatures from Purchasing Services and may be signed by a Departmental Approver and the Venue.
  • The fully-executed agreement and any supporting documentation must be retained in compliance with the University's Records Retention Policy.
Listing of Signature Venues for meeting facilities/banquet rooms

The Grand Concourse
100 West Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
Event Agreement Template*

This venue’s certificate of insurance does not include the University as additional insured. Department is accepting the additional risk when choosing this venue.
Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Event Agreement Template*

Phipps Conservatory
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh PA 15213-3830
Event Agreement Template*

Phipps requires the use of specific caterers at their venue. The catering contracts will be separate from the Phipps negotiated template and will need to be submitted as its own contract request in Contracts+. When working with the required caterers, please make sure that their Certificate of Liability Insurance (COLI) includes the following:  University of Pittsburgh named as the Additional Insured AND Certificate Holder and $1M in Liquor Liability Insurance required for alcohol to be served. Please note: Bistro To Go subcontracts the bartending services to Ace Bartenders. If using Bistro To Go, a COLI is required from both Bistro To Go and Ace Bartenders with the same requirements.
PINS Mechanical Company
407 Cinema Dr.
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Event Agreement Template*
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Event Agreement Template*
The Rivers Club
One Oxford Centre
301 Grant St. Suite 411
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Event Agreement Template*

This venue’s certificate of insurance does not include the University as additional insured. Department is accepting the additional risk when choosing this venue.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Trust, Inc.
4141 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Event Agreement Template*

Soiree Partners and Dreadnought Wines
3401 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15201
Event Agreement Template*
*Event Agreement Template are only available for review. The venue will complete the agreement and send it to you for a signature.

Insurance Requirements

There are several situations where a Conference & Events Contract Request will require the department to obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance from the supplier. Please refer to the guidelines for each situation below. Any Certificate of Liability Insurance that does not meet these requirements will undergo additional review. The most efficient method for a department to obtain the certificate is to request it at the same time the actual contract is requested, thereby allowing the supplier to initiate the process of contacting their insurance carrier to obtain the certificate. This process is the same methodology utilized by departments when initiating a Services Agreement with a service provider.

Liquor Liability Requirements

The University requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance evidencing liquor liability insurance or host liquor liability insurance when alcohol is being served at University-sponsored events, including cash bars (i.e. the University is not paying for the drinks, but alcohol is still being served in connection with a University-sponsored event).

The Certificate of Liability Insurance must:

  • Name the University as the certificate holder
  • Show evidence of $1 million in liquor or host liquor liability insurance either separately or within the general liability policy
  • Name the University as an additional insured

The most efficient method for a department to obtain the certificate is to request it at the same time the actual contract is requested, thereby getting the facility in question to initiate the process of contacting their insurance carrier to obtain the certificate. This process is the same methodology utilized by departments when initiating a Services Agreement with a service provider.

Supplier Coming to Campus

The University requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance if a supplier will be on a University campus. This includes suppliers making deliveries.

The Certificate of Liability Insurance must:

  • Meet the minimum insurance requirements established by the Office of Risk Management
  • Name the University as the Certificate Holder
  • Name the University as the Additional Insured
Minors in Attendance

The University requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance if attendees of the event includes minors.

The Certificate of Liability Insurance must:

  • List $1M in Commercial General Liability
  • List Sexual Abuse and Molestation Coverage in the amount of $5,000,000 separately within the policy
  • Name the University as the Certificate Holder
  • Name the University as the Additional Insured
Attendees Involved in Risky Behavior

The University requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance if attendees at an event will be involved in risky behavior. This could include boating, rope climbing, axe throwing, etc.

The Certificate of Liability Insurance must:

  • List $1M in Commercial General Liability
  • Include an additional $5M in excess liability coverage
  • Name the University as the Certificate Holder
  • Name the University as the Additional Insured
Supplier Providing Fireworks and/or Laser Light Shows

The University requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance if the contracting supplier is providing a performance with fireworks or laser lights.

The Certificate of Liability Insurance must:

  • List $1M in Commercial General Liability
  • Include an additional $10M in excess liability coverage. This can be included in the Umbrella policy or the Commercial General Liability
  • Name the University as the Certificate Holder
  • Name the University as the Additional Insured

Payments

Use the Payment Method flowchart for a visual explanation of the payment process. Note: All events must have a fully executed contract before making any payments.

Direct Bill Payments

Some venues offer a direct bill payment option for meeting space and lodging. In these cases, the venue will provide a credit application.

If the credit application does not contain terms and conditions, the departmental event planner may complete the credit application and sign it.

  • The credit application may require University credit information. To obtain this, submit a University/Business Profile Request.
  • Use the University’s Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption certificate to verify the University’s tax exempt status as a Nonprofit Educational Institution.
    • If your event is at an out-of-state venue, check this page to identify if the University has an exception form for the state in which the event will take place.

If the credit application does contain terms and conditions, forward it to pantherexpresscs@cfo.pitt.edu with the subject line, “Request for Direct Billing”.

Check Payments

Complete a Contract Payment Request Form in the PantherExpress System. Follow the instructions provided on the Checklist for Conference & Event Agreements under the "Payment Process for Check Payments" section.

OneCard Payments

The OneCard may be used to pay for University-hosted or–sponsored events or receptions. If using a OneCard to purchase event services, including space and food, a contract must still be established in the PantherExpress System. Follow the instructions provided on the Checklist for Conferences & Event Agreements under the "Payment Process for Check Payments with OneCard" section. 

Virtual or Hybrid Conferences and Events

What is a virtual or hybrid conference/event?

A virtual conference is a web-based event that replicates many aspects of a traditional on-location conference, membership meeting, or trade show. It may take place on a standalone basis or in conjunction with an on-location based conference (i.e., a “hybrid” event).

Virtual conferences feature multiple sessions (not just a single webinar or webcast) and may include keynote presentations, training and education workshops, discussion areas, social networking opportunities, exhibit areas for vendors, and various other features. Activities in a virtual conference may take place in real time (synchronously), on demand (asynchronously), or some combination of the two.
University-wide Contracted Supplier

Accelevents

  • Accelevents is a University-wide Contracted Supplier in the PantherExpress System to be used for virtual/hybrid conferences and events for which it is free for attendees.
  • For virtual/hybrid conferences and events where attendees will be paying to attend, please follow the Registration Process listed below.
  • Visit this page for more information, including how to process an invoice for Accelevents.
Registration Process for Virtual/Hybrid Conferences and Events Where Attendees Will be Paying

If the department is capable of handling registration and payment (if necessary) on their own through their Pitt Merchant account, then they can send the registration data, once processed on the University’s end, to the virtual conference provider through a data download/upload. For information about the process to become a Pitt Merchant visit ebusiness.pitt.edu/index.php. Please note that it takes 8 to 12 weeks to complete the overall approval process for becoming a Pitt Merchant.

Event Production Equipment and Services

The following are University-wide Contracted Suppliers in the PantherExpress System for event production equipment and services. Visit each supplier information page for details about their products and services as well as how to place an order:

Catering and Restaurant Services

For Large Groups or Events

Compass is the preferred provider for catering large groups or events on the Pittsburgh Campus and is processed through the Pitt Catering Co. Any alcohol service on campus must be provided through catering. Review the following procedures and contact Conference Services for additional information. 

America To Go

Utilize America To Go for ordering catered food and beverages from local restaurants when paid for by the University in the following instances:

  • Food is drop off only, ready to eat or boxed lunch style
  • No clean-up is needed after the event
  • No extra services are required, such as linens, waitstaff, alcohol, etc.

America To Go is a University-wide Contracted Supplier available through a punch-out in the PantherExpress System, which requires you to be a system user. If you are not already a PantherExpress System user, please visit this page for information about gaining access.  

Through America To Go (ATG) you can order everything from breakfast and lunch to break service for on-campus meetings and events from an approved list of outside caterers and restaurants meeting the University’s insurance and business requirements. ATG orders can be delivered by or picked up from participating restaurants, dependent on the options available from each vendor through the PantherExpress System punchout. 

Visit this page for more information about ATG, as well as the User Guide and FAQ.

Remember, meals must comply with University Policy FN28. This policy has various requirements based on the meal purpose/type, including when a list of attendees (including their full name and affiliation) should be included. 

Contact America To Go Customer Service for assistance with orders: 

Catering and Restaurant Procedures

Catering on-campus for large groups or events through Compass/Pitt Catering Co.

Contact Conference Services. Invoicing will occur via interdepartmental charge and will appear on your level report. Compass/Pitt Catering Co. can provide catering drop off services on or within 5 miles of campus. 

Catering on-campus using a vendor other than Compass/Pitt Catering Co and vendors offered through America To Go
  1. Obtain an unsigned contract, the appropriate health department certification and Certificate of Insurance from the vendor (Conference Services is your resource for this).
  2. Submit a contract request within the PantherExpress System, selecting "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type, along with unsigned contract, vendor health department certificate and Certificate of Insurance to have the contract reviewed and signed by Purchasing Services. Payment can be made by OneCard or Check (see Payment Methods Flowchart for Conference & Event Agreement) 
On-campus food and/or non-alcoholic beverage deliveries for small to medium sized groups through America To Go

Shop the America To Go punchout in the PantherExpress System and place your order. Review the User Guide and FAQ to assist with placing your order.

Food and/or non-alcoholic beverage deliveries either on or off campus (no servers/service - i.e. pizza or boxed lunches) using a vendor other than the vendors offered through America To Go

Preferred method of payment is the OneCard. Then, reconcile the charge on an expense report in the Concur travel system. For other forms of payment contact Customer Service. No contract is required.

*Bartending service on Campus

Conference Services can provide bartending services if there is accompanying food services, however alcohol must be purchased, stored and transported by the client. Alcohol can be purchased through Soiree Partners and/or Dreadnought Wines (see the Soiree Partners and/or Dreadnought Wines section below for more information).  

For bartending services outside of Conference Services, submit a contract request within the PantherExpress System, selecting "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type, along with a contract. Payment can be made by OneCard or Check (see Payment Methods Flowchart for Conference & Event Agreement) 

*Conference Services will not provide bartenders for a campus event if there is not accompanying food service.

Restaurant (group meal, regular menu) when the restaurant requires a contract.

Submit a contract request within the PantherExpress System, selecting "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type, along with a contract. Payment can be made by OneCard or Check (see Payment Methods Flowchart for Conference & Event Agreement)

Food service for University-sponsored, off campus event, at a stated time with dedicated servers/staff

Submit a contract request within the PantherExpress System, selecting "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type, along with an unsigned contract. Payment can be made by OneCard or Check (see Payment Methods Flowchart for Conference & Event Agreement)

Restaurant (group meal, regular menu) when the restaurant does not require a contract.

Preferred method of payment is the OneCard. Then, reconcile the charge on an expense report in the Concur system. For other forms of payment contact Customer Service. No contract is required.

Food truck on-campus where vendor does not require a contract and attendees will be responsible for payment.

No contracting needed. Obtain the appropriate health department certification and Certificate of Liability Insurance from the vendor and submit both documents to https://www.pc.pitt.edu/catering-exemption-form.

Food truck on-campus where vendor does not require a contract and the University will be responsible for payment.

No contracting needed. Department OneCard can be used for payment which will be reconciled through Concur. Obtain the appropriate health department certification and Certificate of Liability Insurance from the vendor and submit both documents to https://www.pc.pitt.edu/catering-exemption-form.

Food truck on-campus where vendor requires a contract

Obtain an unsigned contract, the appropriate health department certification and Certificate Liability Insurance from the vendor. 1) Submit a contract request within the Contracts + module of the PantherExpress System, selecting the “Conference and Event” template and then "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type, along with the unsigned contract, vendor health department certificate and Certificate of Liability Insurance to have the contract reviewed and signed by Purchasing Services. Payment can be made by OneCard or Check (see the Payment Methods Flowchart for Conference & Event Agreement). And 2) submit the Certificate of Liability Insurance and health department certification to https://www.pc.pitt.edu/catering-exemption-form.

Soiree Partners and Dreadnought Wines

Soiree Partners is licensed in Pennsylvania to transport alcohol. Soiree Partners purchases spirits and some wine directly from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) stores, beer through local wholesale distributors, and most wine from a sister company, Dreadnought Wines.

Note: In order to legally purchase these products, Soiree must receive a check payment in advance (see purchasing instructions below), which the company then deposits and uses to make the requested purchases. This is the only legal process the PLCB permits in order for Soiree Partners to provide these services. Soiree Partners creates and delivers an estimate of sale in advance to customers which includes the delivery/pick up charges as well as a summary of the funds required to purchase wine, spirits and beer.

Dreadnought Wines is a wine importer and distributor. Dreadnought represents wines from smaller vineyards all over the world. The wine list is fairly extensive and includes wines in all price ranges and styles. Dreadnought works within the PLCB’s Special Liquor Order (SLO) system and is legally permitted to sell to the public and process each order through the SLO system.

Purchasing Instructions

Soiree Partners and Dreadnought Wines are licensed separately in the state of Pennsylvania. Thus they are required to invoice and be paid separately. Due to these requirements, departments should create two separate requisitions (by submitting a contract request within the PantherExpress System, selecting "Conference & Event - Non-Hotel" as the contract type) when requiring the services of these two companies. Payment can be made by check or OneCard following the instructions found in the Payment section of this page. 

Bartending Services Are Not Provided

Please note that neither Soiree Partners nor Dreadnought Wines provides bartending services. When contracting with Soiree and/or Dreadnought, please secure bartending services from Compass if the event is on campus and there is an accompanying food service or contract with a bartending service if the event is on campus but there is no accompanying food service.

Further Instructions and Contact Information

Event-related purchasing instructions can be found on the Signature Venue Checklist. Contact Customer Service for further assistance.

Conferences and Events Lunch & Learn Session

This session includes an overview of the process to contract for Conferences and Events, information on how and when to place a Contracts + request, and instructions on where to find necessary links and attachments, concluding with an interactive period for any questions. Review the following event resources from the session held on August 7, 2024: 

Other Event Planning Resources