Event Planning

Event Planning Guide

The SBA Web site has a Budgeting and Spending Guide that provides information on what is needed to obtain a purchase order, reimbursement, speaker honorarium, etc. Anyone planning a conference should consult this resource. Julia Dunlop also can assist with budget and event planning, especially if you are using private money.

Please also see the Budgeting and Spending Guide for Student Organizations

Costs to consider

  • Reimbursement of speaker travel

  • Speaker honorarium

  • Speaker lodging

  • Police coverage and associated costs

  • Custodial or Facilities staffing and associated costs

  • IT staffing: Please note that the IT staff work from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. If you require IT assistance, please contact Ricardo Mardales well in advance to secure staffing.

  • Food: Talk to a caterer to develop a menu and a budget.

    Be sure to inquire about whether linen, flatware, dishes and service charges/tax are included in the per person cost that you are quoted.

    Dishes and flatware are preferable and should be used when outside guests are invited. In instances where budget constraints would not allow for dishes and flatware, paper and plastic can be used. When selecting such products, please choose items that will support the food properly. Typically the bargain packages that have 100 or more paper plates are of inferior quality. Party shops in the area (eg. Iparty at Bishop's Corner in West Hartford 860.233.4585, Party Shop Warehouse on 285 Newfield Avenue in Hartford 860.953.4118) carry various selections that would be appropriate. Events open to Law Students only may use paper and plastic of the organization's choosing.

    Truffles runs our cafeteria and they have a Catering Division. Please offer them the right of first refusal for events. You can contact Truffles via email

    The University requires that all caterers doing business on campus obtain insurance naming the University as additional insured. If you use another caterer, be sure that they provide the necessary insurance as described on the Purchasing Web site

  • Alcohol: Please review the policy for student sponsored events at which alcohol is to be served.

Be sure to complete planning for such events well in advance due to the insurance requirements. Consult  Ann Crawford for assistance.

The Student Bar Association funds most student organizations. There are a few student organizations (Connecticut Insurance Law Journal and the Connecticut Law Review) that have endowments that are held by The University of Connecticut Law School Foundation, Inc. (LSF). These organizations should check with Julia Dunlop to determine if the funds can be used to offset costs of a conference or symposium.

Visit the event management site for an

on-line budget worksheet

.