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Our events team is dedicated to delivering exceptional event experiences that support the goals and mission of our institution. We provide comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution services to ensure each event is a success. Our expertise spans various event types, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed.

Services Offered

Event Consultation

  • Provide guidance on event strategy, development and organization
  • Support vendor selection and coordination
  • Share best practices on budgeting and financial management

Reception Planning
Examples: Graduation, School of Engineering/Natural Sciences Holiday Party

  • Reserve and set up the reception space (ensuring cleanliness and AV functioning)
  • Manage catering and decor
  • Submit and manage work orders (e.g., custodial, HVAC, and moving services)
  • Note: Speakers and programming are managed by departments and centers.

Strategic Events, Conferences or Multi-Day Event Planning
Examples: School of Engineering 50th Anniversary Celebration, Alumni Awards Ceremony

  • Provide strategic guidance and support for conference planning
  • Reserve and set up meeting rooms/reception spaces (ensuring cleanliness and AV functioning)
  • Manage catering and decor
  • Submit and manage work orders (e.g., custodial, HVAC, and moving services)
  • Provide guidance on communications and marketing components of the event
  • Note: Setting the agenda, securing speakers, and managing registration is the responsibility of departments and centers.

Resources

For event support, please submit a request.

Submit a Request

To reserve space in Duncan Hall, view the Duncan Hall calendar at rooms.rice.edu. If you are not a Duncan Hall resident, you will not be able to reserve space online. You will need a Duncan Hall resident to sponsor a room reservation. If the space is available, please contact your sponsor asking for confirmation of the following:

  • The individual is willing to sponsor your event.
  • The sponsor will attend the entire event.
  • The sponsor has reviewed the building policy for Duncan Hall and the Duncan Hall building protocol with you and will ensure that it is adhered to.
  • If the sponsor will not attend, they must name a designee to oversee those required actions.

Students must contact their department coordinator/administrator to reserve rooms.

Be sure to access additional event planning resources provided by the university.

Event Management

Hillary Penn
Hillary Penn

Associate Director of Events


Cecilia Gimenez-Zapiola
Cecilia Gimenez-Zapiola

Departmental Events Administrator


Catalina Viamontes
Catalina Viamontes

Dean's Office Events Coordinator