General Use Policies
Accessibility. Conference Center facilities are designed to include the full participation and enjoyment of people with physical disabilities as well as those who are not fluent in English. Meeting rooms and restrooms are wheel-chair accessible. Assisted-listening devices are available for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Alcohol. Alcohol consumption is restricted at the Conference Center. Organizations wanting to serve alcohol at events must obtain special permission from the Director of Facilities and Events at the time of booking.
Animal Access. Guide dogs and assistance animals for people with disabilities are permitted in the Center but must be on leash at all times and muzzled, if necessary. No other animals are permitted.
Cancellations. Organizations must notify the Events Supervisor about a cancellation a minimum of three (3) business days before the scheduled date of an event or they will forfeit their deposit. Repeated cancellations may result in loss of all future access to the Center's services.
Cellular phones. Use of cell phones is restricted to lobby areas, etc to minimize disruption to meetings and working staff.
Deposit. A security deposit is required. Deposits will be returned within a reasonable time following your event, provided no equip-ment or facility damage was incurred. Deposits may be submitted and kept on file for frequent requesters.
Event restrictions. Eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofit organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a)
- Independent, sponsored projects of a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization acting as a fiscal sponsor
- Government and public agencies
The center is not available for commercial, political, religious, private or family events. Conference Center facilities may not be used for proselytizing or for events whose primary focus is religious worship and instruction. Faith-based organizations whose efforts fit within The Endowment's goals are welcome to use the Oakland Conference Center.
Fees for event admission. Organizations using the Center may only charge an admission or meeting fee to cover such direct meeting costs as materials, speaker fees or catering.
Financial sponsorship of events. Organizations using the center may solicit additional outside philanthropic sponsorship solely to cover direct expenses of events. The Center prohibits sponsorship by alcohol or tobacco-related companies. Corporate sponsorship requires special permission by the Director of Facilities and Events.
Media. Any media presence at the conference center requires approval of The California Endowment's Communications and Public Affairs Department. Users must notify the Conference Center staff if they are inviting or expect news media.
Public transportation. Users are strongly encouraged to distribute information about available modes of public transportation to their guests and to arrange carpools.
Smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the Conference Center.
Support services. Business support. Conference Center staff can only assist with limited photocopying, sending of faxes and access to telephones. Because Center staff may not always be available, users should bring adequate materials and staff to support their events.
Technical support. Staff is also available to help with initial guidance and setup of audiovisual equipment. (See Center Technology)
Porters. Porters may be reserved at an hourly rate if their services are required for an extended period.
Parking. The center does not provide parking; we encourage guests to use BART. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for an hourly fee. Additional parking may also be found in surrounding buildings for hourly fee.
The business center is intended for the use of OCC guests.