Memorial Union

The conference opening reception, meals, and registration will be held at the Memorial Union. As one of the most beloved and historic destinations on campus, Memorial Union is the place to come socialize, relax, study, eat, and enjoy all the beautiful sunsets and lake views that Madison has to offer. Since opening its doors in 1928, it has offered a variety of social and educational activities for UW students, faculty, Wisconsin Union Members, and the Madison community. Among its many treasures, the building houses a 1,200 seat theater, Strada Italian Cuisine, Carte Soups & Salads, the Daily Scoop Ice Cream, Badger Market, Peet’s Coffee, Der Rathskeller German-Style Tavern, Wheelhouse Studios, Wisconsin Hoofers, various art exhibits, and plentiful study space. Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, the classic architecture of the building boasts a picturesque lakeside view as well as a terrace with 600 colorful sunburst chairs – the perfect spot for an afternoon snack in the summer.

Memorial Union Terrace

One of the most cherished parts of the Memorial Union is the Terrace. The Terrace functions as a great place to enjoy a beautiful day, grab a beer with friends or colleagues, sunbathe or swim off the pier, and catch one of Madison’s stunning sunsets. When the Terrace was first envisioned in the fall of 1928, it was thought to serve as a fun meeting place, a sort of “undergraduate playground.” Today, its mission and purpose of being an enjoyable gathering spot for students, parents and alumni continues to improve. After the reopening in early 2016, the Terrace expanded seating, extended grilling, increased shoreline and lakefront views, and added additional food options. During the summer months, the Terrace hosts a “Terrace after Dark” music and film series which is free to the public.

Going Green

Conference Management and the Wisconsin Union strive to promote green conferences and events and ask our conference guests to help us in those efforts.

We have replaced plastic usage with compostable fiber plastic made from renewable sources for all our food service needs.

Our efforts for greener meetings:

  • 100% post-consumer content nametags
  • Biodegradable nametag holders & recycling bin at conference headquarters
  • Recycling bins located at all meals and on every floor of meeting site
  • Water cambros at all meals vs bottled water (bring an extra water bottle to use!)
  • Online mailings, communication, and promotion of conference events
  • Surplus food donated to local food bank
  • Airport shuttles to minimize car and taxi trips
  • Reusable conference signage to direct conference participants
  • Online registration & electronic registration information communication
We are very proud of our changes and will continue to make future decisions based on alternative sources and environmental stewardship!

Wireless Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available to all conference participants.  Upon check-in, each participant will receive a login and password which will grant access the meeting site secure wireless network.  The network is available throughout the building, including the Union Theater and outside on the Lakefront Terrace.

Website Hosted by Wisconsin Union Conference Management
conferences@union.wisc.edu | 800 Langdon St. | Madison, WI | (608) 265-6534