Edith S. Hefter Conference Center
An exclusive setting for your special University event
Note: Hefter Center is not available for fall 2021 rentals
The Edith S. Hefter Conference Center, an early 20th-century Tudor-style mansion, is a remarkable facility for university special occasions. The center is available exclusively for appropriate UWM departmental events.
Highlights of the Hefter Center
- Conveniently located at the corner of Lake Drive and Hartford Avenue near UWM’s main campus
- Beautiful and historic architectural features inside and out
- Catering through UWM Dining Services or approved external caterers
- Affordable flat usage fee includes use of the entire first floor
ELIGIBILITY
The Hefter Conference Center is intended, and solely available, for appropriate UWM departmental special events. Events that are not official university business are prohibited. Also, the facility is not available for events more appropriately held at the UWM Union or for classes more appropriately held in traditional classrooms.
Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-10pm
Friday & Saturday 7:30am-8pm
Usage outside standard hours will require additional staffing costs.
Location and Parking
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Edith S. Hefter Conference Center
3271 N. Lake Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
Free street parking on Lake Drive from 9am-5pm.
Free two-hour street parking on adjacent side streets.
Policies
Rates
The Hefter Conference Center has a facility usage fee of $250, which includes most routine set-ups. This charge applies to a full or partial day of usage. Events canceled fewer than five business days prior to their scheduled start will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee. Nonevent usage of the Living Room or Dining Room will incur a $50 set-up fee.
All audio/visual equipment should be requested at the time of booking, but no fewer than five business days prior to the event, charges for which will be billed according to the Hefter Audio/Visual Rate Schedule.
An original Authorization for Direct Charge of Billing Form must be submitted to the Conference Services Office at least 14 days in advance of the event to cover the facility usage fee. Faxed or email copies are not accepted by the UWM Pre-Audit office, so an original signed Direct Charge form must be completed.
Catering
Catering through UWM Dining Services or approved external caterers
ROOM SIZES & CONFIGURATIONS
The building has many beautiful and notable features including five fireplaces, plasterwork ceilings, a 22’ x 29’ entrance hall, a porte cochere, and a terrace on the east side. Rooms available for use in addition to the entrance hall are a 26’ x 35’ living room; a black walnut-paneled dining room; a breakfast nook; a solarium-conservatory with glazed tile walls; a library; and a billiard room. The building has central air conditioning, and a voice and data jack are available.
Room Accommodations
Living Room
90 in theater-style for a lecture, or 80 at round tables
Library
20 in theater-style or 12 at a hollow square
Billiard Room
25 in theater-style or 16 at a hollow square
Dining Room
40 in theater-style seats or 48 at rounds
Entire Conference Center
150 for stand-up receptions with minimal seating
