jaxpubliclibrary.org/ConferenceCenter (904) 630-1947

The Conference CenterA T T H E M A I N L I B R A R Y

Downtown Jacksonville’s Unique Event Destination

Cover photo credits:Multipurpose Room (left): Photo by VincentPierce.comThird Floor Atrium (center): Photo by Fox Fotography www.foxfotostudios.comHicks Auditorium (right): Production Services by Sight & Sound Productions

here are events—and there are events. You know, those rare, magical occasions you never want to forget. Where everything turns out better than expected. Welcome to the Conference Center at the Main Library. Whether you’re planning a business seminar, big birthday bash, or intimate wedding reception, the Conference Center at the Main Library is the ideal setting for the ultimate experience.

Situated in the heart of downtown, our unique venue is designed to host a multitude of corporate, club and personal events from 10 to 400 people. Want something bold and splashy indoors? A courtyard setting outdoors? Or an auditorium with theater seating? With so many architecturally stunning and well-appointed options for every taste and budget, you’ll be wowed from start to finish, and equally impressed with the stellar service from our staff of professionals.

The Conference Center at the Main Library offers you something distinctively different—the opportunity to plan your event exactly how you envision it. Think of our ballroom and multipurpose rooms as blank canvases to create whatever your heart desires. Bring in your favorite caterer (we have kitchens just for that), bartender, guest speakers and entertainment. You call the shots. Our staff will be involved as much or as little as you want.

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...you know you’re headed for something special.

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Spacious and GraciousWith 20,000 square feet of sophisticated—yet never stuffy—space dedicated for special events, the Conference Center at the Main Library has something for everyone and for every function. As you approach the main entrance, replete with magnificent alfresco sculptures and graceful ionic-style pilasters, you know you’re headed for something special. The expansive interior is even more impressive with magnificent art at every turn, massive columns, modern chandeliers, and architectural details throughout. Classic by definition, the site boasts all the modern amenities to accommodate the simplest to the most extravagant affair.

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...magnificent art at every turn.

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Hicks AuditoriumGreat for movie screenings, concerts, plays, lectures and award presentations, it’s been center stage for weddings, too. The auditorium features a new acoustically-accurate sound system, an excellent stage, and comfortable stair-stepped theater seating. The backstage area has two green rooms.

Maximum Capacity: 391 seated

Setup: Theater seating

AV Options: Computer, laptop plug-in, 20-by-15 foot screen, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc, Polycom teleconferencing, wired podium, wireless microphones, and spotlights; Free Wi-Fi

...rare, magical occasions you never want to forget.

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The Lounge at 303 NorthTalk about chic! Our newest space serves as a cozy gathering spot to mix and mingle before the event. A flexible niche-space for a small party, it features a bar (good for appetizers and cocktails) and comfy sofas and seating arrangements to encourage socializing.

Maximum Capacity: 103

Setup Options (Capacity): Reception, 103

AV Options: Projector, screen and sound; Free Wi-Fi

Prefunction Gallery & Cocktail AreaIdeal for a welcome reception, hors d’oeuvres, champagne brunch or additional banquet seating. Elegant, high ceilings and art-adorned walls make this a fun place to gather. This area can be used as complementary space with the Multipurpose Room or Hicks Auditorium.

Maximum Capacity: 300

Setup Options: Reception, 300; Seated Dining, 120

AV Option: Portable speaker system; Free Wi-Fi

(artist’s renderings)

Photo by DeremerStudios.com

Photo courtesy of DeremerStudios.com

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Grand Staircase and Third Floor Atrium Without question, this has to be the city’s most impressive place for a bride’s grand entrance and ultimate wedding photo! Say it with style as you descend the grand staircase, beneath the vaulted ceiling with clerestory windows. And take in the grandeur of the third floor Atrium. Its colorful murals and vista of the garden courtyard and reflecting pool will put everyone in a festive mood.

Maximum Capacity: 150

Setup (Capacity): Reception, 150; Seated Dining, 100

AV Option: Portable speaker system; Free Wi-Fi

Photo by VincentPierce.com

...the ideal setting for the ultimate experience.

6Landscape meets cityscape...

Photo by Fox Fotography www.foxfotostudios.com

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Betsy Lovett Courtyard and Indoor AtriumSECOND FLOOR

Landscape meets cityscape in this breathtaking oasis with lush, tropical foliage and a stunning water feature. It’s picture perfect for your wedding reception or gala. Bathed in natural light, the Atrium adds to any occasion. Now you can have your party indoors, outdoors, or combine the best of both worlds for the pièce de résistance!

Maximum Capacity: 250

Setup Options (Capacity): Reception, 250; Seated Dining, 100-150; Seated Only (Outdoor Ceremony), 100

Atrium: Free Wi-Fi

Photo by jmosleyweddings.com

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Multipurpose Room Quarter SpaceA shining example of a space that you can easily make your own. With 1,250 square feet, it’s just right for a small or average-sized gathering.

Maximum Capacity: 75

Setup Options (Capacity): Reception, 75; Seated Dining, 60; Seated Only, 75; Conference, 30; Classroom, 60; More seating and dining arrangements are available.

Free Wi-Fi

Multipurpose Banquet RoomNo matter if you call it a multipurpose room, banquet room or ballroom, this space epitomizes how form follows function at the Conference Center at the Main Library. You can choose to use the entire room, or opt for less space because this versatile multipurpose space configures to several different sizes to suit your needs. Take your pick:

Multipurpose Room Half SpaceTruly a classic, you’ll enjoy 2,500 square feet of space for your event. That’s plenty of room for guests to spread out but not feel overwhelmed. This is a popular choice for that very reason.

Maximum Capacity: 150

Setup Options (Capacity): Reception, 150; Seated Dining, 120; Seated Only, 150; Conference, 60; Classroom, 120; More seating and dining arrangements are available.

AV Options: Computer, laptop plug-in, screen, LCD, DVD, portable podium with microphone on request; Free Wi-Fi

This large space configures to several different sizes to fit your needs.

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Multipurpose Room Entire SpaceThis configuration is the most spacious of all. With 5,000 square feet, you have room to arrange in a variety of practical and creative ways. As shown in these before and after photos, you can transform the space into whatever you wish. So bring on the décor and let the party begin!

Maximum Capacity: 400

Setup Options (Capacity): Reception, 400; Seated Dining, 300; Seated Only, 400; Conference, 100; Classroom, 200; More seating and dining arrangements are available.

AV Options: Computer, laptop plug-in, screen, LCD, DVD, document viewer, wireless microphone, wired microphone; Free Wi-Fi

Photo by VincentPierce.com

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G1 Meeting RoomMaximum Capacity: 20

Setup Options (Capacity): Seated, 20; Reception, 20; Conference, 12

AV Options: Computer, laptop plug-in, screen, LCD, DVD; Free Wi-Fi

...suited for conferences, workshops and classroom activities.

Serious Space for Meetings and ConferencesLet us help you put your best foot forward at your next meeting. Our comfortable, well-lit rooms accommodate 10 to 50 people and are suited for conferences, workshops and classroom activities. These private rooms work well for intimate gatherings and receptions, too.

G4 Meeting RoomMaximum Capacity: 50

Setup Options (Capacity): Seated, 50; Reception, 50; Conference, 20; Classroom, 30

AV Options: Computer, laptop plug-in, screen, LCD, DVD, document viewer, teleconferencing; Free Wi-Fi

G2 or G3 Meeting RoomMaximum Capacity: 10

Setup Options (Capacity): Seated, 10; Conference, 10

AV Options: Laptop plug-in, screen, LCD; Free Wi-Fi

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The fun starts here!

Conference Level (Main Street)

Auditorium

Multipurpose/Banquet Room(s)

Prefunction Gallery

Meeting Rooms G1–G4

Catering and Prep Kitchens

Main Level (Laura Street) The Lounge at 303 North

Pajcic Promenade

Grand Staircase

Main Level

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Putting it all together... we have everything you need.• A full catering kitchen equipped with standard warming ovens, refrigerator/freezer and preparation space. Two additional prep kitchens for catering and serving are conveniently located on the Conference Level and near the Courtyard and Atrium.

• Variable lighting controls so you can set the mood you want, or bring up the house lights for a big finale.

• State-of-the-art audio visual, presentation and multimedia technology.

• Technical and audio visual support.

• Choose from a wide range of equipment and furniture included with your room rental.

• Professional security available because your and your guests’ safety is a top priority.

• A dedicated team will guide you every step of the way. They’ve handled so many kinds of events, they could write a book on event planning.

Join the A-list!The Conference Center at Main Library has hosted successful events for local, national and international groups and many private parties including:

• My Favorite Cookbook, FSCJ Foundation Fundraiser with celebrity chef

• Chef Mario Batali and Paula Deen cooking presentations

• Presidential candidates and White House Cabinet members

• Community Resource and Career Fairs

• Engineers Without Borders Assembly

• CSX Town Hall

• Indo-US Chamber of Commerce Conference

• Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards

• Wines of the World

• Bestselling authors and book signings

• World Refugee Day

• Hundreds of weddings and receptions

• For profit and nonprofit functions

Production Services by Sight & Sound Productions

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Points of difference.For wedding, engagement and anniversary parties, the photo possibilities are endless.Besides the monumental staircase, you can strike a pose in the amazing Morris Ansbacher Map Room, amid rows of books, under the armillary, or on the balcony against a romantic skyline sunset. The Main Library downtown and its surrounds never fail to inspire artistic and imaginative photos.

Urban chic. Metro cool. The Conference Center at the Main Library is the ultimate downtown event destination.It’s unlike the ordinary cookie cutter, seen-one, seen-them-all types of venues. Friends, family and business associates will approve and applaud the attractive and welcoming environment.

Need space for a seminar or workshop, but want a change of scenery during the break?The downtown area has a lot of lunch and refreshment options, all within walking distance. And you always have the freedom to use your own caterer—you’re never bound to a “per person” charge with us.

Photo by Images by Mary’s Tribe

Photo by Fox Fotography www.foxfotostudios.com

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We do events!The integrated rooms provide exhibitors, delegates, conference organizers and event managers with infinite flexibility for:

• Exhibits and training workshops

• Wedding receptions

• Meetings, conferences and seminars

• Presentations and product launches

• Gala dinners and banquets

• Cooking and chef demonstrations

...have your event indoors, outdoors, or both!

Photo by Dan Harris Photography www.DanHarrisPhotoArt.com

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Trust your event to our dedicated team at the Conference Center at the Main Library.Our expert staff is ready to serve you! Give us a call to book a tour or to find out how we can make your event all that you want it to be—and more.

Our team can offer free:

• Advice about venue capacity, suitability and facilities guidance

• Detailed budgetary advice

• Tours of the venues

• Professional event management experience

• Friendly support and recommendations

or more information on the general rental policies for the Conference Center at the Main Library, please visit our webpage at jaxpubliclibrary.org/ConferenceCenter. Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding everything from rental fees, reservations and cancellations, filming and photography, and much more. We are always happy to talk to you, too, by phone, email or in person!

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Photo by DeremerStudios.com

Photo by DeremerStudios.com

Photo by Dan Harris Photography www.DanHarrisPhotoArt.com16

DirectionsThe Main Library is located downtown across from Hemming Plaza, between Laura and Main streets. To access the Conference Center’s auditorium, meeting or multipurpose/banquet rooms, you may use the convenient Main Street entrance (this will put you right at the Conference Center at the Main Library) or the front entrance on Laura Street and proceed down the stairs. The Lounge at 303 North is located to your left as you enter the building from the Laura Street entrance. Elevators are available.

ParkingParking meters are located on the north, west and south sides of the building. There are also plenty of parking options available around downtown near the Main Library. For those who prefer to park in a garage, the Duval Street Parking Garage is located across the street on the north side of the library. For more parking options, visit www.downtownjacksonville.org.

Photo by www.Irrok.com

303 Laura Street NorthJacksonville, Florida 32202

email: jplconference@coj.netPhone: (904) 630-1947

Fax: (904) 630-1163jaxpubliclibrary.org/ConferenceCenter

The Conference CenterA T T H E M A I N L I B R A R Y

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