Venue Booking Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book venue space at the IMC? 

• To start the booking process, please review and complete a booking request form found HERE. 
• You can also contact our Program Coordinator for questions at [email protected] 

Is the IMC accessible? 

Yes!

• We have an accessible entrance to get into the main floor on the south side of our building. 
• We have an accessible a wheelchair-accessible bathroom on our main floors 
• You can find more info HERE or call 217.344-8820 if you have any accessibility questions or email [email protected].

Am I allowed to bring in outside food? 

• Yes! Outside food is allowed. 

Who is in charge of setting up an event?

• The host of the event is in charge of set-up and clean-up. 

Do you have AV equipment available for use, like projectors, sound equipment, etc?

• Yes! Learn more HERE!
• Hosts are welcome to provide their own sound equipment to run for their event instead of purchasing a package. 

Do you have chairs and tables?

• We have 100 chairs, 30 6-foot table and 7 8-foot tables available for all bookings. 

How do I get member discounts?

• You can become an organizational or individual member to benefit from discounts! 

What if I want to collaborate or propose a co-sponsored event?

• For events aligned with our mission, our programming committee may consider co-sponsorship, including cost-reduction and marketing assistance. You must be a member of the IMC for your event to be eligible for IMC co-sponsorship. Co-sponsorship applications happen twice a year, one for events from March 1st to August 31st, 2026, and the second for events from September 1st, 2026, to February 28th, 2027. The UCIMC Programming Committee, a committee of the UCIMC Board, will review the applications and decide which events will receive a co-sponsorship.
• For questions, contact us today: Program Coordinator, [email protected] or call 217-666-7628

How easy is it to get to the IMC by bus, and is there parking?

• Transportation to and from UCIMC is easy.
  • Visitor parking: City parking meters in the downtown Urbana area are enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Parking in the municipal garage at 100 W. Main St. (just kitty-corner from the IMC) is available for 25 cents an hour for the first two hours and 50 cents for each additional hour.
  • The local bus system, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, operates a main hub right across the street from the IMC. The 3 closest MTD bus stops are: (2 on Broadway) Lincoln Square Garage East and Lincoln Square Courthouse, Lincoln Square Garage South (on Elm Street).  

What are the current COVID-19 Safety Protocols? (Updated 2/8/24)

• All participants should stay home if they have experienced any COVID symptoms or been in contact with someone exposed or with symptoms 
• For co-sponsored events: We recommend that publicity specifies whether the event is “masks required” or “masks optional.” This allows people with health risks or people who want a masked space for whatever reason to make informed choices.
• Hybrid events are encouraged so that more vulnerable individuals can participate.

Can you help me get the word out about my event?

• Feel free to tag us, and we can share your event on our account story. 

You can also connect with UCIMC Working Groups to assist with marketing your event. 

• WRFU 104.5 FM (Radio Free Urbana) is on-site and available for you to broadcast shows in areas of your expertise or simulcast your event.
• Public i Newspaper comes out once a month, and you can suggest an article or announcement by emailing them at [email protected].

What else do I need to know?

• We reserve the right to ask for Photo ID.
• Minimum age to rent space is 18 years of age.
• Payment is required in full 7 days before your event.
• Youth events must have adequate adult supervision. For any events after 9pm, the host must be 21 (Security must be 25 years of age or older).
  
• All events must end by 12AM and the building must be clear and locked by 1AM
  
• Absolutely no fire arms or weapons are allowed in the building. 
• All events are drug free. Absolutely no illegal narcotics are allowed. 
• The building is smoke-free. Event attendees can smoke outside, but must be 15 feet from an entrance in accordance with the Illinois state law. 
• Parties and music events will need a written security plan. Usually that means 2 to 5 people doing safety checks throughout the event. You and your security people are empowered to ask any people violating the venue rules to leave. Security guards must be 25 or older.
• Our NO ALCOHOL policy is strictly enforced (unless documents are provided as specified below). We are a community arts center where people of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
• To have alcohol at an event you must have all of the following:
  
  • Liquor liability insurance. Most caterers have both a trained server and liability insurance, so this is the easiest way to accomplish these.
  • A special event permit and a temporary liquor license from the City of Urbana (except for private events).
  • A licensed server.
  • A written security plan. 
  • Unless you have all of the above, our NO ALCOHOL policy will be strictly enforced. The IMC is an all-ages community arts center and a safe environment.  
• The IMC reserves the right to shut down an event.