
Penn Pavilion can host a variety of events, from a 650-person lecture, to a luncheon for 100, to an intimate meeting for 20, and more. The venue is equipped with house sound, AV capabilities, and is ADA compliant. Please see below for more information about the space.
The cost of Penn Pavilion is based on multiple fees and the setup of the event. Please reach out to eventservices@duke.edu for pricing information.
Rates
The cost of Penn Pavilion is based on multiple fees and the setup of the event. Please reach out to eventservices@duke.edu for pricing information.
Room Setup Options
Max Capacity: 400
Tables: 5 ft round tables, 8 ft buffet tables
Seating: 400 upholstered banquet chairs
Max Capacity: 680
Tables: Cocktail tables - 2.5 ft wide, 4 ft high, 8 ft buffet tables
Seating: None
Max Capacity: 650
Tables: None
Seating: 650 upholstered banquet chairs
Max Capacity: 350
Tables: Classroom tables - 6 ft x 18 in
Seating: 350 upholstered banquet chairs

Max Capacity: 70 Exhibitors
Tables: Classroom tables - 6 ft x 18 in
Seating: 2 upholstered banquet chairs per exhibitor table
Room Information
Penn Pavilion is equipped with an LCD projector, screen, house sound, microphones, and a lectern with a microphone. Clients must provide their own laptops to connect with the system. Adaptors are available.
If your event requires additional A/V equipment or if you would like to have a technician on-site to assist with your event, please contact Tech Services at techsvcs@duke.edu.
You can request Penn Pavilion through the Space Finder Tool. Your reservation will be tentative until confirmed by a CES staff member. You will receive an email notification when your booking is confirmed. If you have questions about Penn or the availability of the space email eventservices@duke.edu.
For a full list of event policies, please reach out to Conference & Event Services. Here is a list of our main policies:
- Caterers must be a Duke Catering provider. You can find the list under the Catering section of this site.
- A $250 fee will be charged if an outside caterer is used. Proof of an A sanitation grade and COI are required in advance.
- Alcohol must be served by Triangle Catering.
- All tables which food is served on must have table cloths or table covers on them.
- No open flames are allowed in Penn Pavilion.
- No balloons are allowed in Penn Pavilion (professional balloon arches are allowed).
- No hanging decorations on the walls. Decorations (including signs) can only be hung on the windows with 3M command hooks. Command hooks and adhesives must be removed post-event. Groups will be charged for the cleaning and removal of command hooks if they are left behind.
- Glitter, bird seed, and feathers are not allowed in Penn.
If a group or organization wishes to cancel their Penn Pavilion reservation, a written cancellation notice must be submitted to Event Services at least 30 days prior to the event date. If a reservation is cancelled less than 30 days, the group or organization will be charged a cancellation fee. Groups that no show for their event will be charged 100% of their estimated event charges.