Ohio State Launches Ohio State Events to Streamline Event Planning on Campus

an empty event venue setup with neatly arranged rows of chairs facing a wooden podium inside a traditional university hall, with large windows looking out onto

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

  • calendar_today October 10, 2026

Ohio State Introduces Centralized Event Planning Resource

The Ohio State University has announced the launch of Ohio State Events, a new, university-wide resource designed to connect both external and internal meeting and event planners to the extensive range of venues, experiences, and expertise available across campus.

A Unique University Initiative

Ohio State Events stands out as one of the few university-based programs of its kind nationally. It functions as a central access point for those interested in organizing conferences, meetings, athletic competitions, symposia, celebrations, and other events at the university. By doing so, it aims to make The Ohio State University an attractive destination for a variety of engagements, thereby boosting its academic reputation and supporting its broader academic mission.

Comprehensive Support for Planners

The resource is offered at no cost to planners and assists with navigating site selection, event proposals, site visits, and accessing more than 150 rentable spaces on the Columbus campus. Planners can also connect with an array of university event resources including catering and dining, transportation, technology, and on-site event support. This is especially valuable for large or complex events that require multiple venues and a coordinated range of services and expertise from across Ohio State.

OhioStateEvents.com: A Digital Gateway

The new website, ohiostateevents.com, provides planners with a platform to explore available venues and services, making it easier to learn about event planning at Ohio State. The launch of this digital portal formalizes the university’s efforts to streamline university events and improve access to event resources for both internal and external users.

Strategic Partnerships Enhance Columbus Events

The initiative formalizes Ohio State’s partnership with Experience Columbus, the official destination marketing organization for the city, and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Located in one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities and within a day’s drive or short flight for more than half of the U.S. population, Ohio State serves as a convenient hub for events.

Sarah Townes, chief marketing and innovation officer for both Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, highlighted the university’s role in tying together the event capabilities of Ohio State with the hospitality and culture found throughout the city.

Enhancing Campus Life and Academic Engagement

Ohio State Events further connects planners with facilities from Athletics, Student Life, academic areas, and other signature campus locations. According to Xen Riggs, vice president of business advancement and chief operating officer of athletics at The Ohio State University, “What makes Ohio State Events special is not just identifying a venue, but the expertise and experiences we can surround events with to simplify the planning process and make an event truly unforgettable.”

Kelly Mulhern, senior director of sales for Ohio State Events, noted that events play a vital role in sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing the university’s mission. The goal of the Office of Events and Experiences is to create experiences that have a lasting impact by bringing together the people, places, and resources needed for successful university events.

Source: news.osu.edu.