Hours of Operation
The IEA Professional Development Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and during scheduled events being held in the facility. Evening events must end by 10:00 pm unless otherwise approved.
Weekend functions may be scheduled with prior approval of the Illinois Education Association. Additional fees may be charged.
In the event of inclement weather, the Illinois Education Association reserves the right to cancel functions.
Reserving Meeting Space
To use the IEA Professional Development Center, meeting planners must complete a “Contract For Event” form. To ensure that the Center can meet the needs of your group, requesting parties should confirm their meeting requirements and catering needs no later than 7 days prior to the function date. Changes in catering or meeting room arrangements within 72 hours may result in additional charges.
Members of the Illinois Education Association are welcome to use the Professional Development Center for official association functions on an as-available basis at no charge for room rental or AV equipment. (Charges may apply for catering, audio or video conferencing, etc.)
Private for-profit and non-profit organizations may use the Center as available subject to current PDC rental fees.
Deposits and Billings
A deposit may be required at the time of the confirmed booking depending upon the nature of the event. Accounts are to be paid within 30 days of receipt of the billing. An unpaid balance is subject to a finance charge.
Cancellation Fees
Notice of cancellation must be received by the Professional Development Center 7 days in advance of the function. A cancellation fee (50% of room rental fees and any catering charges) will be assessed if the cancellation occurs less than 7 days of the function date.
Room Assignments
The Illinois Education Association reserves the right to make and to modify room assignments based on group size, group needs, and space maximization.
Catering
The Professional Development Center uses the services of a number of fine caterers to provide for your group’s dining needs. The PDC staff can provide you with a variety of menus to help you plan your meal functions. All catering charges are the responsibility of the customer.
At the end of your event, a single invoice will include your catering charges, as well as charges for meeting space, audiovisual equipment, and any applicable service charges.
In the event of a cancellation, the customer will be responsible for any catering charges incurred.
The IEA Professional Development Center does not allow any food or beverages to be brought in to the Center by event participants. All food and beverage service must be provided by the Center or approved catering services. Arrangements with caterers will be made by the Center.
Food and beverages may be consumed only in designated areas of the Professional Development Center. Violations of this policy may result in additional charges to the contracting party.
Alcoholic Beverages
The serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on the premises of the Professional Development Center without prior written permission from the Illinois Education Association.
Liability and Proof of Insurance
The Illinois Education Association reserves the right to inspect and control all events held at the Professional Development Center. If any individual in attendance at an event at the PDC or property brought into the Center poses a risk to either persons or property on the PDC premises, IEA reserves the right to remove such person and/or property from the premises. The IEA does not assume responsibility nor does it have any liability for personal property and equipment brought into the Center. Liability for damage to the PDC premises shall be the responsibility of the contracting party and shall be charged back to them accordingly. The IEA is not responsible nor does is have any liability for any bodily injury incurred during use of the PDC. All contracting parties shall provide the IEA with a certificate of insurance for general liability, as a condition of using the PDC.
Damages
Contracting parties shall be charged for any damage to the facility, equipment, or furnishings which occurs during their use. There will also be a charge when excess cleanup is required.
Responsibility of the Contracting Party
It is the responsibility of the contracting party to be aware of all of the Professional Development Center policies and guidelines pertaining to the use of the facility. The contracting party accepts the responsibility for ensuring that all policies and guidelines are followed while their participants use the facilities. The IEA has the right to remove anyone not adhering to such policies and guidelines from the Center premises.
Smoking Policy
The Professional Development Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking urns are available in designated smoking areas located outside the building.
Copying, Faxing and Telephone Facilities
During regular business hours, the Center has copying facilities for a minimal number of copies at 15¢ a page. Fax services: to receive a fax -- $.35 per page; to send a fax -- $.75 per page within the 217 area code; $1.25 per page outside the 217 area code. Pay phones are available for use.
Recycling
Recycling receptacles are located throughout the Professional Development Center. We ask that you place cans, paper, and waste in the properly marked containers.
Parking
Parking is available at the Professional Development Center free of charge. All groups are welcome to park in those areas not designated for Center staff.