West48 Conference Center FAQ
Interested in hosting your next business meeting or team-building event at West48 Conference Center? Explore frequently asked questions to learn more about renting our conference center or individual meeting rooms. If you prefer to get in touch with one of our event coordinators directly, we’re here to help you make West48 feel like your own for the duration of your event.
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General Conference Center & Meeting Room Details
We’ve gathered all of the need-to-know facts about West48 at a glance so you can start planning your next business meeting or team get-together. Worry less with West48 locked in as your meeting venue!
| Can I Tour West48? |
| Of course, we would love to have you! Tours are available Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Fill out our contact form or call our event coordinator Laura Sorensen at (515) 868-0012 to set up your tour. In the meantime, check out our video tour to get a feel for the space! |
| What Hours Are Available For My Event? |
| We can accommodate events during most weekday hours and some weekends, depending on availability. Let us know what dates and times you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to get your event on our calendar.
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How Many Guests Can West48 Accommodate?
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| At West48, we have the space for events of all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for a space to brainstorm with a smaller team, we have breakout meeting rooms for groups up to 22 people, depending on the room and your preferred setup. If you want to fill our main event space for a happy hour or conference, our 8,000 sq. ft. conference center can host up to 100 people. Check out our various business meeting room options or watch our video tour to see everything West48 has to offer. |
| Where Can My Guests Park? |
| Guests can park on the south side of the building (facing Westown Parkway) and enter through the south doors. Your guests should see the West48 branding on the first floor windows to know they’re in the right place! |
Planning Your Event At West48
Our event coordinators at West48 are available to help you stress less so you can make the most of your time in our space. We help you smooth out the details to make planning your event as simple and streamlined as possible.
| What If I Haven’t Quite Worked Out All The Details For My Event Yet? |
| No problem, we know how much work goes into ensuring an event goes off without a hitch! To reserve our space, we simply need to know the time and date of your event, contact information and how you plan to use the space. We require a 20% deposit to hold the space leading up to your event, but the deposit goes toward your total cost owed on the day of your event. |
| What Happens After I Reserve The Space? |
| Your event is on our calendar and we’re ready to help you ensure it goes smoothly! Our event coordinator will get in touch leading up to your event to discuss it. You can also follow up with us at any time with small changes or questions so you’re prepared for your time at West48. |
| What Room Setup Options Are Available? |
| West48 has tables and chairs on site, with a variety of different seating arrangements available depending on your group's needs. If you’d prefer tables or chairs from a different vendor, we work with you on securing furniture for an additional fee. We have a variety of setups, ranging from conference room round-table style, classroom-like training sessions and pod groupings for focused facetime. Take a look at our gallery for event inspiration for West48 or explore our various meeting rooms in Des Moines to see what layout makes the most sense for your event. |
Are Setup And Cleanup Included In My Rental?
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| Setup and cleanup are included in the hourly rental fee and will be taken care of by West48. If there are potential extra cleaning fees for any reason, West48 will communicate those fees clearly prior to your event. Additional cleaning needs and expectations will be reflected in your event contract and discussed prior to your event. We do request all personal items be removed from the space at the end of your event. As long as you pick up after yourself, we don’t charge a cleanup fee. If damage to our space occurs during your event, fees will be assessed at our discretion and you will receive an itemized invoice from us noting these charges. |
| What Is Your Cancellation Policy? |
| We understand life happens, business keeps moving and not everything goes to plan. So, should you need to cancel your event for any reason, we’re happy to apply your event balance as credit toward rescheduling your event. Your initial 20% deposit is non-refundable. |
We want your time at West48 to be seamless and memorable for your attendees. To ensure you’re set up for success, we offer a variety of technology and audio/video equipment at your disposal as well as tech support and assistance as needed.
Is A/V Included In The Rental Cost?
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| At West48, we get tech. We want all of our guests to have an easy, seamless tech experience. Prior to each event, we can provide a demonstration of the A/V equipment so you have everything you need to engage your audience. All A/V equipment is available for you to use during your event at no additional charge. |
What A/V Equipment Is Available?
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| At West48, we have tech capabilities you won’t find at traditional event spaces. Your event will be covered with our multi-channel audio system, five wireless microphones (handheld, lapel and headset), two full HD projectors, a floor monitor for the presenter to view their screen, an HDMI hookup on stage, presenter remote, Apple TV for AirPlay, Wi-Fi and full-color stage lighting control so you can customize the space for your event. Learn more about A/V and other amenities available for your next event at West48. |
Catering & Beverages At West48
Come for the camaraderie, stay for the snacks! Explore how you can use our kitchenette and serving space to treat your guests to a tasty time.
| What Are Your Beverage Options? |
| We offer beverage packages that include coffee (plus cream and sugar), water, a variety of soft drinks and sparkling water. All drinks will be stocked and cold in the West48 kitchen for your event. Coffee can be brewed in advance by our event coordinator, or you are welcome to brew it yourself. Our beverage package is $10/person for rentals over four hours and $5/person for less than four-hour rentals. A coffee package is available at $15/carafe of coffee. Visit our pricing page for more details. |
Can I Cook My Own Food At West48?
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| West48 has ample counter space for preparing and serving food, but we do not have a stove or oven. We do have a microwave available on site for you to use as you need. |
Can I Choose My Own Caterer?
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| Yes! You are welcome to arrange catering through any licensed vendor of your choice. Contact us if you'd like to see our list of recommendations for vendors we’ve had positive experiences with in the past! |
| Can I Serve Alcohol At My Event? |
| Yes, you may serve wine and beer at your event in West48. We require proof of liability for any rental agreement, and this is covered under the client liability. Please note that in order to serve liquor, you will need to hire a private event bartender who has a liquor license. |
| Are There Any Additional Catering Fees I Should Be Aware Of? |
| At West48, you can cater your own food at no additional cost. If you would like catering recommendations, you can review our preferred catering list during your tour. West48 does not provide paper products, but serving dishes are available. Schedule your tour of West48 today.
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Other Questions About West48 Conference Center
| Is West48 Wheelchair Accessible? |
| Yes, we are! West48 is conveniently located on the first floor. There is handicap parking, an automatic door on the building entrance, handicap bathroom stalls, an elevator up to Blue Compass (if you want to say hello) and a ramp to access our stage. |
| Who Is Blue Compass? |
| West48 is owned and operated by Blue Compass, a website design, development and digital marketing agency here in West Des Moines. In fact, you'll find Blue Compass and our digital experts right up the stairs from West48! |
Want To Learn More About West48? Talk To Us!
To get more specifics about capabilities and amenities for your upcoming event, get in touch with our event coordinators to set the ball in motion. Call us at (515) 868-0012 or contact us online to connect about event details and planning.
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