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Special Events FAQs

Special Events FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are your current COVID-19 protocols/requirements? The Tech closely follows the CDC guidelines and is in line with their recommendations, so it is fluid and may change based on the levels of positive cases in Santa Clara County. At this point in time, masks are highly recommended by guests and staff. Proof of vaccination is not required to enter The Tech Interacrive.
  • What does your rentals include? Our rentals include the venue space you have selected and the staff required to appropriately operate the event, which includes security, janitorial services, event coordinator, staff for the exhibits, facilities, and engineering. We have a limited amount of furniture inventory available and can be included in the setup, but discuss with your event manager for more information.
  • Can I bring in my own caterer? You will need to select a caterer from our pre-approved list of caterers. Please discuss with your Special Events Manager for more specifics and details.
  • What is your curfew? Because we are a city-owned building, the hard stop time is 12 a.m. midnight, 7 days of the week.
  • What items are not allowed inside the building? Glitter decor, confetti, and birdseed. Balloons must be tied down by weights and not free floating.
  • What time can I begin set up? This depends on the visitor closing hours of the date of your special event. Typically, Tuesday-Friday vendors and clients get access after 3:15 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday after 5:15 p.m.
  • What is your accessibility? The building is ADA compliant and is equipped with two visitor elevators and one freight elevator for accessibility with individuals who cannot take the stairs or escalator. Our IMAX theater has four seating areas dedicated to wheelchair accessibility.
  • What is the parking situation when booking a special event? We validate for a discounted parking rate of $5 per car if your guests park at the Convention Center Garage (150 W. San Carlos St.) or 2nd and San Carlos St. Garage (288 S. 2nd St.)
  • Does A/V need to be ordered through The Tech or can we use our own vendor? We highly recommend renting Audio Visual through The Tech’s Audio Visual department as they are experts in the building and know the specs better than anyone else. However, you can use an outside vendor with the requirement that they collaborate with our AV Team and schedule a walkthrough ahead of time at no additional cost.
  • Can the cost of booking a special event be considered a tax write off since you are a non-profit? Although we are a non-profit organization and part of rental fees are allocated to funding our educational programs, your rental with us is considered a purchase of a service, therefore it is not tax deductible.