{"id":20358,"date":"2026-04-16T10:40:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/home\/?page_id=20358"},"modified":"2026-04-16T10:40:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:40:22","slug":"special-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/home\/visit\/special-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Our Event Spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    \"people
    Photo by Rachel Philipson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    The Auditorium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Up to 84 guests (depending on layout)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Available Monday\u2013Friday\n
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      • 10:00 AM\u20131:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 1:00 PM\u20135:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 10:00 AM\u20135:00 PM (full day)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Home to our new 360 Connect Hybrid Technology<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ideal for lectures, panels, classroom formats, and hybrid symposia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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        \"large
        Observatory by Alexandra Bayer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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        The Observatory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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        • Evening rentals only: 5:00 PM\u20139:00 PM (Monday\u2013Saturday)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Maximum 90 guests (recommended 56 for comfort)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Best suited for receptions, seated round-table events, and community gatherings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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          Technology Options<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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          Plug & Play Package<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          • In-person presentation from your own laptop<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • IT support available 30 minutes before event upon request<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Available in both venues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            360 Connect Hybrid Package (Auditorium Only)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Smart cameras and microphones<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Seamless virtual participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Onsite IT support throughout event upon request<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 95% optimal performance rate (global standard)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Designed for Mission-Aligned Education & Corporate Events<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              We prioritize events that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Align with educational and research values<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Respect our wildlife sanctuary setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Support inclusive and accessible participation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                We are not currently booking:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                • Weddings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Memorial services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Birthday or retirement celebrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                  Transparent Pricing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                  Auditorium (74 person capacity)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                  • $800 half day<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • $1,200 full day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Observatory (90 person capacity)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                    • $1,500 evening rental<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Additional fees may apply for damage, excessive cleanup, or time overage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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                      Community Impact Rental Requests<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                      We are committed to fostering inclusive and accessible spaces that serve diverse audiences. While not guaranteed, a limited number of reduced-rate rentals may be available each year for external (non-Cornell-affiliated) organizations whose work aligns with the Lab\u2019s values. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      For details on reduced-rate considerations for nonprofit and community organizations with demonstrated need, please contact us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n