Meetings & Events
Raising Nebraska is a one-of-a-kind venue, offering exceptional facilities and amenities to meet the diverse needs of groups and businesses for educational programming, meetings, and events
Centrally located in Grand Island, our facility provides convenient access for visitors statewide.
Whether you’re planning a reception, training session, fundraiser, presentation, or any other event, our versatile spaces accommodate gatherings of a variety of sizes. Hosting your event at Raising Nebraska ensures a memorable and impactful experience.
Floor Plan
Entrance
The Pivot
The Stage
Flex Zone
Circle Room
The Kitchen
The Grain Bin
Agri House
Our Spaces
The Entrance
Our expansive entryway at Raising Nebraska is perfect for welcoming guests or managing registration and check-in for your event. As guests step through the main doors, they will be greeted by the impressive sight of our vast hall, which showcases over a dozen interactive educational exhibits focused on agriculture and natural resources.
The Stage
Capacity: 8-55
The Stage has hosted an impressive array of events, from training sessions and captivating dinners with guest lecturers to luncheons and hands-on instructional courses. This versatile space boasts state-of-the-art technology, including built-in stage lighting, and offers the flexibility to be tailored to meet your unique requirements.
The Circle Room
Capacity: 4-12
The Circle Room provides a private retreat within our open hall, ideal for events and meetings that need a touch of intimacy. This versatile space has hosted exclusive VIP dinners, served as breakout rooms, reception areas, and even a cozy grab-and-go lunch spot. With two convenient entryways on either side, guest flow is seamless in and out. The room is equipped with a modern video screen and the latest technology, perfect for impactful meetings or presentations.
The Grain Bin
Capacity: 7-50
The Grain Bin at Raising Nebraska offers a unique and immersive experience, making guests feel as though they’re seated inside an authentic grain bin. Perfect for receptions, dinner parties, formal meetings, breakout sessions, and other distinctive gatherings, this hidden gem provides both charm and functionality. The space is equipped with acoustic panels to dampen noise and features a large video wall, ideal for impactful meetings and presentations.
The Pivot
Capacity: 20-255
The Pivot is our most expansive and versatile space at Raising Nebraska, perfect for hosting large dinners, business luncheons, and special events. Set beneath the lights of an authentic Reinke pivot frame, this area offers a unique and captivating atmosphere. It can accommodate both center and side stages for entertainment or guest speakers, along with a projection screen or video wall for presentations, ensuring your event is both impressive and memorable.
The Flex Zone
Capacity: 8-55
Our Flex Zone lives up to its name, offering unparalleled versatility for a wide range of events. Its open layout is perfect for socializing and networking, fostering collaborative conversations during breakout meetings, or providing a welcoming atmosphere for dinner parties. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a professional event, the Flex Zone adapts seamlessly to your needs.
The Kitchen
Capacity: 5-70
Raising Nebraska’s state-of-the-art culinary kitchen is ideal for hosting cooking demonstrations or elegant dinner parties. Equipped with large overhead video screens, guests get a close-up view of the chefs in action. The space also features advanced technology for live streaming, Zoom sessions, and recording events. Flexible table and chair arrangements ensure the setup can be tailored to your specific needs.
The Agri House
Capacity: 4-12
Welcome home to the Raising Nebraska Agri House! This exceptional educational space offers learning opportunities for all ages, showcasing how agriculture impacts our daily lives. Perfect for breakout sessions, the Agri House provides a comfortable and relaxed environment, and it’s also ideal for children’s programming and activities.
The Details
We look forward to discussing your upcoming meeting or event. Below, you’ll find more information on booking at Raising Nebraska. When you’re ready, please fill out our event request form, and our planning team will promptly reach out to begin a conversation and arrange a tour.
The Basics
- Maximum capacity: 350
- 8’ Banquet tables and seating to accommodate up to 200 individuals is included in the rental fee.
- Table Coverings are required for all events and are not provided by Raising Nebraska.
- Rental costs for additional tables, chairs, and any related fees are the responsibility of the event patron.
- Event patrons are responsible for setting up and taking down chairs and tables.
Rental Fees
- Fees vary by time of day and space(s) used. Contact Raising Nebraska staff for an estimate.
- Please note that additional fees for exclusivity and after-hours may apply.
Event Hours
- Raising Nebraska may be rented during normal business hours, evenings, and weekends.
- The pivot area cannot be rented during normal business hours while the facility is open to the public unless the entire facility is being rented out.
- After-hours events must conclude, be cleaned up, and vacated by 12 a.m. unless prior written approval by Raising Nebraska staff.
- Additional fees may apply for hours not in your contract.
Reservations and Payment
- A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date(s).
- A 10% discount is applied for reservations of 3 or more spaces.
- The complete rental fee must be received five business days before the event.
- Additional fees/charges must be paid in full five business days following the event date.
Decoration Policy
- All decorations require prior approval.
- No open-flame candles, glitter, or confetti are permitted.
- No items may be hung to exhibit displays with glue, tape, or adhesives.
Catering and Alcohol
- All licensed catering is approved. We have no required vendors.
- Catering arrangements are the responsibility of the event patron.
- Raising Nebraska may request a copy of the approved caterer’s license before the event, if we have not worked with them before.
- Before the event, the caterer should confirm arrival and departure times, designated loading areas, and work area requirements with Raising Nebraska staff.
- Raising Nebraska will consider requests to serve alcohol on a case-by-case basis.
- The liquor license is the responsibility of the event sponsor and/or event caterer.
Preferred Vendors
- We maintain a list of vendors we have worked with in the past. Please reach out and we would be happy to share the list with you.
Additional Notes
- All areas of Raising Nebraska are smoke-free.
- Inappropriate and Dangerous behavior is not permitted.
- Any violations result in termination of event and damage charges will apply.
- Raising Nebraska’s main purpose is to serve as an educational outreach facility for the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Therefore, Raising Nebraska is not available for weddings or prom celebrations. ALL requests for facility usage are reviewed and subject to approval.
