The National Geographic Society's facilities that are available for use by organizations are the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall, the Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium, and the National Geographic dining hall.

The facilities are available Monday through Friday after business hours. On rare occasions the auditorium may be available during business hours. Facilities are not available from December 15 through January 15.

Commercial and political events are not permitted. Fund-raising events, other than for the National Geographic Society, are also not permitted.

A walk-through no later than ten days prior to the event is required. It should be attended by the client, the caterer, and a National Geographic representative. The event will be discussed in detail, including the schedule, plans for food and beverages, layout, AV/sound equipment, parking (when applicable), and pickup of materials and equipment after the event. If the client is using other vendors, such as musicians, their representative should also attend the walk-through.

SECURITY
National Geographic will provide appropriate uniformed security for each event. The security officers will work with the director of special events or special-events manager to insure that all guidelines are enforced. Should an event require extra security (three officers are standard), those costs will be passed on to the client ($25.00 per hour, per guard, four-hour minimum).

CAPACITY
The National Geographic Museum has a maximum capacity of 150 (standing). The Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium has a capacity of 385. The dining hall has a seating capacity of 400 and a standing capacity of 500.

FEES
Rental fee is U.S. $4,500.00 per venue. Ten percent discount is given if two or more rooms are used.

PARKING
Parking, when available, is an additional cost. National Geographic's garage has a maximum capacity of 200 cars. Fee: $500.00.

CATERING
The client is required, without exception, to use the National Geographic's approved and selected caterer: Sodexho Catering (+1 202 857 7611).

INSURANCE
The client is required, without exception, to provide a certificate of insurance.

OTHER SUPPLIERS/VENDORS
National Geographic retains the right to approve any outside vendors, decor, and all other items that may be brought to the National Geographic headquarters for the event.

UNICCO (our general-services contractor) charges for the breakdown and setup of the dining hall. Charges are determined according to requirements of the event.

DELIVERIES/PICKUP
Any and all necessary deliveries, pickup of equipment, props, printed materials, etc., must be scheduled through the office of the director of special events or special-events manager in advance. Generally activities must not disrupt the usual work routine at National Geographic. After the event, pickup of material and/or equipment must occur the same evening as the event or the next day of business. At no time will material from the client's event hinder or disrupt the usual work routines at National Geographic or at its facilities.

REPRESENTATIVES
The client will name one person who will be the client's representative in all dealings with National Geographic. The client, or his or her designated contact, shall be at National Geographic headquarters no less than one hour prior to the event's beginning.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, contact Manager, Special Events, at ngsspecialevents@ngs.org