Hosting Events in the DI HUB

As an open access and collaborative building, the DI HUB offers a wide variety of spaces and services to meet the event and programming needs of the Kent State University community. The DI HUB’s numerous spaces can accommodate most small to large events and programs, whether onetime, semi-regular, internal, or external.

All events and programs must adhere to University Event Registration Operational Procedures and any events managed by student organizations must have a KSU staff or faculty member present at all times. No matter what your event, DI Staff are available to discuss your needs. DI staff are also available to help you integrate design innovation into your event, whether than be through DI HUB tours or custom workshop experiences. For more information about our event spaces, services, and reservation processes, please consult the guide below.

Makerspace Tours

Would you like to introduce your students to the creative possibilities of makerspaces? Then a group tour of the DI HUB is a great place to start! DI HUB makerspace tours typically last 1 hour and are free for KSU instructors and their students. Our standard tours include access to our Reactor makerspace, 3D Print and Laser Cut Shop, Sewing Shop, Industrial/Robotics Shop, Electronics Shop, X_Realm XR Lab, Blank_Lab, and more!

Request a DI HUB Tour

Reservation Process

In order to request an event or program in the DI HUB:

  1. Consult this guide to learn about our spaces, services, and event policies.
  2. Complete our online Programs/Events Request Form with the details for your event or program. Once your request has been submitted, DI staff will contact you to discuss your needs.
  3. In some cases, you may be asked to place a reservation through University Events and Conference Services or to make additional arrangement with Culinary, Information Technology, or Parking Services.  
  4. Finalize all details with the help of DI staff.
  5. Successfully host your event or program!

Plan A Program/Event

Our Spaces

DI Theatre/Auditorium
  • Floor: 2nd/3rd
  • Room: 219/319
  • Capacity: 220 max, seating for 180
  • Description: The DI Theatre/Auditorium is the largest of the DI HUB’s event spaces, bridging the second and third floors. The space features stadium seating for up to 180, standard and 4K digital projectors, and Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound capabilities. While the DI Theatre/Auditorium is available for event requests, the space primarily functions as an academic classroom. As such, academic activities take precedence over all event requests and final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm
    • *Some exceptions may be granted for evening and weekend events.
    • *Academic activities take precedence over all event requests.
  • Available Technology:
  • Available Furniture:
    • Stadium-style seats (166)
    • Moveable seats (14)
    • Tables (2)
  • Available Upon Request:
    • Some additional technology may be available.
  • Note:
    • Food and drink are not permitted inside the DI Theatre/Auditorium.
    • Final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
Photo of DI Theatre/Auditorium
Photo of the DI Theatre/Auditorium.
DI Studio Classroom
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 201
  • Capacity: 48
  • Description: The DI Studio Classroom is a large studio-style learning environment located on the second floor of the DI HUB adjacent to the Spark Lab and open collaboration areas. While the DI Studio Classroom is available for event requests, the space primarily functions as an academic classroom. As such, academic activities take precedence over all event requests and final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm
    • *Some exceptions may be granted for evening and weekend events.
    • *Academic activities take precedence over all event requests.
  • Available Technology:
  • Available Furniture:
    • 42” butcher-block worktables (24)
    • 29” standing/sitting stools (48)
    • Dedicated mobile whiteboard
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • 55" flat screen monitor with mobile stand (2)
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The DI Studio Classroom is a flexible space. Furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
    • Final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
Photo od DI Studio Classroom
Photo of DI Studio Classroom.
Second Floor Open Collaboration Space
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 200K
  • Capacity: 48
  • Description: The second floor of the DI HUB has two open spaces available for reservation. The first is the Open Collaboration Space directly adjacent to the DI Studio Classroom and Spark Lab. While this space can be reserved for event purposes, event activities must not inhibit normal traffic flow or interfere with collaborative space utilization.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm
    • *Some exceptions may be granted for evening and weekend events.
  • Available Technology:
    • None
  • Available Furniture:
    • 42” butcher-block worktables (12)
    • 29” butcher-block worktables (4)
    • Seating for 32
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • 55" flat screen monitor with mobile stand (2)
    • Additional tables and chairs
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The Second Floor Open Collaboration Space is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
    • Final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
Photo of DI Hub 2nd Floor Open Collaboration Space
Photo of DI Hub 2nd Floor Open Collaboration Space.
Second Floor Open Gallery Space
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 230
  • Capacity: 150
  • Description: The second floor of the DI HUB has two open spaces available for reservation. The second is the Open Gallery Space directly adjacent to the Innovation Teaching Kitchen. While this space can be reserved for event purposes, event activities must not inhibit normal traffic flow or interfere with collaborative space utilization.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm
    • *Some exceptions may be granted for evening and weekend events.
  • Available Technology:
    • None
  • Available Furniture:
    • 42” butcher-block worktables (16)
    • Seating for 32
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • 55" flat screen monitor with mobile stand (2)
    • Additional tables and chairs
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The Second Floor Open Gallery Space is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
    • Final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
Photo of DI Hub 2nd Floor Gallery Space
Photo of DI Hub 2nd Floor Open Gallery Space.
Innovation Teaching Kitchen
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 235
  • Capacity: 18
  • Description: The Innovation Teaching Kitchen is available for specific, highly specialized, and collaborative events only. While the Innovation Teaching Kitchen is available for limited event requests, the space primarily functions as an academic classroom. As such, academic activities take precedence over all event requests and final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
    • *Some exceptions may be granted for evening and weekend events.
    • *Academic activities take precedence over all event requests.
  • Available Technology:
    • 65” Samsung mounted display (3)
  • Available Furniture:
    • Moveable seats (20)
  • Note:
    • In order to maintain safety and sanitation requirements, all approved Innovation Teaching Kitchen events must adhere to the following policies:
      • Event hosts are required to meet with the Innovation Teaching Kitchen chefs to learn about sanitation requirements and cleaning procedures. The chefs must approve all events prior to scheduling.
      • A minimum of one full-time KSU staff/faculty member must be present during the entire event to act as the responsible party.
      • Any non-KSU individuals working in the kitchen must sign liability waivers and hold harmless agreements before they will be allowed to enter the kitchen. These agreements must be delivered to the Director of the Design Innovation Hub a minimum of one-week prior to the event.
      • Finally, because of its health department designation, nothing cooked in the Innovation Teaching Kitchen may be sold.
    • Final reservations must be handled through Kent State University Events and Conference Services. Rental and other usage fees will be charged by UECS.
DI Fellows Suite
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 250
  • Capacity: 50
  • Description: The DI Fellows Suite is an open co-working and collaboration space specifically designated for students participating in the DI Fellows Program. The space includes an open-plan main studio, a shared seminar space, small conference rooms, two single-person focus rooms, and three small group focus alcoves. This space may only be reserved for select events during normal business hours.
  • Availability:
    • Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Available Technology:
    • 55” flat screen monitor with mobile stand (2)
  • Available Furniture:
    • ​​​29” butcher-block worktables (20)
    • Seating for 50
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The DI Fellows Suite is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
Photo of the DI Fellows Suite
Photo of the DI Fellows Suite.
DI Fellows Seminar Room
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 250G
  • Capacity: 24
  • Description: The DI Fellows Seminar Room, located within the DI Fellows Suite, is a small seminar-style space ideal for presentations, meetings, or collaborative group work. This space may only be reserved for select events during normal business hours.
  • Availability:
    • Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Available Technology:
    • Instructor Dell OptiPlex 5270 PC workstation (1)
    • 65” Samsung mounted display (1)
    • PC-based webcam (1)
  • Available Furniture:
    • 42” butcher-block worktables (10)
    • Seating for 20
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The DI Fellows Seminar Room is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
Photo of DI Fellows Seminar Room
Photo of DI Fellows Seminar Room.
DI Fellows Meeting Room
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 250F
  • Capacity: 12
  • Description: The DI Fellows Meeting Room, located within the DI Fellows Suite, is a small conference-style space ideal for presentations, meetings, or collaborative group work. This space may only be reserved for select events during normal business hours.
  • Availability:
    • Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Available Technology:
    • None
  • Available Furniture:
    • 29” butcher-block worktables (6)
    • Seating for 12
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The DI Fellows Meeting Room is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs.
Photo of the DI Fellows Meeting Room
Photo of the DI Fellows Meeting Room.
Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite Seminar Room
  • Floor: 2nd
  • Room: 247
  • Capacity: 18
  • Description: The Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite Seminar Room is a small seminar-style space ideal for presentations, meetings, or collaborative group work. This space may only be reserved for select events during normal business hours.
  • Availability:
    • Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Available Technology:
    • Instructor Dell OptiPlex 5270 PC workstation (1)
    • 65” Samsung mounted display (1)
    • PC-based webcam (1)
  • Available Furniture:
    • 42” butcher-block worktables (9)
    • 29” butcher-block worktables (1)
    • Seating for 18
  • Available Upon Request:
    • 55" Microsoft Surface Hub 2 All-in-One Computer (2)
    • 55" flat screen monitor with mobile stand (2)
    • Mobile white boards
  • Note:
    • The Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite Seminar Room is a flexible space. All furniture can be moved to suit your needs. This space is located within the Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite.
Photo of Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite Seminar Room
Photo of Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurship Suite Seminar Room.
University Event Services
DI Event Services

Catering Services

  • If you would like to provide food and beverage services at your event University Culinary Services has "first right of service" for all on-campus events. For more information about catering services or exceptions to this “first right of service,” please visit: www.kent.edu/dining/catering.
  • Please note that if you intend to have your event catered you must first obtain a room reservation number through University Events and Conference Services, even if the room you are using does not require a UECS reservation.
  • Catering can be requested from University Culinary Services:

IT & AV Services

  • DI HUB staff are unable to provide IT & AV assistance. Any event that requires IT or AV assistance must first obtain a room reservation number through University Events and Conference Services, even if the room you are using does not require a UECS reservation. Additional fees may apply for IT & AV assistance.

Wi-Fi Services

  • If you wish to request access to the wireless network for university guests, a "Conference SSID" or special wireless network can be created for your event. Visitors will be able to easily connect to this custom wireless network without having a FlashLine username and password. By default, this special wireless network is named "KSU Event."
  • Event Wi-Fi can be requested by visiting the Conference and Event Wireless Network Form. Additional fees may apply for event Wi-Fi access.

Parking Services

Building Access

  • The DI HUB is open Monday-Friday 7am-9pm. If your event requires access to the building outside of these times, please contact the DI HUB Director to request changes to the lock schedule. Additional fees may apply for extended building access.

Collaborations

  • At its heart, the Kent State Design Innovation Initiative is collaborative and cross-disciplinary. DI staff are here to help you facilitate challenge-based innovation events or projects such as conferences, hackathons, design challenges, workshops, and other collaborative experiences. If you are interested in partnering with DI to develop interdisciplinary or DI-focused events or projects, please complete our DI HUB Program Request form.

Tours of the DI HUB

  • If requested, DI staff and Crew are available to provide tours of the DI HUB to your event or program guests. These tours include an overview of the DI HUB as well as an insider’s view into the building’s multiple maker and collaboration environments.
  • DI HUB tours are free for KSU staff and faculty groups, attendees at recruitment-related events and programs, and K-12 school visits.
  • Depending on the nature of the event or program, a session fee may be assessed for event-related group tours (maximum 50 attendees).

Design Innovation Workshops

  • In addition to providing tours of the DI HUB, DI staff are happy to work with you to implement one of our many experience-based workshops for your event or program guests. These workshops include a DI HUB Orientation, DI Superpowers Activity, and more.
  • Depending on the nature of the event or program, a fee may be assessed for KSU-hosted programs and/or for external programs (maximum 30 attendees). Additional fees will be assessed for larger groups, or any materials consumed during the workshop.

Design a Custom Experience

  • Beyond our standard DI HUB tours and workshops, you can also work with our staff to develop custom experiences for event or program guests related to design innovation, design thinking, human-centered design, or collaboration.
  • Depending on the nature of the event or program, a $250.00/hour fee may be assessed for KSU-hosted programs and $350.00/hour for external programs (maximum 30 attendees). Additional fees will be assessed for larger groups, or any materials consumed during the experience.
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