Frequently Asked Questions

Academic and administrative units of the University as well as external groups and organizations are eligible to use the Anderson Conference Center. Winston-Salem State University administrators, student organizations, faculty and staff are not required to pay facility space rental for authorized university conferences, meetings, or university-sponsored activities.

No, discounts are not available. A fee waiver may be issued if the university (students, staff, and faculty) will benefit through the marketing and promotion of the event.

Dining Room, Dillard Auditorium, and K.R. Williams Auditorium.

Yes, these types of events may be hosted at the Anderson Conference Center. Follow the standard Policies and Rates for room reservation and rental.

You may request a reservation for the Anderson Conference Center up to one year in advance. Once you provide a signed contract and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed.  All meeting spaces should be reserved at least three weeks in advance.

No, there is no discount. Our rates are very competitive with other comparable conference facilities and services.

Anderson Conference Center meeting room rental fees vary according to the event sponsor and length of event. Additional charges may be applicable for facilities, housekeeping, and custom room set-up requests. Our updated Policies and Rates provide a full explanation of Anderson Conference Center rental charges.

You must provide a key contact person to work with us in coordinating your event. In addition, an onsite event attendant will be available before and during the event to serve your event's audiovisual needs. Room set-ups and breakdowns are coordinated with the housekeeping and catering departments. You are also responsible for contracting and coordinating catering. Please contact Aramark at 336-750-3160.

Depending on the size of your event and the space in which it will be held, either the Anderson Conference Center Coordinator or Video & Classroom Technology staff will provide the appropriate equipment and set-up assistance. Please see detailed information in Equipment Rental. The Anderson Conference Center Coordinator will advise you of the various options based upon your event needs. We will notify you of any additional charges that may be incurred as a result of special requests. You are responsible for the additional fees and charges associated with all equipment.

Parking is available at the Anderson Conference Center and is included with room rental. Please direct all event participants to 1545 Reynolds Park Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 if attending events at this location.  For information about special parking assistance, downloadable parking maps, and other parking and transportation matters, please contact WSSU Campus Police at 336.750.2900.

You may reserve a date, if available, up to one year in advance. You can confirm the date by providing a contract and deposit. Once a date is confirmed, you may cancel your reservation at least 91 days in advance of your event without incurring a penalty. Cancellations must be made in writing or via e-mail to the Office of Conferences and Institutes. If you cancel your booking between 90 - 31 days prior to your event, you will be charged 50% of the fees for all facilities requested. Cancellations made within fourteen (14) days of the event will be charged the full rental rate. Please be aware that other contracted service providers, such as catering, may have separate and different cancellations policies. Please review our Policies and Rates section for details.

The University has contracted with Aramark Dining Services to provide all food service to the University. Groups planning to sponsor events in the Anderson Conference Center involving any food service must notify the Reservations Office of that fact at the time the reservation is made. Please contact Aramark Dining Services at 336-750-3160 or catering@wssu.edu.

Campus Alcohol Policy

• Alcohol service at on-campus sanctioned events are approved through the Office of Conferences and Institutes & Campus Police 
• An ABC Permit must be purchased through the office of Conference and Institutes 
• There are only certain venues where alcohol may be served on campus.
• Campus security is required at all on campus sanctioned events where alcohol is served.

All decorations must be approved by the Anderson Conference Center in advance and preferably at the time of the reservation. The use of any combustible materials, including (among others) crepe paper, streamers, leaves, trees, moss, hay, straw, etc., is prohibited. Decorations may not be attached in any manner to walls, drapes, furnishings, doors or windows. Glitter or confetti may not be utilized in decorating.

No, rooms are rented daily. Please review our Policies and Rates section for details.

Our experienced, professional and courteous staff can help you set event goals from conceptualizing the program to evaluation. We can provide you with a list of reputable local vendors from florists to musicians to ensure that your event is a success.

For the safety and well being of all our campus guests, we require event attendants, housekeepers and security for events that meet certain criteria (size of venue, estimated attendance, etc.). All staff are University employees.

The Anderson Center is a 9,200 square-foot facility that serves as the comprehensive conference site at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). The Center is named for Mr. Albert H. Anderson, a life-long educator who served in the local schools for more than three decades. The school which bore his name was purchased from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in 1981 and renovated to accommodate several academic programs and to provide an all-purpose meeting area for the campus and the community. In recognition of Mr. Anderson's achievements and contributions, WSSU retained the name when the Center was officially dedicated in 1987.

The Anderson Center is conveniently located adjacent to the main campus, just off Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. It features meeting rooms, a formal dining area, large banquet room and a 400-seat auditorium. Catering service provided by WSSU Catering Services - Aramark and a variety of audio-visual equipment are available.

The Center's mission is to provide excellent conference facilities, services, and programs that serve the campus community as well as external use by governmental agencies, corporations, non-profit agencies and business associations.

The Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium is a multi-level brick and steel structure containing approximately 49,000 square feet. The auditorium is named after the late Kenneth R. Williams, the fifth Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. Dr. Williams retired in June 1977. At the time of his retirement, he had been in service to the university for over thirty-five years.

This grand facility has an array of sound and lighting possibilities and has hosted many events from a Broadway production of Dreamgirls, actor and comedian Bernie Mac, musical performances by the Fugees, Anita Baker and The Winans to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and National Black Theatre Festival. Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium is now a home venue for the Winston-Salem Symphony's Side-by-Side Concert Series.

Primarily used for convocations, assemblies, academic and cultural programs, K.R. Williams also offers many opportunities for community cultural events, lectures, musical concerts and for corporate and civic recognition occasions. The auditorium has a main floor and balcony with a total seating capacity of 1655. It features a Green Room, dressing rooms and a large main lobby.

Chip Futrell
Director of Conferences, Event Operations, and Contract Management
futrellcg@wssu.edu
336.750.2121

Wilbert "Kent" Beatty
Operations Manager
beattyw@wssu.edu
336.750.3251

Donnay Jett
Event Manager
jettdo@wssu.edu
336.750.2656

Mailing & Shipping Address

Winston-Salem State University
Anderson Conference Center
1545 Reynolds Park Road
Suite G09
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336.750.2126 (f)