The Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences offers a number of meeting and event spaces. The most dynamic event space is on the 17th floor of the building located in the heart of Boston University’s campus. With sweeping views of the city as your backdrop, host a conference, lecture, workshop, or reception!
The 17th Floor offers seminar and conference spaces intended to primarily support programs and events in areas of computing and data sciences. It is also a dynamic space to hold high-profile University-level events, and bring people together. From its dramatic exterior space to open interior spaces that encourage collaboration, the CDS 17th floor defies both conventions and limits.
Availability and reservation requests can all be done through searching for "CDS 1750" in 25Live. We ask that general reservation requests not be submitted more than 6 months in advance.
Important Note
All events held in CDS 1750 require a Facilities Service Request (FSR) for Event Setup/Clean Up. Requestors are responsible for submitting FSRs prior to the event. See below for more details on completing an FSR. We also require the use of BU's Catering on the Charles for all catered events held in CDS 1750.
Room Specifications
Capacity
Capacities depend on final room layout.
- Airwall Open: Maximum capacity is 130
- Airwall Closed: Maximum capacity is 100
On-site Furniture Options
Tables
- 72” Black plastic round tables - Qty: 15
- 30" x 72" Black plastic tables (great for catering set up) - Qty: 6
- 30” Black plastic round high top cocktail tables, 42" high - Qty: 14
- 30" Black plastic round low top cocktail tables, 30" high - Qty: 14
- 30" x 30" White high top cocktail tables, 42" high - Qty: 6
- 30" x 30" White bistro tables - Qty: 6
- 22" x 60" White tables - Qty: 50
Table linens are not provided. They may be ordered through Catering.
Chairs
- White sled-style chairs - Qty: 100
- Black plastic folding chairs - Qty: 200
- Barstools - Qty: 12
Assorted soft furniture
- Red lounge chairs - Qty: 8
- Red sectional sofa - Qty: 1
- Assorted coffee and end tables
Room Layouts
Below are some sample layouts. Please see here for a packet of additional layouts. CDS 1750 is also in Social Tables as Room 1750.
Airwall closed to display pre-function space (CDS 1750A)
| Conference or Workshop |
Classroom Lecture |
| Keynote: West Orientation |
Keynote: South Orientation |
| Seated Reception |
Cocktail Reception |
Space Amenities
The following amenities can be requested for your event when submitting an FSR.
Airwall
Create a pre-function or breakout space with the movable partition. Floor plans should indicate whether you would like the airwall open or closed.
Stage
Elevate any event with our four-piece riser stage. The rise is 18" high. One piece measures 4' x 8'. Use one or all pieces to create your stage.
Podium
A focal point for your event.
Coat racks and Hangers
3 coat rack and hanger sets accommodate over 200+ guests.
Easels & poster boards
There are 50 easels and poster boards (size 24x36.). The easels and poster boards are only available for use/events in the CDS building. The organizers of the poster sessions are responsible for bringing enough of their own thumbtacks for all posters. Facilities will not have these included in setup. Must be requested as part of the FSR for an event.
Audio Video Information
A/V equipment is listed below. If you are hosting a hybrid event or need A/V support during the event you must contact BU Learning & Event Technology Services (LETS) by email at letshelp@bu.edu and submit an ISR for their services. More information is available at https://www.bu.edu/tech/request-meeting-event-support/
Projection
There are 3 projectors and screens built into the main event space and 1 projector and screen built into the pre-function space. Within the main event space (CDS 1750) two projectors project on to the south wall, and one projector projects on to the west wall
Microphones
This venue has the ability to add 8 handheld microphones and 8 lavalier microphones to the in-house audio system. Contact LETS for pricing.
Speakers
Bose speakers are built into the main and pre-function event space.
Lighting
8 lighting "docks" are built into the ceiling and are programed into various settings to create ambiance.
Shades
Sun shades and blackout shades are automatic throughout the event and pre-function space. They can be set to varying heights depending on your needs for lighting or desire for views.
Cameras
There are multiple cameras installed in the room that can be used to capture and/or stream in-room events. Please contact LETS for pricing.
Live Music
Live music is permitted in the 17th floor event space with prior approval. Please make this request as part of the reservation request.
- Looking for live music referral? One of our own BU Custodians offers smooth jazz for all your meeting needs. If interested, please contact Rogerio Vicente at (617) 335-3743.
Additional 17th floor spaces
Outdoor Patio
Extend your event outside on to the 17th floor open-air patio, enclosed in 3-story glass for expansive views of Boston.
- Use is at the discretion of CDS and weather permitting
- 60 person capacity
- Furniture must remain as is
Request Process FAQ
Can external groups, not sponsored by BU use the space for events?
Yes. Please contact BU Events & Conferences by email at meet@bu.edu.
Can student groups use the space for events?
No. Student groups cannot book the 17th floor event space. Student groups looking to reserve space in CDS should visit https://www.bu.edu/reservations/guidelines/student-organizations/.
Departments, faculty, or staff partnering with student groups on events held on the 17th floor are designated as the responsible party and it is required that faculty/staff from the requesting unit be present throughout an event involving student groups. The requesting department, faculty, or staff are responsible for ensuring FSRs and ISRs are submitted, and for communicating all event logistics to Custodial Services and other Internal Service Providers.
What is the first step for a BU department to request the event space?
Please check availability and submit requests in 25Live. The building and room information is "CDS 1750". When submitting a request put the exact hours of the event itself in 25Live. Setup and breakdown time should be added separately in each request.
When determining whether your preferred date and time is available, please note we require at least one hour for additional setup and breakdown time for each event. Setup and breakdown times do not count toward determining if an event qualifies as half or full day.
For more information about using 25Live for event space requests, please see https://www.bu.edu/reservations/25live/. We will review requests and attempt to respond within 2 business days.
How far in advance can the space be reserved?
We ask that general reservation requests not be submitted more than 6 months in advance. Please contact cdevits@bu.edu for questions. Please note reservation priority is given to Center for Computing & Data Sciences groups and departments.
Is there a reservation fee?
Yes. There is a daily non-refundable fee to reserve the 17th floor event space (CDS 1750). The standard fees for internal requests only are as follows. A separate fee structure applies to external groups requesting space through BU Events & Conferences.
- Half day (4 hours or less) - $500
- Full day (more than 4 hours) - $1,000
Once an internal fee amount is determined and a request is approved in 25Live, users will have 2 weeks from approval to submit an ISR to confirm the space. Once the ISR is received, a reservation will be moved from tentative to confirmed. If an ISR is not received within 2 weeks of reservation approval, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation.
When completing your ISR, provider should be "Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences." Please also include as much detail in the notes section as possible, including event name, dates and times of your reservation.
Who sets up the event space and how do they know which furniture to use?
Facilities will assist you with all of your room set up needs.
Submit an FSR request for 665 Commonwealth Avenue that includes:
- Event start and end times
- Space layout specifications; attach a diagram and notes on variation from the diagram. A diagram is required.
- Furniture type and quantity specifications
- Request additional custodial services
Where can I access layout diagrams to send to Facilities?
Please see above, or email cdevits@bu.edu to request CDS Conference Center diagrams.
Our event needs food. Who do we order food services from?
For all events in CDS 1750, we require the use of Catering on the Charles. Please contact them at catering@bu.edu. They provide
- Buffets
- Plated meals
- Hosted bar service
- Zero-waste offerings
- And more
Note the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences is a zero-waste facility and proposals from Catering on the Charles will incorporate and reflect this requirement.
Where can I request additional audio/visual support for the CDS Conference Center?
Create a help ticket by emailing the Learning & Event Technology Services (LETS) at letshelp@bu.edu for
- In-house audio management
- Webcasting
- Event recording
My department does not have the capacity to organize my event, who can I contact for help?
Please contact BU Events & Conferences by email at meet@bu.edu for help in organizing your event set up.
Will my guests be able to access CCDS and the 17th floor?
Access to the 17th-floor event space is controlled and floor is only unlocked for events. Unless arranged otherwise, elevators and 17th-floor event space will be unlocked 1 hour prior to event start time and locked 30 minutes after event end time.
Building and Floor Hours of Operation and Accessibility
| CCDS Accessibility |
Building Exterior |
Floors 1 & 2 |
Floor 17 |
| Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Open to the general public. |
Open to the general public. |
Closed, except for events. |
| Monday - Friday
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Accessible with a valid BU ID. |
Open to those with access to the building. |
Closed, except for events. |
| Monday - Friday
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM |
No access. |
No access. |
No access. |
| Saturday & Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Open to the general public. |
Open to the general public. |
Closed, except for events. |
| Saturday & Sunday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Accessible with a valid BU ID. |
Open to those with access to the building. |
Closed, except for events. |
| Saturday & Sunday
10:00 PM - 8:00 AM |
No access. |
No access. |
No access. |
To ensure the elevators operate to the 17th floor, please email cdevits@bu.edu to confirm the unlock start and end times to your event.
What is the latest time our event must end on the 17th floor?
Events ending after 10:00 PM will require a BU PD detail present. To request a BU PD detail, email budetail@bu.edu.
Overnight events, like hackathons, will agree to no use of the 17th floor after 10 PM.
If you have questions, please contact cdevits@bu.edu.
