Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Can I bring in my own food &/or beverages?

All food and beverage must be contracted through our exclusive on-site caterer, Summerland Catering. Hosting a party? One celebratory cake or dessert may be brought in for your guests to enjoy.

Is there a charge for setting up/decorating the day before?

If the room is available, ½ day rental rates apply. Set up days will not be guaranteed until 30 days prior to your contracted event. Please check with your Event Coordinator.

Is there a deposit? If so, when is it due and is it refundable?

A reservation deposit equal to 25% of the contracted base rent is due and non-refundable for the use of the facility with the signed event contract. All events are considered tentative until the deposit is received. The reservation deposit will be forfeited if the contracted event is cancelled 10 days or less before the scheduled event. A non-refundable catering deposit is due and will be applied toward the final catering charge.

Is there any charge for parking?

Parking is included in your contract, free of charge, as long as you are not charging your guests/attendees to park.

Things to Know

All events must provide 1 million dollars liability insurance, listing "Cowlitz County" as additional insured. If you do not have a policy, most events may purchase a policy in our office. Rates depend on the size of your event.

Room Setup Guidelines

No Confetti/Glitter without prior written approval
No fog/smoke machines will be permitted
Candles are allowed only when set inside a glass holder. Charges will be assessed for melted wax found on linens, chairs, or carpet.
Décor may be hung from the ceiling if prior arrangements are made. The conference center staff can assist with this. Please see your event coordinator to discuss potential additional costs for this service.
Helium Tanks must be mounted on a cart
Use only blue painters tape on painted walls and room partitions and T-Pins on fabric walls
No tape of any kind is permitted on any floor surface
No Outside Food or Drink, these services can be provided by on-site caterer only
After your event, all of your items shall be removed from the room, unless prior arrangements have been made
Large boxes, cardboard, etc. shall be removed by the contractee, unless prior arrangements have been made. Additional charges may apply if such items are left after an event
Skirting with self-sticking adhesive backing is not permitted. If used, additional charges may apply for cleanup
CCEC is not responsible for equipment failure due to power or water hookups
CCEC is not liable for lost, stolen or vandalized property or equipment

Vendor/Concessions/Tradeshows

Tradeshows and/or consumer shows need to contact the City of Longview Department of Community Development, located in Longview City Hall. This must be done at least 30 days prior to the event. It is recommended that you do this as soon as you have a layout drawn up, in case changes need to be made.
We reserve the right to open the in-house concession stand at any event deemed necessary ($50.00 per hour in sales minimum if requested by client)
Helium tanks must be on carts.
Skirting with self-sticking adhesive backing is not permitted. If used, additional charges may apply for cleanup
Contractee may have additional concessions outside at a cost of $50 per day for fully self-contained units or $100 per day for full hookups of power and water.
No dumping of grey water or grease on Cowlitz County Event Center property.
Cowlitz County Event Center is not responsible for equipment failure due to power or water hookups
Cowlitz County Event Center is not liable for lost, stolen or vandalized property or equipment
No popcorn or shelled peanuts to be sold or given away by vendors or concessions
Contractee needs to require food vendors have adequate insurance
Food concessions need to adhere to Cowlitz County Health Department rules and regulations-proof of this may be required at any time
Cowlitz County Event Center has the right to stop any or all food handouts by vendors
Animals are not permitted inside the common areas or carpeted areas of the facility at any time. They are allowed in the Mt. St. Helens room only in conjunction with events contracted to have animals. This policy will be strictly enforced