The Afognak Center

Information Center

Rental Rules, Obligations & Requirements

Find all expectations, responsibilities, and information about any required documents in the tabs below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can the banquet facility accommodate?

Our banquet facility can accommodate up to 179 guests for a seated dinner and up to 537 guests in a standing-only reception. We can customize the layout to suit your event’s needs.

What is included in the rental fee?

Our rental fee includes access to the banquet room, standard tables and chairs, basic linens, use of AV equipment, and an event hostess present throughout the duration of your event. For a detailed list of inclusions, please contact us.

Can I bring my own caterer?

Yes, you may bring your own caterer, provided they are licensed and insured.

Is alcohol allowed at the event?

Yes, alcohol is permitted, but it must be served by a licensed and insured bartender. Please ensure compliance with all local regulations regarding the serving of alcohol.

How long do I have access to the facility on the day of the event?

Full day rental is 8 hours, any additional time for setup and breakdown beyond 8 hours can be arranged for an extra fee, subject to availability.

What is your policy on decorations?

You are welcome to decorate the space to fit your event’s theme. However, the use of nails, staples, or any materials that could damage the walls or fixtures is prohibited. All decorations must be removed at the end of the event. Open flames and confetti are not permitted.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made more than 60 days in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the event will forfeit the deposit. Please refer to your rental agreement for full details.

Is parking available?

Yes, we offer 68 parking spaces for guests at no additional charge.

Are there any restrictions on entertainment?

Live bands, DJs, and other forms of entertainment are welcome, but noise levels must be kept within reasonable limits, especially for evening events. Please adhere to local noise ordinances to ensure a great experience for all guests.

Can I schedule a tour of the facility?

Absolutely! We encourage you to schedule a tour to see the facility in person and discuss your event needs with our staff. Tours can be arranged by appointment during our business hours.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments via credit card, debit card, check, and bank transfer. A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 14 days before the event.

Do you have insurance requirements?

Yes, we require event organizers to provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the Afognak Center as an additional insured. This helps protect both parties in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Is there a security deposit required?

Yes, a security deposit is required and will be refunded after the event, provided no damage has occurred and all terms of the rental agreement have been met. The deposit amount will be specified in your contract.

What is your policy on smoking?

Our facility is a non-smoking venue. Designated smoking areas are available outside the building for your convenience. Please ensure that all guests adhere to this policy.

Are pets allowed at the facility?

Pets are not permitted inside the facility, with the exception of service animals. If you wish to include pets in your event, please discuss this with our staff in advance to explore possible accommodations.

Can I host a ceremony and reception at the facility?

Yes. See the possible floor plans. We can do round tables banquet style, rectangular tables for more of a conference style, or chairs to accommodate a large group for a ceremony.

Facility Use Disclaimers

Please review the following disclaimers to fully understand the responsibilities and limitations of the Afognak Center’s obligations with each rental group and event.

General Use

All users of the Afognak Center must ensure their event complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and facility rules. The Afognak Center is not responsible for any illegal activities or violations of laws on the premises.

Liability Waiver

By using the Afognak Center, event organizers, participants, and attendees agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Afognak Native Corporation, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or injuries arising from the use of the facility, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Afognak Native Corporation.

Personal Property

The Afognak Center is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property. Event organizers and attendees must secure their belongings at all times.

Safety and Conduct

Event organizers are responsible for the safety and conduct of their attendees. All guests must adhere to the facility’s rules, including those related to noise, fire safety, occupancy limits, and prohibited activities. The Afognak Center reserves the right to remove any individual or group that fails to comply with these guidelines or engages in unsafe or disruptive behavior.

Damage to Property

Event organizers are financially responsible for any damage to the facility, its fixtures, or equipment during their event, including repair or replacement costs as determined by the Afognak Center.

Force Majeure

The Afognak Center is not liable for any failure to perform or delay in performing its obligations due to events beyond its control, such as acts of God, war, natural disasters, or government restrictions.

Alcohol and Substances

The consumption of alcohol or controlled substances on the premises is strictly regulated. Event organizers must obtain necessary permits and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. The Afognak Center reserves the right to refuse service or entry to anyone under the influence or in possession of illegal substances.

Health and Safety Compliance

Event organizers must ensure their event complies with all current health and safety guidelines, including those related to COVID-19 or other public health concerns, such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and capacity limits as mandated by authorities.
Right to Refuse Service: The Afognak Center reserves the right to refuse service or access to any individual or group.

Right to Refuse Service

The Afognak Center reserves the right to refuse service or access to any individual or group that violates this disclaimer, engages in illegal activities, or poses a threat to the safety and security of others.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to the Afognak Center at least 60 days prior to the event date to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 60 days of the event date may be subject to a cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 2 weeks of the event. The Afognak Center reserves the right to cancel any event due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be provided.

Payment Terms

A deposit of 50% of the total event cost is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the event date. Payments can be made via credit card or check. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of the deposit. Additional charges incurred during the event must be settled within 7 days after the event.

Responsibilities of Event Space Renters

By renting our facility, guests agree to meet the following responsibilities. Contact our staff if you have any questions or concerns or require further explanation about any of these requirements.

Compliance with Facility Rules and Regulations

Renters are responsible for ensuring their event complies with all facility rules and regulations, including noise restrictions, occupancy limits, and any other guidelines provided by the Afognak Center. Violations may result in additional fees or termination of the event.

Setup and Cleanup

Renters must submit their room layout configuration within the time allotted in the rental agreement. This includes arranging tables, chairs, and decorations as desired, and ensuring all items are removed, leaving the space in its original condition. A cleaning fee may be applied if the facility is not returned to its pre-event state.

Liability and Insurance

Renters must provide proof of liability insurance, naming the Afognak Center as an additional insured, to cover any accidents or damages that may occur during the event. This helps protect both the renter and the facility in case of unforeseen incidents.

Damage to Property

Renters are responsible for any damage to the facility, its furnishings, or equipment during the rental period. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to walls, floors, furniture, and fixtures. Any repairs or replacements required due to damage will be billed accordingly.

Vendor Coordination

If using outside vendors (e.g., caterers, DJs, decorators), renters are responsible for coordinating with them to ensure compliance with the facility’s policies. This includes providing access to the venue, ensuring vendors have the necessary licenses and insurance, and adhering to setup and cleanup times.

Alcohol Service

If alcohol is to be served, it must be done in compliance with all local laws and regulations. Alcohol must be served by a licensed and insured bartender. Renters are responsible for ensuring alcohol is not served to minors or anyone visibly intoxicated.

Event Safety and Security

Renters are responsible for the safety and conduct of their guests. This includes keeping all fire exits clear, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring the event does not exceed the venue’s capacity limits.

Noise Control

Renters must be mindful of noise levels, especially during evening events. Music and other noise must be kept within acceptable limits, in accordance with local ordinances and facility policies. Failure to control noise may result in early termination of the event.

Permits and Licenses

Renters are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits or licenses for their event, such as alcohol permits or special event permits. Copies of these permits must be provided to the Afognak Center before the event date.

Supervision of Children

If children are present, renters are responsible for their supervision at all times. This includes ensuring children do not enter restricted areas, damage property, or disrupt other guests.

Observing Time Limits

The rental agreement specifies the start and end times for the event. Renters must adhere to these times, including setup and breakdown periods. Additional time must be arranged in advance and may incur additional fees.

Communication with Facility Staff

Renters must maintain open communication with facility staff throughout the planning and execution of the event. Promptly inform staff of any changes to event plans, special requirements, or potential issues. Clear communication ensures the event runs smoothly.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to the Afognak Center at least 60 days prior to the event date to receive a full refund. Cancellations made 60 days or less before the event may be subject to a cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the event. The Afognak Center reserves the right to cancel any event due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be provided. Additionally, if the renter fails to comply with the terms of the rental agreement, the Afognak Center reserves the right to cancel the event without refund.

Payment Schedules

A deposit of 50% of the total event cost is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the event date. Payments can be made via credit card or check. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of the deposit. Additional charges incurred during the event must be settled within 7 days after the event. For events booked within 2 weeks of the event date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Compliance with Facility Rules and Regulations

Renters are responsible for ensuring their event complies with all facility rules and regulations, including noise restrictions, occupancy limits, and any other guidelines provided by the Afognak Center. Violations may result in additional fees or termination of the event.

Required documents vary by users and events

You may be required to provide a number of documents, depending on what your event includes. We will request you provide these documents after you make your reservation. We will send you an email with a link that allows you to upload the documents to us. Please have all documents ready before you begin uploading, if possible.

Certificate of Insurance

The COI must include the required insurance types (in this case the General Liability policy is sufficient), and the following “insuring provisions”:
Additional Insured – this allows the renter’s insurance policy to respond to a claim (lawsuit) that was caused by the renter where Afognak was also named in the lawsuit.
Primary/Non-Contributory – this allows the renter’s insurance to respond to the claim/lawsuit without involving Afognak’s own coverage.  This protects Afognak’s insurance program from paying for claim costs when the claim/lawsuit was caused by the renter. 
Waiver of Subrogation – this provision forbids the renter’s insurance from seeking reimbursement from our insurance company for a claim/lawsuit that the renter was responsible for, and where the renter’s insurance paid on our behalf.  This is a secondary mechanism that protects Afognak’s insurance program from paying for claim costs when the claim/lawsuit was caused by the renter.

Non-Profit Tax Document

Proof of 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or Registered as a Nonprofit Corporation with the State of Alaska. 
 
To establish proof of your organization’s nonprofit status, you can provide one of the following:
Proof of 501(c)(3) Status with the IRS:
A copy of your organization’s IRS tax exemption certificate, which verifies your federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3).
Proof of Registration as a Nonprofit Corporation with the State of Alaska:
A certified copy of your organization’s Articles of Incorporation or a similar document filed with the State of Alaska that clearly establishes your nonprofit status.

Server License for Alcohol

Private parties do not need insurance unless they have liquor at their event.  Private parties that serve alcohol must procure special event insurance that includes liquor liability. This coverage can be purchased online by searching “Alaska Special Event Insurance, with Liquor Liability Coverage”.  For suggestions on reputable providers please contact us and we are happy to assist.