The Conference Center at George Williams College offers year-round lodging and meeting spaces for groups in a beautiful, lakeside environment. Our goal is to provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience.
We offer a variety of unique meeting spaces for groups from 12 to 250. Get away from the ordinary with our distinctive interior and exterior spaces for meetings and events.
Room: Winston Paul B
Room Size: 576 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 24
Planning worksheet (pdf)
This classroom-size space, across from the Carrie Ann Room, is the perfect spot for smaller groups. The room features a podium, presenter PC, LCD screen, and an amazing lake view.
Room: Winston Paul C
Room Size: 506 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 20
Planning worksheet (pdf)
Adjacent to the fireplace lobby, this meeting room is equipped with a podium, presenter PC, and LCD screen. It’s a great meeting room for groups of 20 or less.
Room: Duncan Hall
Room Size: 1,240 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 100
Planning worksheet (pdf)
This central room features a stone fireplace, vaulted beamed ceilings, and state-of-the-art projection and sound systems. Duncan Hall can expand to the east and west through moveable walls, allowing guests to enjoy the lakeside breeze.
Room: Porch
Room Size: 690 sq. ft.
Maximum Capacity: 60
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The beautiful wraparound porch offers stunning views of the campus and lake.
Room: Writing Room
Room Size: 368 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 14
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The Writing Room offers additional breakout space with plenty of natural light for small groups.
Room: The Bistro
Room Size: 442 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 40
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The Bistro includes a natural stone fireplace, marble bar, and comfortable furniture, providing the ultimate setting for a reception or small gathering. A wall of French doors opens onto the Chapin Patio.
Room: Chapin Patio
Room Size: 1,924 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 140
Planning worksheet (pdf)
A distinctive outdoor location with sweeping views of campus, the Chapin Patio is available on its own or in conjunction with the Bistro and/or Executive Dining Room, weather permitting. The patio features comfortable outdoor furnishings, but additional round tables and chairs may be provided for larger groups.
Room: Dining Hall
Room Size: 2,000 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 120
Planning worksheet (pdf)
This large space features tables, chairs, and booth seating for casual dining. It serves as the main dining location for groups. The space also includes a casual gathering area that features couches, a flat-screen television, and games such as foosball and ping pong.
Room: Blakesley Dining Room
Room Size: 754 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 32
Planning worksheet (pdf)
This elegant dining room provides seating for up to 32 guests and features a stone fireplace and tasteful décor. French doors offer natural sunlight and accessibility to the Chapin Patio.
Room: Seabury Room
Room Size: 2,800 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 250
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The Seabury Room is an open and elegant gathering space boasting 20-foot ceilings, state-of-the-art technology, a grand piano, and an elevated stage.
Room: Classrooms A and B
Room Size: 252 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 12
Planning worksheet (pdf)
Both classrooms feature a podium, presenter PC, and LCD screen, making them ideal locations for group meetings up to 12 participants.
Room: Board Room
Room Size: 195 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 8
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The intimate Board Room has a conference table with seating for eight participants.
Room: Great Room
Room size: 784 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 40
Planning worksheet (pdf)
The Great Room features walls of windows that provide abundant natural light. Complete with a stone fireplace and areas for buffet-style catering, the space is the perfect option for lectures or an intimate reception.
Space size: 5,280 sq.ft.
Maximum Capacity: 250
Planning worksheet (pdf)
Inspired by the famous Benedict Music Tent at the Aspen Music Festival, the Ferro Pavilion is home to Music by the Lake, George Williams College’s summer concert series. The covered open-air outdoor pavilion features an expansive stage and level seating area.
Whether surrounded by woods or sitting overlooking the lake, your stay will be warm and inviting. And whether you are accompanied by a group, family, friends, or just by yourself, you're sure to discover the magic of a lakeside stay on our historic and beautiful campus.
It's a question we get a lot, so here is a rundown of who may stay with us. If you don't see yourself on the list, just ask!
Maximum Guests: up to 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
Overview worksheet (pdf)
Enjoy extensive views of the lake and grounds when staying in the Winston Paul Lodge. This two-story building offers 20 rooms, each with two queen beds, private bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, flat screen TV, wireless internet, coffeemaker, and small refrigerator. The fully-accessible lodge has a central elevator, convenient parking, and a cozy fireplace lobby.
Maximum Guests: 2
Overview worksheet (pdf)
Experience the lapping of the waves and beautiful views when staying in the closest shoreline accommodations on Geneva Lake.
The Carolyn Burch Gramley Lodge offers 12 tastefully appointed guest rooms, each with a queen bed, private bathroom, telephone, flat screen television, wireless internet, and coffeemaker.
The Beasley Campus Center provides delicious menu choices for all our students and guests. Served buffet-style each meal features fresh ingredients and healthy options, and we are happy to accommodate special dietary needs with advanced notice.
If you are looking for something above and beyond our daily food service, we offer a full array of options for executive and event dining needs. Consult our catering menu or contact the Conference Center for more information.
Download our menus:
Lake access with private pier
Lakeside campfires
Nearby boat rentals, cruises, and tours
On-campus performances and lectures
Complimentary Wi-Fi
40+ lodging room options
12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
Access to team building opportunities and local recreation
Audio/visual equipment rentals
Relaxed atmosphere
Geneva Lake Shore Path
Customized menu options
Located on the scenic shores of Wisconsin's Geneva Lake, the Conference Center at George Williams College offers an ideal serene escape for gatherings, overnight retreats, and business meetings. Guests find rest and serenity on the beautiful and historic grounds and take advantage of numerous indoor and outdoor activities. With 137 acres of lakefront beauty and wooded landscapes, including 860 feet of shoreline, the campus offers lakefront accommodations, flexible meeting spaces, catering and recreation opportunities including private lake access.
Plan your next retreat or conference on the George Williams College campus. Our professional staff will assist you from the planning stages through check out with attentive service, and excellent food and beverage choices in a beautiful, peaceful setting.
We offer:
Make the Conference Center at George Williams College your year-round destination on Geneva Lake.
Contact us today!
262-245-8520
staygwc@aurora.edu
George Williams College is named for Sir George Williams, the Englishman who founded the YMCA in 1844. This historic site was established in 1884 to serve as a training facility to prepare young men to serve in the YMCA. Since that time over 130 years ago, the campus has welcomed visitors from all corners of the world. They have journeyed to the quiet shores of Geneva Lake in search of inspiration, recreation, education, and renewal.
During the summer months, the campus is host to Music by the Lake, an outdoor music festival that began on our grounds in 1951. During the years that followed, Music by the Lake welcomed the likes of Isaac Stern, John Denver, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, and many more luminaries of stage and screen. Revived in 2001, Music by the Lake has since featured Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins, The Irish Tenors, Manhattan Transfer, Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, the Chicago Philharmonic, and many others.
We are located in the Williams Bay/Lake Geneva regional area (350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wisconsin) and are in close proximity to many major metropolitan areas in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Approximate drive times are as follows:
OR
OR
From Williams Bay, WI to Campus
Flying Here - Airport Information
The two closest airports are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois; see below for detailed airport information.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) - Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee's Mitchell International, located about an hour from George Williams College of Aurora University, is the airport of choice for ease and accessibility.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)—Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee's Mitchell International, located about an hour drive from the Conference Center, is the airport of choice for ease and accessibility.
Transportation Services from MKE
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)—Chicago, IL
O'Hare Airport is a two-hour drive from the Conference Center.
Transportation Services from ORD
What kind of groups can schedule an event?
The Conference Center welcomes educational groups, non-profit organizations, business meetings, corporate events and more.
Who can stay at the Conference Center?
It’s a question we get a lot, so here is a rundown of who may stay with us. If you don’t see yourself on the list, just ask!
What meeting spaces and services are available?
We have 12,000 square feet of flexible and spacious meeting areas, as well as a variety of audio/visual items available for rent.
How many guest rooms do you have?
We have more than 40 guest rooms including lakeside accommodations.
Is there a required group minimum?
We welcome groups from 12 to 80 and special events for up to 250.
Is the Conference Center handicap accessible?
The residential and meeting facilities are handicap accessible. However, the distance between meeting, food service and housing facilities ranges from 50 to 300 yards, requiring walking on either a level or moderate uphill or downhill terrain.
What food options are available for session breaks?
How about some fresh baked cookies? Or ice creams treats on a hot afternoon? We also offer bagels, assorted pastries, brownies, fruits and other options. Our snack menu provides a complete listing of beverages, snacks and breaks.
What arrangements do you have for handling special dietary needs?
When you are planning an event, please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests. We’ll be happy to discuss your unique requirements.
How do I request a proposal?
You may schedule guest rooms and meeting rooms through our Conference Center staff. Click here for contact information.
How do I request a tour of the Conference Center?
We invite you to visit us! Schedule a tour by contacting our Conference Center staff at 262-245-8520 or emailing us at staygwc@aurora.edu.
What is the weather like?
With glistening blue waters reflecting off the lake in summer and beautiful softly covered snow on hills and trees in winter, the weather provides a wide range of scenic delights.
Is the general public welcome to come and enjoy the grounds?
Yes, we welcome visitors to explore the beautiful grounds of George Williams College. Feel free to stop by the Weidensall Administration Building.
