A rich history
The Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center opened in 1991 boasted an award-winning architectural design. Former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor, Dennis A. Wicker became the namesake of the center when the Central Carolina Community College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name the facility in his honor in 1995. The action was taken to recognize Dennis Wicker’s personal effort in the NC State House of Representatives to secure state funds for the Center’s construction. He’s also credited for sponsoring a legislative bill which allocated $1 million as matching funds for further economic development in the Lee County area.
We Support
Over the years, the Center has served the surrounding Central Carolina region, hosting such events as the N.C. Symphony, wedding receptions, debutante balls, chamber meeting, retirement banquets, political fundraisers and association conferences with attendance numbers well over 5,000 people.
Events
FAQs
Booking & Payment
How do I book a reservation?
Fill out our online Reservation Form and submit the short event questionnaire. Our event staff will contact you once your request is received. Please note that completing this form does not guarantee room availability or secure a booking.
Can I schedule a walk-through tour of the facility before booking?
Yes, we offer guided walk-throughs by appointment. Reach out to us via phone or email to set up a convenient time to view the facility before finalizing your reservation.
How much does it cost to reserve space at the Wicker Center?
Facility-use fees vary based on your requested layout, the total on-site time needed for your event, and whether your booking falls on a weekday or weekend. Learn more about base rates and associated fees by visiting our Spaces page or contacting our team directly.
Are setup and cleanup time included in my rental reservation, or do I need to book extra hours?
Yes, all setup and cleanup must take place within your booked rental window. For example, if you reserve an 8-hour block, your event, setup, and teardown must all fit within those 8 hours.
Do you accommodate wedding or stage rehearsals the day prior to our event?
Yes, based on availability. We accommodate rehearsals the day prior by booking additional rental hours or a full extra day. Please check with our team in advance to confirm date availability and rates.
Can our florist, decorator, or rental company drop off items the day before the event?
Early drop-offs must be scheduled in advance and are subject to facility availability. If you or your vendors need access the day prior, additional rental hours or a multi-day reservation can be arranged. Please contact our team to check availability and add setup time to your booking.
Spaces, Equipment & Inventory
How many guests does each space accommodate?
Capacities vary by room and layout style (classroom, banquet, theater, or conference). Detailed square footage, capacity charts, and room configurations can be found on our Spaces page or by reaching out to our event coordinators.
Do you have tables and chairs available for events?
Yes. Facility inventory includes 72” round tables and 24” x 96” rectangular tables, along with standard banquet chairs. In addition, the auditorium features built-in fixed seating accommodating approximately 197 guests.
Do you provide a business center, office supplies, or laptops?
No. While we provide audiovisual connections and hookups, you must supply your own laptop or playback device. Clients and planners should bring all office and event supplies (pens/notepads, flip charts, markers, etc.). Contact us directly to discuss specific A/V technical requirements.
Are there specific restrictions on how we arrange chairs, tables, and aisles for our event?
Yes. While DAWCC sets up your tables and chairs prior to your event starting, please note that the Lee County Fire code strictly prohibits placing chairs in aisles or blocking any entrances, exits, or doors. Adequate aisle space and door clearances must be maintained at all times in accordance with Fire Marshal requirements.
Can we cover or place event signage near fire alarm pull stations?
No. Fire alarm pull stations and emergency doors must remain completely visible and unobstructed at all times. Please do not add any décor or signage over the pull stations or emergency doors.
Are candles, fog machines, sparklers, or special effects allowed at events?
No. Pyrotechnics, firecrackers, open flames, luminaries, fog or smoke effects, and laser light shows are strictly prohibited inside DAWCC.
How are room capacity limits determined and enforced?
All building capacity limits are established in accordance with the local fire code and must be strictly observed for every event. Open and honest communication must happen between clients and our staff to make sure we are all in accordance to the law.
Can we hang lighting, banners, or speakers from the ceiling or building structure?
Possibly. However, nothing may be hung, attached, or suspended from any part of the building without prior consent from facility management. Please communicate with us early on your thoughts or plans on décor and entertainment.
What safety and insurance requirements apply to suspended production rigging?
Metal lighting structures, lights, and speakers hung over a stage or over areas where people may be at risk of injury require a $1,000,000 liability policy assigned to the DAWCC. Additionally, all hung items must be double-safe tied with steel cable and shackles and certified by a trained rigging professional.
Can the client or their team adjust the room partitions, lighting, or thermostats?
No. Only authorized Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center personnel are permitted to move portable walls, open and close freight doors, turn on lights, change thermostat settings, or unlock facility doors.
Vehicles, Parking & Loading Docks
Can we bring a car or motorized equipment inside for an exhibition or display?
Motorized vehicles or equipment are not permitted inside the building without prior authorization from facility management. If approved for display, all fire regulations pertaining to indoor vehicle exhibits must be strictly followed.
Where are event attendees and vendors permitted to park?
Parking is strictly prohibited in designated fire lanes. Unauthorized vehicles parked in loading dock areas or other unauthorized locations will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. We have 700+ Parking Spaces around our building for the guests and vendors to use.
Can we use the exterior parking lot for outdoor displays, food trucks, or promotional booths?
It’s possible that the parking lot may be used for commercial exhibits, displays, or promotions. However, we require prior written consent from the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center and will likely need Certificate of Insurance proof for each company displaying, selling, or promoting.
Spills, Hazards & Hazardous Materials
What should we do if there is a spill or safety hazard during our event?
Please report any spills, broken glass, or safety hazards to a DAWCC staff member as soon as possible so they can be addressed promptly.
Are chemicals, fuels, or hazardous materials permitted on the property?
Hazardous materials are not allowed in or on Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center property without prior written approval. If approved, all materials must be properly and clearly labeled.