Rules for Reserving the McClendon Room and Cosgrove Lounge

Rules for Reserving the McClendon Room and Cosgrove Lounge

1. Members are encouraged to reserve the McClendon Room or the Cosgrove Lounge for their use with groups of members or members/guests at no charge except when breakfast, lunch or dinner is being served at the Club. Reservations may be made by contacting Mesfin.


2. During lunch or dinner, there will be a $250 minimum for food and beverages unless waived by the President or Executive Director. Before 9:30 a.m. members must pay for any guests using the breakfast buffet. There will be no minimum charge for members reserving between 9:30 and 11 a.m. and between 2:30 and 4:30 which are the times when meals are not being served at the Club.


3. Cancellations less than 48 hours before a booked event will incur a $100 cancellation fee. Members may cancel by emailing Mesfin.


4. Food service in these rooms includes options not on the a la carte menu at the Reliable Source. Food and drink prices for these rooms will be discussed with the member who reserves the room. The general rule is that there are no “happy hour” prices for drinks served in these rooms and members will be charged non-member prices for their guests who use the buffet and other menu items.


5. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in these rooms.


6. Generally, corporate or other events attended almost entirely by non-members should be held on the 13th floor, particularly when the member involved does not know the guests. Exceptions or waivers made by made by the President or the Executive Director for events with strong potential for member recruitment.


7. Signs in the Lobby or in front of these rooms will be limited to the last name of the member who reserved the room followed by the word “Group.”.


8. Taking photos or video anywhere on the 14th floor is prohibited, including the McClendon Room and Cosgrove Lounge. Events in the 14th floor rooms should not have AV that produces amplified sound, and non-Club AV equipment is not allowed.


9. An invitation to a 14th floor event in these rooms should not state or imply that it is sponsored by or in any way connected to the National Press Club. Members may not use the Club logo or seal for these invitations.


10. It is the responsibility of members who reserve 14th floor rooms to escort their guests in and out of the Club. Members must not assume guests will find the rooms on their own. If this is unmanageable the event should be on the 13th floor.


11. Members who book 14th floor events must be present at all times and will be responsible for all costs. Members may collect money from guests but should not charge a premium above the member’s costs.


12. Tipping for service in the McClendon Room or Cosgrove Lounge should be at least 15 percent and members should consider more as they would for large parties in a restaurant.