Last Updated: Feb 13, 2025
Starting in July 2025, LNL will be increasing prices
LNL spends funds to maintain and repair equipment used for current services, replace equipment as it reaches end-of-life, and make incremental equipment upgrades to meet new needs of campus events.
Learn more about our purchasing philosophy.
LNL approaches purchasing new equipment holistically. To reduce the need for early replacement, we keep a close eye on our inventory and repair as needed. We begin to line up replacement options as equipment approaches end-of-life, typically at least 2 years before it is needed. We often opt to purchase lightly used equipment from reputable nearby companies to reduce purchase costs. We also pay close attention to the ever-changing needs of campus events and attempt to purchase equipment that meets current and anticipated needs.
The world of event production equipment can move very fast and can be extremely expensive. LNL aims to purchase equipment that provides high quality experiences, is inexpensive to repair, and operates reliably for many years. We try to avoid “flashy” products or brand-new models since these often are difficult and expensive to maintain in the long-term. We often use equipment for 20+ years, so we consider each large purchase a significant investment in our ability to provide services long into the future.
LNL's prices are significantly lower than alternatives. On average, LNL services are priced at less than 25% of external providers’ services.
In brief, event production equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain. At the same time, we work hard to keep our prices as low as possible. We’ve created excellent relationships with vendors who offer us low prices for replacement parts, repair services, and purchasing new equipment. Our members donate their time, collectively thousands of hours per semester, to support events, learn new skills, and repair our equipment.
Our prices were designed to provide funding to maintain the services we currently provide. To keep our prices low, LNL does not charge enough to completely fund large equipment upgrades that significantly change our capabilities. When we are looking to expand our capabilities, we request additional funding from SGA and/or university administration. Read more here.
Because of these supplier relationships and since we don’t need to pay for labor, equipment transportation, or a storage warehouse, we are able to price our services significantly lower than any other event production provider.
LNL provides services for a variety of organizations. In a typical year, approximately three-quarters of our event bookings are for student organizations. The remaining quarter of events are hosted by university departments, offices, and initiatives, as well as occasionally off-campus groups connected with WPI.
If LNL were to be funded completely by the undergraduate student life fee, university offices, and academic departments would essentially be getting our services for free. Charging for our services allows us to equitably fund our operations from both university operating funds and student organization funds.
LNL spends funds to maintain and repair equipment used for current services, replace equipment as it reaches end-of-life, and make incremental equipment upgrades to meet new needs of campus events. Our prices were designed to maintain the equipment needed for our current services. To keep our prices low, LNL does not charge enough to completely fund large equipment upgrades that significantly change our capabilities.
When campus events make requests beyond LNL capabilities, we often coordinate external equipment rentals. When we notice that many events are requesting the same rental equipment, we then look into purchasing similar items to avoid recurring rental costs. SGA has previously been open to LNL requesting SGA funds (FRs) to expand our capabilities. Historically, LNL has contributed by partially funding the request and asked SGA to assist with the remainder.
Occasionally, LNL may offer additional discounts, especially after a change in prices. Please email LNL at lnl@wpi.edu with any questions.
Occasionally, LNL may charge additional fees for unusual events or requests. Please email LNL at lnl@wpi.edu with any questions.
Since 1989, LNL has provided film projection services in Fuller Perrault Hall (and before then, we provided projection services in Alden Hall and Salisbury 115). Nowadays, we provide digital, 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm film projection services for weekend movies, special events, and film screenings.
Financially, projection services in the Fuller Upper Booth operate separately from the rest of the club. LNL has received funding directly from the student life fee to maintain our projectors and supporting equipment. Projection funding is separated into a different WPI Workday fund (worktag) and is not used to support LNL event services.
LNL offers digital and film projection services in Fuller Upper Perrault Hall, provided that the required public showing license (movie rights) is purchased. LNL can help coordinate purchasing rights or connect organizations with companies providing rights. Anytime LNL helps an organization obtain rights to show a movie, LNL passes along the expense and does not profit from the coordination of rights.
Read more here about LNL’s beginnings in film projection and our unique modern projection capabilities.
Please reach out to us via email at lnl@wpi.edu. We’re happy to chat about options for your next event and discuss any feedback.