Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 ultimately we achieved GBAC certification that validates that we are cleaning to the standards necessary to mitigate any viruses or health risks in this facility,” Swanson recalls. “We were very proud of that and we obviously continue those practices to this day. We were one of the few facilities that opened up that early, and while we weren’t very busy, we were able to successfully navigate and hold multiple events.” CMCC invested thousands of dollars into MERV 13 HVAC filters to mitigate the risk of virus spread, scheduled cleaning of high touch surfaces every 15-30 minutes, and meticulously measured rooms to ensure for effective social distancing. “We made it our business to be the experts at how to mitigate risks for those who wanted to gather and that really helped us sustain,” Britt states. “We kind of paved the way for people who needed and wanted to gather during that time. That helped us adapt to sustain business, even though it was slower at the time.” to LEDs, which reduced CMCC’s electricity bill by 67 percent, and they have also introduced a composting system that allows them to divert a significant amount of waste out of local landfills. A cardboard baler was purchased in 2019, which allows the Center staff to bale their own cardboard and sell it to a recycling facility. “Again, that’s more that we can keep from going to waste,” Britt says. “We track our waste diversion and try to save costs and also keep things out of the landfill.” Being a popular space for large-scale events, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center was hit hard when the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down in March 2020. The facility was closed from March to June of that year, but soon reopened with strict protocols to help make their events run smoothly and safely. “We implemented all of the required social distancing and face covering requirements, as well as all the cleaning requirements, and S A S S Y . S A V V Y . S P A C E . Aloft Columbia Downtown moves to its own beat. We create bold, open and vibrant environments that bring people together. We are the next generation of hotel, using technology & design to enhance experiences and move at the pace of our guests. Located in the heart of Vista, the buzzing entertainment district, with good eats and drinks all within walking distance. We offer easy-breezy access to businesses, government offices and cultural hotspots, as well as stunning natural beauty in and near the city. +1 803-445-1900 www.aloftcolumbiadowntown.com 823 Lady Street, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, 29201