AN IDEAL LOCATION Cheryl Swanson,Vice President and General Manager, explained,“We are a downtown facility, walkable to many restaurants and hotels. It’s a great location.” She notes that the building has been beautifully maintained throughout its 21 years and continues to operate in excellent condition – both aesthetically and functionally. “We take great pride in that. We offer wonderful amenities to our clients, attendees and the events that take place here, and that translates to significant economic impact and puts Columbia, South Carolina, on the map. The convention center attracts groups seeking a vibrant district with nearby dining, entertainment, and lodging. With more than 2,000 hotel rooms located within a mile, the area offers a variety of options for every budget and preference. “We are a jewel in our downtown area,” Swanson added. “We have wonderful attractions in our community— our zoo, our museums, and so many other things,” she said. “We serve as an anchor that draws people to Columbia, and from there they’re able to enjoy all the city has to offer. Often, visitors come for business and then return a second time for leisure with their families.” THE PERFECT FIT Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center’s versatile space combines an exhibit hall, ballroom, and breakout rooms in ratios that work well for corporate meetings, associations, and regional conferences. Sarah Britt, Director of Sales, explains, “Our perfect size for a group is going to be between 300 and 1,000 depending on their breakout footprint, their meal functions, their general session. We have an ideal size here in Columbia.” Britt and her team work closely with Experience Columbia SC, the city’s convention, and visitors bureau, and with the center’s marketing partners to identify the right audiences.“What works really well here is going to be those mid-sized corporations,” she said.“There’s been a lot of growth in South Carolina from a business perspective. Many businesses are 83 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN CONVENTION CENTER
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