department – is a tremendous advantage,” said Kelly Barbrey, VP of Marketing & Communications. “Our marketing team creates customized blogs, itineraries, and off-site options that the Convention Center can share with meeting planners and event attendees. We work hard to showcase that we’re not only the geographic heart of South Carolina, but also the heart and soul of the state – full of activity, energy, and a wide variety of things to experience.” Another significant partner is OVG Hospitality, the facility’s national food service provider. “Their excellent food service helps our reputation, and our chef customizes many of the meals that they serve, and he tries to source locally as much as he can,” Swanson says. “I think that partnership is number one for the convention center. We would not be as successful if we didn’t have such a good team with OVG here.” Britt adds “The food piece is so important because that is what people remember after an event. They remember how it looked, they remember the connections with people, and they remember if the food was good or not.” A STANDOUT DESTINATION As for what sets the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center apart, its walkable downtown location is a major advantage. Britt remarks,“A lot of convention centers are 20 minutes outside of town, and people do not get to come and really experience the destination.” Expansion is something Swanson believes to be 88 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12
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