Experience Columbia SC FY 2019-20 Annual Report

t r o p e R l nua

n

A r a e Y l a c is

F

19

+++

_ DU IS AU TEM VEL EUM IR IU R E 13 .0 7. 25

The Year of Innovation

+

19, 9, 01 20 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 19, , 20 201 19, 2 , 9 0 1 , 20 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 , 20 019 9 2 1 , 19, 201 2019, 2019, 9 0 1 , 20 2 , 9 0 1 9 2 1 , 0 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 19 , 20 0 9 2 1 , 19, 201 2019, 2019, 9 0 20 1 , 2 , 9 0 1 9 2 1 , 0 , 9 0 2 1 19 ,2 0 19, 019, 20 9, 2019, 2019 2019, 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2 1 , 0 19 019, 20 9, 2019, 2019 2019, 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2 1 , 0 19 019, 20 9, 2019, 2019 2019, 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2 19 9, 01 20 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 1 , 9, 0 2 1 9 0 2 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 0 19 ,2 01 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2019 019, 2019, 2 9, 2019, 0 19 ,2 01 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2019 019, 2019, 2 9, 2019 0 19 ,2 01 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2019 019, 2019, 2 9, 2019 19 ,2 01 20 , 2019, 019, 2019, 20 9, 2019, 2019 019, 2019, 2 19, 2019 1 ,2 0 ,2 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 1 , 0 2 1 , 0 2 19 , 0 9 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 1 ,2 0 19, , 20 9, 2019 019, 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2019 019, 201 ,2 0 19 ,2 9, 2019 019, 2019, 2 19, 2019, 20 , 2019, 2019 019, 20 19 ,2 9, 2 20 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 200 1 , 9 2 1 , 9 0 1 9 0 2 2 1 , 0 2 , , 9 0 2 0 9 2 19 201 2, 02 , 20 , 0 , 9 2 1 0 , 19, 201 2019, 2019, 2 9 0 1 2 0 109, 20 19, ,02200, 2 0192, 2 0 , 9 0 1 9 2 2 1 , 0 2 0 9 0 2 , 1 , 2 , 20 0,129020 9, 2001,92,0220, 2019, ,220 9 019, 2 1 , 0 9 0 1 2 2 , 0 0 1, 202 , 020 9 20, 2 1 , 0 19 9 0 2 2 1 , 0 2 2 0 , , 9 0 2 2 0 1 0 , 9 2 2 2 0 , 9 0 Contents , 1 2 9 01 2 0 1020 , 20, 9, ,220 00, 2 1 9 0 2 1 , 0 2 , 9 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 , , 9 2 2 2 0 1 , 9 0 0 , 9 20 10 ,2 ,02, 0 90 0 202 0192, 2 20, 2 201,92,022001, 20 19,22 1 9 2 1 0 , 2 0 2 2 0 , , 0 0 9 1202 ,020 2 0 0CEO 19, 20 Letter the 30 ,02, 2 0, 1, 9 ,2 92From 2 1 9 0 , 2 0 1 0 2 2 , 0 2 2 0 0 , , 9 0 2 2 2 0 1 0 , 9 We Are 0, 20 0, 2 201290, 220 1092, 2 9, ,2 001,9202 9, 20 2200120, Who19 1 0 2 , 2 , 9 2 2 0 1 , 2 0 , 0 9 20, 0 10 ,2 0, 2 0192,022001, 20 9 0 2020 0192, 2 2 1 2 0 0 , 2 2 2,02,Tourism 0 , , 220019 ,0220, 2,Cycle ,Life 20 019,24200, 129020 9, 20 0, 2 1, 9 9 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 , , 2 2 0 1 0 9 Challenges/Our Response , 0, 20 92, 2 02 0, 2 86 201290, 220 10 2 2 , 0 2 0 , 200120Crisis , 2 2 0, , 9 2 0 & Recovery Messaging 1 , 0 , 2 0 9 0 2 0 , 2 1 2 2 0 0 , , 0 2 2 0 0 9 , 2 , 200120201092,02,021092, 0, 219,2200, 1290, 20, 20 0, 2020, 202 , 2020, 02 ,0, 2 0 2 0 9 2 2 1 0 , , 2 9 0 020 2 0 1 , 2 2 0 ,02 0 , 0 Marketing 10 2 2 0 2 0 , , 2 2 0 , 9 2 20 0 10 0 , 2 0 0 2 0 , 2 2 2 0 , , 2 2 0 0 9 Media Relations 12 , 2 1 2 0 ,2 90 020, 14 0, 2020, 2 0, 20 , 20020 2 2 , ECSC DMO 20 0 0 2 0 2 , 2 2 0 0 , 2 2 0 0 , 2 2 0 0 Sports 2ECSC 0, 2 , 20 2 020, 16 0 2 2 0 , 2 20 0 20, 20 CMCC 0 , 2 0 2 0 , 18 2 2 0 0 , 2 2 0 0 , 2 2 0 0 20 0, ,2 20, 20 , 2020, 202 2020, 2020 020, 2020, 2 20, 202 0 20 0, ,2 20, 20 , 2020, 202 2020, 2020 020, 2020, 2 20, 202 , 20 2020 20, 2 020, +++

+++

+++

_ D U IS AU TE M V EL E UM IR IU R E 13 .0 7. 25

_ D U IS AU T E M VEL E U M I R I U R E 13 .0 7. 25

+

+

_ D U IS AU T E M V EL E U M IR IU R E 13 .0 7. 25

+

19, 0 2 , 9 1 0 19, 0 2 , 9 1 0 19, 0 2 , 9 1 0 19, 0 2 , 9 1 20 9, 1 0 2 , 9 201 9, 1 0 2 , 9 a challenge that no one 201This year has1been , 9 anticipated.

It has required us to get creative and 9, 20 , 201certainly think outside 9, the box. Despite the unusual 1 0 2 , 9 situation and the state of the tourism 1 , 20workplace 9,team has remained diligent and 1 industry, our ECSC 0 2 , 9 1 on the job at hand.

9, 20focused 9, 1 0 2 , 9 1 I am extremely proud 9, 20 9,of job they’ve done, and 1 0 2 , 9 of their efforts will help us 01 to do. The9success 9, 2continue , 1 get through , 2this0uncertain time and carry us forward 9 1 0 2 , of better 19 in anticipation20 ,times ahead.

9 1 , 9 19, 201 2019, 9, 1 0 2 , 9 01 1290,, 0 2 , 0 9 2 1 , 020 9,, 220 1 0 1290,, 0 0 2 2 0 , 0 9 2 1 , 020 9,, 220 1 0 1290,, 0 0 2 2 0 , 0 9 2 1 , 0 0 1290,, 2002109,, 220219, 2 0 0 2 0 0, 1290,, 2002109,, 220219, 2 0 0 2 020, 9,, 220 1 0 1290,, 0 2 0 2 2 , 20 0 9 2 1 020, , 220 9 1 , 0 0 2 20, 202 0 2 , 0 202 , 0 2 20, 0 2 0 2 , 0 202 , 0 2 20, 0 2 0 2 , 0 202 , 0 2 20, 0 0 ,2 2 , 0 202 , 0 2 0, 2 0 0 2 0, 2 , 2020 , 0 2 0, 2 0 0 2 0, 2 , 2020 , 0 2 0, 2 0 0 2 0, 2 , 2020 , 0 2 0, 2 0 2 0 , 2 0 , 2 020 2 , 0 2 20, 20

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO We will survive this unprecedented event and come out a stronger team as a result. We are thankful to our many partners and their unyielding support.

We all welcome 2021 and a bright future ahead.

In Partnership,

Bill Ellen President & CEO | Experience Columbia SC

MIDLANDS AUTHORITY FOR CONVENTIONS, SPORTS & TOURISM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CEO

MARKETING

FINANCE

COLUMBIA SC METROPOLITIAN CONVENTION CENTER

SALES EVENTS OPERATIONS

SECURITY

HUMAN RESOURCES

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC SPORTS

ENGINEERING

SALES

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU DBA EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC

VISITORS CENTER

PARTNERSHIP SERVICES

CONVENTION SERVICES

The mission of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism includes: Directing and managing the activities and mission of the ECSC-DMO. Overseeing the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of the Governmental Entities: City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County.

Directing and managing the activities and mission of the ECSC Sports. Directing and managing the operation of the Columbia SC Visitors Center.

3

VISITORS INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY TOURISM LIFE CYCLE VISITORS DECIDE TO VISIT LEISURE VISITORS

Inspired to travel by ECSC social media, earned media or advertising

MEETINGS & SPORTS VISITORS

Travel as attendees of events booked by ECSC Sales Teams

BOOK FLIGHTS & HOTEL ROOMS

DINE AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS & BARS

Generates Accommodations Tax

Generates Hospitality Tax

GOOD MONEY From Outside Community (Visitors)

SHOP AT LOCAL RETAIL BUSINESSES

Generates Sales Tax

NEUTRAL MONEY Stays Within Community (Locals)

ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

BAD MONEY

Moves Outside Community (Locals Traveling Elsewhere)

4

SHARE TRIP ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Generates Sales Tax

Generates Destination Awareness & Positive Reputation for Columbia

INCREASED DEMAND FOR MORE Hotels

ACCOMMODATIONS & HOSPITALITY TAX PARTIALLY FUNDS: EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC Brings in more business, sports & leisure travelers to Columbia, generating more accomodations & hospitality taxes and positively affecting the attractions and events.

ATTRACTIONS

(Ex. South Carolina State Museum, Historic Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia Museum of Art, Edventure, etc.)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

(Ex. Indie Grits, Jam Room Music Festival, St. Pats, Famously Hot New Year, Famously Hot SC Pride Festival, etc.)

Restaurants & Bars Entertainment Venues Festivals & Events

INCREASED LIVABILITY More Things to Do for Residents More Reasons for Residents to Move & Stay Here

INCREASED BUSINESS INVESTMENT SALES TAX PARTIALLY FUNDS: CITY AND COUNTY BUDGETS

(Ex. City Beautification, mantainance of infastructure, firetrucks, school busses, etc.)

FAMILY & FRIENDS ARE INSPIRED & DECIDE TO BOOK THEIR OWN TRIP

Region is More Attractive, Encouraging Development Businesses Can Recruit and Retain Talent

More Residents and Businesses = More Property & Sales Tax Collections to Support Regional Improvements for the Benefit of Residents

“If you build a place where people want to visit, you will build a place where people want to live.

If you build a place where people want to live, you will build a place where people want to work.

If you build a place where people want to work, you will build a place where business has to be.

If we build a place where business has to be, we will be back to building a place where people have to visit.”

-Maura Gast, Visit Irving Texas

5

E S N O P S E R R OU TOURISM INDUSTRY TRADESHOWS CANCELED/POSTPONED ECSC garners a lot of business through these face-to-face tradeshows.

LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN ATTENDING EVENTS EVENT PLANNERS NOT READY TO TRAVEL FOR TRADITIONAL SITE VISITS ECSC CREATES MESSAGING & RESOURCES TO TOUT THE SAFETY MEASURES OF LOCAL BUSINESSES & FACILITY MANAGERS

CANCELED OR POSTPONED EVENTS IN THE CMCC ASSOCIATIONS OFFER VIRTUAL TRADESHOWS

While there are drawbacks to the virtual setting, these one-on-one meetings have helped with new leads.

SALES TEAMS WORK TO RE-BOOK FOR FUTURE DATES

Short-term revenue loss but ability to regain future revenue and sustain business relationship.

6

CREATE VIRTUAL SITE VISIT OF COLUMBIA

ECSC worked with SKYNAV to create a virtual experience of Columbia for event planners who are not ready to fly or drive for a traditional site visit. The virtual tour can also be used to inspire leisure travel and pique interest for business development.

ECSC WORKS CLOSELY WITH EVENT PLANNERS TO ENSURE SAFETY

Our first event with American Cornhole Association was very successful and a model for future events to demonstrate how to execute safely.

OUR INDUSTRY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN

The pandemic has been a hard hit for ECSC as we promote tourism, meetings and conventions to the Columbia region.

Our team has met unforeseen challenges with an optimistic attitude and innovative solutions to bring our industry back online in a safe and well-informed manner.

LOCALS STAYING HOME

A fear of going out makes it hard to tell travelers to visit when they don’t have an example of locals safely enjoying the city.

LOSS OF JOBS IN THE HOTEL & RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

LOSS OF FUNDING

Lack of visitors in hotels and restaurants during the global shutdown will affect local businesses for years to come.

RESTAURANTS CLOSING SOCIAL UNREST

National Conversation

CMCC CREATES SAFETY POLICIES

The building is constantly cleaned and sanitized to meet CDC standards, with time stamps for the last date a room was cleaned.

Masks are required by staff and attendees. Six foot distancing is implemented with room setups and signage is placed throughout the building to remind attendees of policies and to direct the flow of traffic.

CMCC ACTIVELY SEEKING ACCREDITATION CMCC HOSTS EVENTS

The Convention Center has begun creating and hosting revenue-producing events.

ONE OF THE FIRST CONVENTION CENTERS OPEN IN THE COUNTRY

ECSC ADJUSTS TARGET AUDIENCES FOR SALES & MARKETING

Target meetings and sporting events that would normally go to a larger destination but are looking for something smaller and more manageable.

Target potential leisure visitors that have shown an interest in road trips and finding a change of scenery from their homes.

TARGETED ADVERTISING

Shift all advertising to target drive markets using search, social media, sponsored e-newsletters and digital display ads.

INSPIRE FUTURE TRAVEL Stay top of mind for those who are not ready to travel.

ECSC WRITES BLOGS ON HOW TO SAFELY ENJOY COLUMBIA

ECSC IMPLEMENTS DEI COUNCIL

We formed a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Council to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all employees that is accepting, fair and equal. The Council acts as advocates for inclusion, advisors for leadership and seeks to educate our internal community on DEI issues.

ASSESS ADVERTISING

ECSC has always strived to be inclusive in choice of images and messaging and will continue to keep inclusivity top of mind for all audiences, including where ad placements are made.

ECSC marketing team shifts the focus of visitor-focused blog to resonate with both locals and visitors, such as Al Fresco Dining, Staycation Itineraries, Outdoor Recreation Itineraries and more.

ECSC WEBSITE BECOMES A RESOURCE ON UP-TO DATE COVID INFORMATION

ECSC marketing team stays on the pulse of government regulations and business openings to make quick updates to the restaurant, attraction, event and hotel listings. Search capabilities are put in place to filter which businesses are open and what types of safety precautions they are following.

7

Y R E V O C E R & S I S I R C G N I G A MESS PHASE 1 A SHIFT TO LOCAL MESSAGING

While we've always kept the local audience in mind, the nationwide shutdown in March redirected our focus to not only inspire future visitors through social media, but to encourage locals to support community businesses and stay encouraged and informed about closings, ordinances, and restrictions during uncertain times. At this time, we paused all out-of-market advertising.

ExperienceColumbiaSC.com/Covid-19 was created in March and continues to offer up-to-date info. on restrictions, ordinances, hours, etc. for the local hospitality industry.

Quarantine Bingo on Instagram

8

Flyer/Social Media Graphic created for local resturants to use.

We’re

OPEN TAKEOUT DELIVERY DINE-IN CLOSED For more info visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com/covid-19

Readers’ Choice Awards

PHASE 2 STAYING TOP-OF-MIND

When businesses began to reopen, we restarted our advertising with the "Real Soon" messaging so that we would remain top-of-mind for our target audience.

Our website and blogs continue to benefit visitors and locals with inspiration & up-to-date information.

DMO MEETINGS

DMO LEISURE

CMCC MEETINGS

ECSC SPORTS

PHASE 3 PROVEN SAFE

ECSC Sports worked with the CMCC to hold their first event since the shutdown, American Cornhole Organization’s 15th World Championships in July.

We worked closely with the event manager to make it a safe and successful event. Holding a meeting, event or just visiting for the weekend can be done safely in Columbia SC.

During the shutdown, ECSC Blogs were written to reflect the current situation, and today continue to promote locals and visitors to experience Columbia SC.

9

2020 COLUMBIA SC AMBASSADORS ECSC continues our local ambassador program to highlight local voices and showcase authentic enthusiasm for our region. Each ambassador helps contribute to website and social media content, including providing messages of hope and community during troubling times.

This year, all of our ambassadors are connected to the tourism & Ambassador Microsite: ExperienceColumbiaSC.com/ambassadors

hospitality industry: Kim Jamieson (Columbia Metropolitan Airport), Mark Rapp (ColaJazz), Rita Patel (Hotel Trundle), Milo Anderson (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden).

"Flatten the Curve" Recovery Video

We want the whole world to know what makes Columbia SC so great. From website content to social media to traditional advertising, we work hard on and off the clock to change perspectives and encourage travel and local pride for our region. Think of us as the biggest

10

cheerleaders for the heart of South Carolina.

YOUR HOME, Your Views.

EXPERIENCECOLUMBIASC.COM

YOUR HOME, Your Brewery.

EXPERIENCECOLUMBIASC.COM

YOUR HOME, Your Table.

EXPERIENCECOLUMBIASC.COM

YOUR HOME, Your Market.

YOUR HOME, Your Neighbor.

EXPERIENCECOLUMBIASC.COM

EXPERIENCECOLUMBIASC.COM

LOCAL PRIDE & BRAND CHEERLEADERS At ECSC, we know that our locals are our biggest asset. With private funding, we were able to start a new local marketing campaign to encourage locals to take ownership of how cool our region is. When locals are talking positively about their home to their friends and family, they encourage more travel and positive word of mouth.

“We gained a regular customer who told us

“I LOVE Experience Columbia - I use your

she was tempted to try out our coffee shop

articles and info all the time.”

from seeing us on ECSC's Instagram.”

Robin Andrews Spaniel

Greg Dodd

Local & Member of Historic

Owner/GM Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Cottontown Neighborhood Assoc.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC Marketing

11

“Pulsing with a vibrant, artsy energy, downtown Columbia is sprinkled with enough bakeries, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops to set the backdrop for RGMs (Really Good Memories).”

Perri O. Blumberg Country Living, January 2020

“I’m always impressed when small or medium sized destinations have no shortage of fun, interesting places to eat. It’s all too easy to rely on bringing in the popular national chains – but having local flavor with creative, dedicated owners (and employees) is a much taller task."

Bill Clevlen Bill on the Road, December 2019

“Slowly but surely, as spring warms toward summer, the flashes of light in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park move toward perfect synchronicity. Here, just outside the state capital of Columbia, for around

"Charleston, Hilton Head and maybe Myrtle Beach are the cities most people associate with having a good time in South Carolina. Columbia, the state’s capital, is rarely on the list, but it should be….. So much more than a college sports town for the SEC’s University of South Carolina Gamecocks, this gem of nearly 150,000 and growing is on the move"

two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, a multitude of fireflies engage in a rare, hypnotic display.”

Sydney Otto Hemispheres Magazine, April 2020

Ronda Racha Penrice Upscale Magazine, October 2019

“Columbia isn’t on the coast, but it is surrounded by water. Three rivers converge in downtown Columbia, making it a hub of water recreation, like kayaking, tubing, boating and fishing.”

Paula Aven-Gladych, Group Travel Leader, April 2020

One way Experience Columbia SC strives to live out its mission is through public and media relations efforts. We promote the Columbia region by pitching story ideas and hosting media to garner regional, national and international destination coverage.

12

Clockwise from top left: Bridget Hallinan, Food & Wine (Nov. 2019); Perri O. Blumberg, Country Living (Jan. 2020); Steph Burnette, atHome Magazine (June 2020); Jill Schildhouse, Reader’s Digest (Feb. 2020); Sydney Otto, Hemispheres (April 2020); Chadd Scott, Forbes (July 2020); Regina Cole, Forbes (Nov. 2019); Samantha Lande, Food Network (Jan. 2020)

PITCHING DURING A PANDEMIC Despite the shutdown that began in mid to late-March, we were fortunately able to remain in the tourism conversation. Pitching did not change so much as the topics that were relevant to writers during that time did. Outdoor adventure, virtual attractions and a pivot in destination messaging were all popular subjects. From lateMarch through June, we were able to garner 15 stories about or that mentioned the Columbia region.

Our PR firm, Fahlgren Mortine, helped to develop a new, multiphase media plan. The phases are Phase 1: Local Travel, Phase 2: Drive Market Travel and Phase 3: Broader Drive Market Travel. This plan shifts our focus first locally to the Columbia SC community and media and then expands our reach as our traditional target audiences STORIES GARNERED of outside of a 50 mile radius, begin to relax Up from last year by 16 restrictions and cases see a steady decline.

74

Marketing Consumer Services Mercury Award Awarded by the Public Relations Society of America: SC Chapter for the Pimento Cheese Passport

115 MEDIA

LEADS

6

HOSTED PRESS VISITS

Down from 18, due to Pandemic

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC Media Relations

13

“During a year of such great uncertainty, Graduate Columbia has most appreciated our Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They have worked tirelessly to not only bring back annual Groups, but drum up new, innovative Business that Columbia tourism so desperately needs. Their outside-ofthe-box ideas are an example of why they represent our wonderful city and Graduate Columbia is proud to stand by them and support their mission!”

Leanna Lee Director of Sales, Graduate Columbia

Today I was reminded about one of the most innovative programs I have come across in my years in the hospitality industry. Experience Columbia SC sets aside a portion of destination tax for each of their preferred properties. Those funds are available for hotels to use throughout the year on advertising/marketing that will bring travelers to the city, thus generating more tax dollars.

So, now, in the middle of the biggest revenue crisis the US hotel industry has ever seen, our three Columbia, SC hotels have funds to use in the second half of 2020 and first half of 2021.

I wish more cities were willing to support hotels in the same way. Many thanks to Experience Columbia SC!!!

Melissa Wernersbach Corporate Marketing Manager, SREE Hotels

"We are eternally grateful for the hard work that the Experience Columbia team continues to put in year after year to expose visitors and tourists to the many wonders the Midlands has to offer, which are essentially some of the same assets we use to attract development to our area. They have done a tremendous job in building our regional brand, and are continuously looking for new ways to innovate in the destination marketing field, which helps us in our role as economic developers to attract talent and grow the business community. We always welcome the opportunity to collaborate with their team because of their reputation to produce excellent results quickly, efficiently, and effectively."

Ryan Coleman Director, City of Columbia Office of Economic Development

14

The mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau DBA Experience Columbia SC – DMO is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling the region, its accommodations, meeting facilities, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel and by working cooperatively with the hospitality community providing informative materials and assistive services that enhance and promote the desired image of the metropolitan area.

For more info visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

114

New Hospitality Partners

27

DMF Hotels

Top

FIVE NEW EVENTS BOOKED

Name/# of Attendees/Economic Impact

In October 2019 we hosted over 200 meeting planners from the Washington DC market in the annual Six in the City BBQ event. Cities involved in hosting event are Columbia, Savannah, Memphis, Fort Worth, Raleigh, and Birmingham.

2019 BOMAG Americas Customer Event: 180, $216K | 2020 Gospel Heritage International Worship Summit: 1,500, $214K | 2019 SC Prince Hall Grand Chapter: 1,200, $167K | 2019 Southern US Hemp Conference & Expo: 700, $148K | 2019 Medical Services of America Leadership Summit: 150, $122K

TOP 10 STATES REQUESTING COLUMBIA SC INFO. NC • GA • FL • NY • PA • OH • TX • IL • CA • VA

2019 American Express Interaction | 2019 American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Exposition | 2019 Connect Association, Connect Corporate, Connect Faith, Connect Georgia | 2020 Connect DC, Connect Diversity | 2019 CVENT Connect | 2020 Destination Showcase | 2019 Destination Southeast | 2020 Religious Conference Managers Association Emerge Conference | 2019 HelmsBriscoe East | 2019 Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Education & Business Exchange | 2019 Meetings Today Live South | 2019 National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners Annual Conference | 2019 NorthStar Media Leadership Conference | 2020 Professional Convention Management Association Convening Leaders Conference | 2020 South Carolina Association of Society Executives Annual Tradeshow

Connect Faith | Name badges for all attendees Connect Georgia | General Session Meetings Today Live South | Boat ride for attendees in the Gulf of Mexico RCMA Emerge | Lunch and floor stickers. Live art by local artist, Chicken Man at our booth ASAE, Connect Association, and RCMA Emerge | Live caricaturist artwork for attendees Destination Southeast | Water bottles Destination Showcase | Coffee bar

19

Tradeshows Attended

10

Show Sponsorships

15

"It was our honor to work with Experience Columbia SC Sports in hosting the 2019 US Sports Congress. From our site visit to event execution their team worked with us every step of the way to ensure a flawless experience.

Based on comments from our attendees, we can't wait to return to Columbia for our next event."

Lou Mengsol, President, US Sports Congress

“ECSC and ECSC Sports were phenomenal partners with us throughout the conception, bid process and ultimately the execution of the Battle at BullStreet. Featuring the best rivalry in South Carolina College sports rivalries, the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks squared off at Segra Park – home of the Columbia Fireflies – in front of a sell-out crowd of nearly 9,000 Gamecock and Tiger fans. While the U of SC was victorious, this event shined the spotlight of the college baseball world on Columbia, SC on a brisk day in February. We look forward to continuing our partnership for the Battle at BullStreet 2.0 scheduled for March, 2022.”

John Katz President, Columbia Fireflies

"As we reflect on last year's Southern Regional Tournament (SRT), we find ourselves smiling. The Columbia/Irmo TNBA Senate, Doubletree by Hilton and ECSC helped to make our tournament VERY successful. Throughout preparation, we were assisted in many ways, and were not denied any requests we made. Overall, our experience while in Columbia, SC was EXCEPTIONAL. We look forward to our next tournament in SC." Vera M. Stinson, SRT Asst. Director

16

The mission of Experience Columbia SC Sports is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling the region as a premier destination for sporting events, partnering with local sports organizations to grow and develop existing events, and by recruiting new events which provide an economic benefit to the region by generating room nights, food and beverage sales and associated tax revenues. For more info visit ColumbiaSCSports.com

ECSC SPORTS HOSTS U.S. SPORTS CONGRESS IN 2019 This event brought in top level decision-makers from the world of youth, amateur, and professional sporting events. It gave us the opportunity to show off our vast growing city and venues as well as provide exceptional service and unique experiences to the attendees who could potentially host their events here. Being in Columbia solidified the decision for the owner of the American Cornhole Organization to bring two events here in 2020.

SPORTS The Relationship Conference - Panama City, FL (Wifi/Hot Spot Lounge Sponsor) NCAA Host Symposium - Indianapolis, Indiana SportsETA 4S Summit - Providence, Rhode Island Connect Women in Sports Tourism Summit - Tuscon, Arizona TEAMS Conference - Anaheim, California (Conference Sponsor with the SC Sports Alliance)

Top

6

Conferences Attended

US Sports Congress - Columbia, South Carolina (Conference Host)

FIVE EVENTS HOSTED

American Cornhole Organization South Atlantic Conference Tournament 2020 Battle at Bullstreet - University of South Carolina vs. Clemson Baseball Game 2019 TNBA Southern Regional Tournament - National Bowling Assocation 2019-20 SCHSL Basketball State Finals – SC High School League 2019 Annual Crown Tournament - Columbia Volleyball Club

BATTLE AT BULL STREET PARTNERSHIP Previously hosted in Greenville, ECSC Sports helped to bring this annual rivalry baseball game to Columbia. ECSC Sports partnered with Segra Park, Clemson and UofSC to make this a successful event with record breaking attendance. Fans were greeted with food trucks, live music and pre-game festivities.

17

“We recently completed our annual convention for the SC Nazarene District last week, and I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation to you and your team for the culmination of our experience at CMCC! Our goal was to provide an exceptional experience for our attendees that modeled excellence, and it was met with exceeding results. This was the first year in recent history that we made the decision to change venues for our event, and the scale & finishes of the CMCC spoke well in creating the right environment. It was spacious, easy to maneuver, and the front-of-house staff were engaging and accommodating… I am grateful to them for operating with excellence, professionalism, and an even greater heart to serve within the smallest of details or requests.”

Dennis Pinnell, SC Nazarene District Convention, July 2019

“I had the opportunity on behalf of the City of Columbia to assist with reviewing [the convention Center’s] COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan prior to re-opening the convention center…The Convention Center managed to control access points for safety and cross-contamination throughout the center, they used social distancing signs to emphasize maintaining social distancing, strategically installed hand sanitizer stations, they heightened attention to cleaning to support the health of the faculty, staff and the public, all staff will required the use of PPE to wear face coverings/masks and will be encouraged to disinfect their workstations, strategically and intensively cleaning all ballrooms prior to each use, increased the frequency of cleaning common high touch surfaces such as handrail, door handles, desktops, counters, doorknobs, light switches, etc., directional signage and safe COVID-19 reminders have been displayed throughout the convention center on the various media outlets for high visibility safety awareness.

I was thoroughly impressed with the COVID-19 strategic safety planning and implementation of the recommended guidelines and safe procedures by the regulatory agencies that were instituted by the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The CMCC provided the necessary steps toward migrating their business for re-opening and proactively went above and beyond to ensure their staff and the public would have a safer environment during this pandemic crisis”.

H. Demetrius Rumph Director of Safety & Risk Management, City of Columbia

18

The mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is to provide a first-class venue offering superior operations management and state-of-the-science amenities for the successful coordination of meetings, conventions, tradeshows, entertainment and other special events utilizing the facility; enhancing the economic viability and image of the area. For more info visit ColumbiaConventionCenter.com

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING SAFETY

ATTENDANCE OF HOSTED EVENTS

LOCALLY SOURCED

KEEP SIX INGREDIENTS FEET OF DISTANCE

40 35 30 (in thousands)

Please maintain at LEAST SIX FEET of social distance with other attendees and CMCC team members.

25 20

WASH YOUR HANDS

15

FREQUENTLY

10

WITH SOAP AND WATER FOR AT LEAST TWENTY SECONDS

5

Take advantage of our hand sanitizer stations.

Avoid touching your mouth, nose and face.

June '20

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

September

August

July '19

0

FACE COVERINGS

ARE REQUIRED

DISINFECT

& SANITIZE

47

Association

77

Please wear a cloth or mask - covering your NOSE & MOUTH.

Corporate

257

14

Social

Total Events

6

We take pride in our cleanliness protocols.

If you see an area that needs attention, please alert the CMCC TEAM.

COVER YOUR

NOSE & MOUTH

39

Political

WHEN SNEEZING OR COUGHING

Please cover your mouth with a tissue then, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands nose and mouth.

Education

24

Non-profit/Religious

15

Hobby/Sports

25

Government

10

Fraternal

Top

FIVE EVENTS HELD

Name/Dates/# of Attendees/Room Nights Soda City Comic Con: Aug. 10-11, 2019, 7.5K, 125 | US Sports Congress: Dec. 8-11, 2019, 120, 430 | SC Green Industry Assoc.: Jan. 20-22, 2020, 1.6K, 600 | SC Bar: Jan. 23-26, 2020, 1,100, 635 | SC Music Educators Assoc.: Feb. 6-8, 2020, 400, 525

43%

Waste diverted from landfills (compared to 35% last FY)

Began Baling & Recycling Our Own Cardboard & Pallets

716lbs

26,280lbs

Pallets Recycled

Cardboard Recycled

19

ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

A