ALABAMA ARKANSAS FLORIDA GEORGIA KENTUCKY LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA OKLAHOMA SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TEXAS VIRGINIA WEST VIRGINIA
INSIDER’S
G U I D E By Marlane Bundock
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, S.C., has a vibrant energy as the Congaree River flows by, the students of the University of South Carolina refine their skills and the politicians at the State Capital strive for a better state in which to live and work. And youʼll also find a vibrant energy from the cityʼs new and improved hotels and meetings venues. ■
The South Carolina State Museum is undergoing a $21 million dollar expansion, creating a multidimensional facility for multidisciplinary education and public cultural enrichment in the Spring of 2014. Windows to New World will include an observatory, digital dome theater, planetarium and 4-D theater. The University of South Carolina’s Alumni Association is
slated to open an alumni center across from the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in late 2014. The 60,000-square-foot building will include a 500-seat ballroom, a 125-seat auditorium and more than 10 meeting and conference rooms. A partnership has been formed between the convention center and the alumni center to host events. The Hyatt Vista is anticipated ➤
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M Grille
What’s New In Columbia
The contemporary M Space event venue recently opened at the M Grille in the Congaree Vista entertainment area of Columbia, S.C. O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 ⎜ ConventionSouth ⎜
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within walking distance to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Known as the conven-
Columbia Marriott Downtown
to be completed in late 2014 with 130 guest rooms located in the Congaree Vista area of town and
tion and arts district, the Congaree Vista is constantly abuzz with individuals enjoying various restaurants, art galleries, bakeries and retail shops. The 300-room Columbia Marriott Downtown, located at Main and Hampton Streets, across from Columbia Museum of Art and just blocks from the South Carolina State House, has unveiled a new modern style after a recent remodel to guest rooms, conference rooms, the lobby and the dual “day and
night” lounge. The total meeting space was increased to 27,000 square feet, and meeting and banquet spaces were enhanced with new lighting, touch screen controls, state-of-the-art in-room equipment and ergonomic executive seating. The Sheraton Columbia Downtown is currently renovating a downtown property to create a meeting and conference center. The 9,000-square-foot space is situated directly across from the hotel and is projected to
Find refreshed meeting spaces within the Columbia Marriott Downtown after a recent renovation. Pictured to the left is the contemporary styled new boardroom at the hotel.
Hotels For Any Special Occasion Along with the Columbia Marriott Downtown and the Sheraton Columbia Downtown, this city has plenty of hotels to meet your specific needs, including the Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone, situated near Riverbanks Zoo and offering15,000 square feet of meeting space. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia offers 238 guest rooms, complimentary air-
port transportation, a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, wired and wireless Internet access and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Four-Diamond Hilton Columbia Center offers 222 guest rooms and 6,000 square feet of event space and has consistently ranked in the top five for Hilton Brands worldwide.
columbiacvb.com
The Columbia Metropolitan CVB recently launched a redesigned website: www.columbiacvb.com. The new site features a more streamlined, clean design with user-friendly navigation and large images gracing every page. ■
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Congaree Vista
Find Info Easier
Located on campus of the University of South Carolina, the Inn at USC has 117 guest rooms and suites and more than 3,000 square feet of event space, including six meeting rooms and a large courtyard. The Inn serves complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts. The Clarion Hotel Downtown offers 160 guest rooms and 9,300 square feet of flexible event space. ■
Contemporary clothing store Urban Outfitters recently opened in Columbia’s Congaree Vista entertainment district. “As home to many of our city’s art galleries, hotels, businesses, restaurants, museums and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, growth in the Vista is always good for our city,” said Sarah Lewis, executive director of the Congaree Vista Guild. w w w. c o n v e n t i o n s o u t h . c o m
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BIG MEETING SPACES The 142,500-square-foot Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center features works of art created by local artists who drew inspiration from the regionʼs three rivers and the buildingʼs brick façade, crafted to match historic buildings in downtown. The center offers a 24,700-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall and a 17,135-square-foot ballroom. The 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena is adjacent to the convention center. ■
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EDITOR’S
HOT PICKS
COLUMBIA is a dynamic meetings desti-
nation that is centrally located along the East Coast and provides groups with the perfect blend of Southern charm and city amenities. WHERE TO EAT: Motor Supply Company has been serving the finest and most diverse culinary dishes in the heart of Columbiaʼs Congaree Vista since 1989. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, and includes an eclectic blend of Contemporary American, French, Italian and Asian cuisine…something for everyoneʼs palate. http://motorsupplycobistro.com
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
TOP PICKS: Columbia Metropolitan CVB (803) 545-0108 www.columbiacvb.com “Contact our sales department to find out if your group qualifies for up to $10 per room-night rebate program! Jason Outman, Director of Sales, joutman@columbiaauthority.com.”
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Reach For The Sky
The Sky High Safari Ropes Challenge is now open at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The course leads groups through a balance testing obstacle course 44 feet in the air. The challenges include rope ladders, bridges and tight rope style footlines.
Marriott Columbia (803) 744-6946 www.columbiamarriott.com “Earn valuable Marriott Rewards Points for your upcoming meeting! Contact Nancy Wagner, Director of Sales, 803-744-6933 or nancy.wagner@marriottcolumbia.com.” FOLLOW UP: Columbia Convention Center www.columbiaconventioncenter.com
SOUTHCAROLINA IN-DEPTH
Riverbanks Zoo
Visit www.ConventionSouth.com for more about Columbia, South Carolina through our interactive Insiderʼs Guide with maps, videos & more.
The Sky High Safari Challenge at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C.
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