Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211
B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 60 COME SEE WHY THE PALMETTO STATE OFFERS THE BEST MEETING EXPERIENCE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS B Y B U C K S A M U E L S South Carolina is made up of the Mountains, Midlands and Coastal regions. Each region offers a different South Carolina experience that business and leisure travelers alike can appreciate. The Mountains region is full of spectacu- lar hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and sweeping views and the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains are an outdoor enthusi- ast's dream. From the Grand Strand to Hilton Head Island, the coastal region of the Palmetto State is filled with sandy white beaches, historic cities, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and world-class golf courses. Whether you're catching a horse race in Aiken, whitewater rafting on the Saluda River or exploring the capital city of Columbia, you'll never run out of things to see and do in the Midlands of South Carolina. • • MYRTLE BEACH • • When planning work events, there's no better spot than Myrtle Beach. The 14 communities hold everything that professionals need to take care of business — plus 60 miles of beaches, more than 2,000 restaurants and end- less entertainment. The city's venues offer more than 500,000 square feet of total meeting space that can hold up to 5,000 atten- dees, and close proximity to attractions for casual team building. Myrtle Beach Convention Center is set in a destination known for VARIETY and VALUE in hotel and motel accommo- dations; succulent, steaming seafood, and sparkling entertainment options. The venues is well equipped for an event of any size with 400-room luxury hotel, a 100,800 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 18,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, seating 1,500 people, twenty attractive and functional meeting rooms, accommo- dating breakout meetings for 10 to 120 people, spacious, sunlit glass-enclosed pre-function areas as well as on-site park- ing for 2,250, with convenient overflow parking within a seashell's throw. The best thing about meeting at The Beach is what happens when the work- day ends. There are endless opportuni- ties here for entertainment, camaraderie and old-fashioned fun. Take your afternoon get-together to sunlit beaches or swing away at one of more than 90 golf courses. Enjoy a night out with your colleagues, or kick back and relax while you answer a few e-mails and catch up on some "work" poolside. Myrtle Beach is a planner's paradise for entertainment beginning with the des- tinations largest and most popular attrac- tion—60 miles of beautiful beaches. There are 14 coastal communities that make up the Grand Strand, which is the 60 miles of coastline that locals fondly call, The Beach. The 14 communities all have their own unique vibe, culture and way of life that appeals to all types of vis- itors and locals with a variety of entertain- ment, restaurants, shopping and more. This environment serves as a great option for weddings, reunions and other more intimate group gatherings. Conference attendees can enjoy a round on one of over 100 golf courses or shop at one of Myrtle Beach's three shopping malls, two outlet centers or three shopping and entertainment cen- ters. Spend the day exploring beautiful sculpture gardens or take a more active approach to time outside of work with AREA GUIDES S O U T H C A R O L A N A • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Sheraton Myrtle Beach CC Hotel 400 Courtyard by Marriott Myrtle Beach 135 Hilton Grand Vacations Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach 194 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Myrtle Beach Convention Center Total Space 250,500 sq. ft. Largest Hall 100,800 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 18,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 20 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Myrtle Beach – (800) 356-3016 www.visitmyrtlebeach.com Myrtle Beach Convention Center photo credit: MBCC