Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211
B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 62 water sports along the Intracoastal Waterway. Guests can also spend a relaxing evening enjoying fresh local seafood with an unforgettable view or crank up the excitement and enjoy one of many live entertainment shows in the area. • • COLUMBIA • • Columbia is a city where stately build- ings buzz with new businesses and cen- turies-old sites give rise to fresh perspec- tives - all this in the midst of surrounding natural beauty. This destination offers planners an affordable option perfect for coordinating retreats, family reunions, weddings and other group gatherings. Discover the many hotels and unique venues that complement the 142,500- sq.-ft. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. There are over 2,000 hotel rooms within one mile of the convention center. It's known that convenience counts, and you'll find everything you and your atten- dees need, from technology to top serv- ice, in the heart of South Carolina. The convention center offers a variety of meeting areas (18,560 sq. ft. of meet- ing space that can be broken up to 19 dif- ferent spaces), including everything from a 16,704-sq. ft. Ballroom and a 23,700- sq. ft. column less Exhibit Hall, to the 531- sq. ft. Spires Board Room and the 5,670- sq. ft. Richmond Room, which is divisible into three sections. In this destination, tradition and tomor- row pair perfectly. As a creative hub that's fed by university and capital city commu- nities, there is an uncanny spirit and vibrant energy that can be felt all around. It's a city where stately buildings buzz with new businesses and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives—all of this in the midst of surrounding natural beau- ty. If you are contemplating brining your meeting to Columbia, be sure to reach out to Twila Jones, senior sales manager at Experience Columbia SC. She and her team will provide you with all of the sup- port you need to make your event a huge success. With an unexpectedly rich and diverse food and drink scene, festivals year- round, and plenty of local shopping, Columbia will leave you looking forward to what's next—but only after your group has an experience that it will not soon for- get. Fueled by grit, Columbia combines the best of old-fashioned Southern hospi- tality with modern amenities you've come to expect in this new era of doing busi- ness. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) offers 25 non-stop flights a day from major airports across the country. The size and charm of CAE saves you time so you can spend more of your day experi- encing this vibrant city. Or if you choose to drive, three major interstates run through Columbia: I-26, I-20 and I-77. I-95 connects to I-20 and I-26 for easy access from anywhere on the Eastern corridor. • • CHARLESTON • • Named "Best Small City in North America", Charleston is a world-class international destination with an easily • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Columbia Marriott 300 Double Tree by Hilton & Conference Center 237 Hilton Columbia Center 222 Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia-Greystone 218 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Total Space 142,500 sq. ft. Largest Hall 23,700 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 16,700 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 19 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Columbia SC (803) 545-0102 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center photo credit: Columbia MCC