Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
62 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com SOUTH CAROLINA: A PERFECT SOUTHERN DESTINATION FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT B Y B U C K S A M U E L S From the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand to the deep forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina's diverse landscapes promise unforgettable adventures. Made up of the Mountains, Midlands and Coastal regions, this state offers multiple options when it comes to planning events of all sizes and types. You might want to hold a business retreat in the great outdoors of the Mountains Region. Maybe your client is looking to have a large-scale conference with a big city feel in a Midlands Region destination like Columbia. The Coastal Region is the ideal space to hold that per- fect wedding on the beach. Whatever you need South Carolina has got it! • • MYRTLE BEACH • • When planning work events, there's no better spot than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 14 communities hold every- thing that professionals need to take care of business — plus 60 miles of beaches, more than 2,000 restaurants and endless entertainment. Myrtle Beach 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. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, con- veniently close to all the best accommo- dations, attractions, restaurants, shopping and best of all - the beach! This expanded and newly renovated venue features a 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, an 18,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, a seating space of 1,500 people, twenty attractive and functional meeting rooms, accommodating breakout meetings for 10 to 120 people, spacious, sunlit glass- enclosed pre-function areas as well as a 400-room luxury hotel. The best thing about meeting at The Beach is what happens when the work- day ends. There are endless opportunities here for entertainment, camaraderie and old-fashioned fun. With 60 miles of sandy ocean coast- line, a river (the Waccamaw) emptying into the Atlantic, plus estuary areas at Murrells Inlet and Little River, and the Intracoastal Waterway, you'd guess Myrtle Beach would be an awesome place for fun on the water. And you'd be right. Tour boats, places that rent personal watercraft and other power and paddle boats, and charter fishing boats are all here for you. Just pick a way to enjoy a daily dose of salt or fresh water. Active and retired military units will enjoy the Myrtle Beach area's idyllic sur- roundings and pleasant weather. The world-class golf courses and exciting live entertainment are loved by many veterans throughout the year, while tours of histor- ical sites and day trips to nearby attrac- tions allow them to get out and explore. Groups wanting a low-key experience can take advantage of the many hospital- ity suites found in Myrtle Beach's out- standing hotel properties. This makes reconnecting and enjoying one another's company much more relaxing and mem- orable. The very essence of the things to love about The Beach is due, in part, to the African American History of this area. The Grand Strand has been greatly influenced by its African American heritage and roots that date back to the 1700s – and is still shaping the region. Check out exceptional African American historic sites and museums in and near Myrtle Beach such as Charlie's AREA GUIDES S O U T H C A R O L I N A Myrtle Beach Convention Center photo credit: Myrtle Beach C.C • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Beach Cove Resort 116 Grande Shores Ocean Resort 231 Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront 242 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The myrtle beach convention center Total Meeting Space 250,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 100,800 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 17,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 17 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Myrtle Beach – (800) 356-3016 www.visitmyrtlebeach.com