Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
AREA GUIDES SOUTH CAROLINA MEET IN PALMETTO STATE AND YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II South Carolina's beautiful scenery extends from the rolling hills of the Upcountry to the glistening lakes of the midlands and the wide, white sandy beaches of its 200-mileAtlantic coastline. The state has a rich history documented by attractive plantations and the north- western foothills, where fierce battles were fought during the CivilWar. Charleston, situated on the coast, is a popular tourist destination and site of the first permanent English settlement. Myrtle Beach, a popular resort city famous for its golf, is centered on the sun-drenched 60-mile stretch of coastline on the northern border. Hilton Head, a narrow, barrier island, has 12 miles of beautiful beaches, unspoiled forest, world-class golf courses, tennis resorts, and a relaxed, laid back lifestyle. The state is accessible from several international gateways, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, New York,Philadelphia andRaleigh/Durham airports, with connecting services to domestic airports. If you are looking to hold your next meeting in South Carolina be assured that because of its excellent location to the nearby cities and beautiful scenery this state will defi- nitely fulfill your business and leisure needs. COLUMBIA Whether you're traveling to the Columbia region for business or leisure there is plenty to choose from to satisfy your needs, for this city is known to accommodate a diverse array of groups. Whether you're looking to discover the 60 perfect hotel for your next trip or build- ing your itinerary with exciting things to do, you'll be happy that you decided to explore Columbia, SC. Make sure your next event is the most successful ever by meeting in Columbia. Here in the heart of South Carolina, visitors experience the excite- ment of a thriving metropolis with a proud past rich in history and tradition. With over 537,449 sq. ft. of meeting space available in the region (including a 142,500-sq. ft. Convention Center), there are several conventional & unconventional facilities to choose from for your next event. Centrally located in South Carolina's historic state capital, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is in the middle of an exciting urban scene that includes open-air cafes, deluxe accommodations, live music, exciting sports venues and concert tours.With the temperate seasons,Columbia offers your guests a perfect year-round business and social climate with a wide variety of world-class cultural and natural attrac- tions. This venue is a dazzling 142,500-sq. ft. facility that was designed with you in mind! From abundant pre-function space to beautifully equipped breakout rooms;a 24,70-sq. ft., column free exhib- it hall to an exquisite 17,135-sq. ft. ball- room – your next meeting or event is sure to be an overwhelming success! Designed by a professional trainer and meeting planners, the Columbia Conference Center with 19,257 sq. ft. of meeting space is a unique convention facility. It is located 10 miles north of Columbia between I-20, I-77, and I-26 connections so accessing themajor high- ways are easy without fighting heavy traffic into Columbia. The center contains 12 meeting rooms with two large ballrooms. Meeting rooms include adjustable, lux- ury, executive chairs; oversized tables; plenty of complimentary parking; state- of-the-art lighting and audiovisual sys- tems with microphones at each partici- pant's desk; fast T-1 Internet connec- tions in every training room; confer- ence room with video conferencing; and business center with six computers for participants to check e-mails, fax, and copy. Situated in the heart of downtown, the beautifully renovated Marriott Columbia hotel offers the quality accommodations and hallmark service you have come to expect from Marriott. This Columbia hotel offers the right touches to make every guest feel welcome and a location that pro- vides easy access to Columbia's finest restaurants, shops, nightlife, and muse- ums. Marriott Columbia offers a 24-hour business center, a concierge level lounge, a complimentary airport shuttle, two Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Photo Credit: Columbia CVB