Tomorrow is the last day to reserve your spot!

TOMORROW, February 26, is the last day to secure ad placement in Columbia's 2009 Meeting & Event Planner Guide!

For the first time, the Meeting & Event Planner Guide will include a section on Weddings/Reunions/Socials. Each section will be separated by Tabs, the number one navigational tool in the guide and the ultimate opportunity for premium placement. Also new, all display ads purchased in the Accommodation and Unique Venue/Meeting Facility section will receive a complimentary formatted ad of equal size!

Your presence among meeting planners has never been more important than today! Don't miss this opportunity to be front and center among this powerful audience of decision makers and the tourism industry, which is a $1 billion industry for the Columbia region.

Contact Anna Bigham by February 26 to reserve your spot. Advertising opportunities are also available in the Official Visitor Guide and online at http://columbiacvb.com.

Anna Bigham | annab@weaver-group.com | 803.732.3110

Hilton® Columbia Center Voted #1 in North America by Guests

Only a year and a half after its grand opening, the Hilton® Columbia Center, is honored to receive top recognition by being ranked #1 by their guests out of all 287 full-service Hilton® hotels in North America.

According to the Hilton® Brand-Americas Voice of the Customer Survey, the Hilton® Columbia Center received the top ranking as #1 for overall guest services and amenities. Guests are asked to participate in the Voice of the Customer Survey by providing feedback on overall service, plans to return, and if problems occurred during their stay.

Located in the center of the financial, entertainment and historic Vista district, the Hilton® Columbia Center hotel opened in August 2007 and has hosted guests from all over the world. Managed by Hospitality America, the Hilton® Columbia Center has been the choice hotel for distinguished heads of state, such as former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. During the presidential primaries, the Hilton® Columbia Center also welcomed Senator John McCain and hosted press events at the hotel with all the major television networks.

The Hilton® Columbia Center is adjacent to the Columbia Convention Center and Colonial Life Arena. This prime location has made it the premier hotel downtown to see and be seen with celebrities and music artists. The Hilton Columbia Hotel has also been selected as the choice hotel by multiple Hollywood stars, such as James Caan, James Marsden, Kirstie Allie and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Hospitality America oversees 222 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, including 2 Presidential Suites, heated outdoor pool, fitness center by Precor® and 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The Hilton® Columbia Center offers complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access in all areas of the hotel.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, located within the Hilton® Columbia Center, has also been honored as the “Best Steakhouse in Columbia” by patrons and readers of the Freetimes and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. The restaurant’s on-site location provides guests with fine dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Hilton-Columbia Center’s General Manager, Tony Tam, was just recognized as South Carolina's Hotel Manager of the Year by the Hospitality Association of South Carolina. Founded and headquartered in Tennessee, Hospitality America presently operates 11 hotels and 1,423 rooms in Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. Hospitality America is currently ranked as a Top 10 Hotel Management Company by Occupancy in the Nation by HOTEL BUSINESS’ Annual Rankings.

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Midlands Authority Recognizes 2008 Employee of the Year

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) is pleased to announce Kelly Barbrey as the Employee of the Year Award recipient for 2008. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Barbrey is responsible for the marketing efforts of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the Columbia Regional Sports Council and the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. She is also responsible for each entity’s advertising plan as well as overseeing the sales of each department.

Barbrey was incredibly instrumental in Columbia’s latest marketing campaign; Columbia, SC Famously Hot. Her strong leadership skills directed the hiring of the MACST’s newest advertising agency, ADCO, as well working with other community leaders to set the direction of the new campaign. Her expertise in the convention and meetings industry has landed Columbia in premier trade publications with prime locations for targeting meeting planners. In addition, all of the partner services, marketing, and communications for the organization are under her management.

President/CEO for the MACST, Ric Luber, states, “Kelly is an exceptionally smart and sharp professional. She embodies the characteristics of a true leader and has gotten all those under her administration pumped up and aggressive in competing within our industry. She did a fantastic job with spear-heading the efforts of our new marketing campaign and she is just a joy to work with and her creativity is top-notch. We are very proud of her work and accomplishments.”

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