Columbia Meeting + Event Planning

After Your Meeting: Enjoy 'Art Uncorked'

2011-08-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

Looking for something different to do after your meeting or convention in Columbia, SC? Create a unique cultural experience for your group with a private visit to Columbia Museum of Art. Your group will have space to gather and mingle, then take a tour personalized to fit your interests, and finish with a private wine and cheese reception.

Personalized tours are a wonderful way to get the most out of your museum visit, whether you prefer to see the traveling exhibition or pieces from the permanent collection. The Museum's lovely Orientation Gallery will serve as your group's private gathering room. You can choose your own theme for a tour, where trained docents will share their knowledge and love of art with your small group in an informal way - so you can ask questions and share your thoughts. Then, relax with your group in a private reception back in the Orientation Gallery and enjoy your choice of refreshments. The cost is $200 (max 10 people) or $150 (max 10 people) for Museum members and $15 for each additional guest.

GROUP TOUR OPTIONS

1. Docent Led Tour
Interested in an in-depth tour of the Museum's Collection or traveling exhibition? Schedule a docent led tour for your group. Guided tours are led by the Museum's dedicated Volunteer Educator Corp and are a great way to obtain a better understanding of the Museum's exhibitions.
    * $8 per person (non-ticketed exhibitions)
    * Minimum of 10 individuals
    * $80 non-refundable reservation deposit fee
    * Book at least 2 weeks prior to your visit

2. Self-Directed Tour
Schedule a date to view the Museum's galleries at your own pace. Informative text panels in the newly reinstalled galleries and Audio Tours will enhance your experience.

3. Art du Jour Tour & Lunch
This special opportunity allows groups to enjoy an elegant lunch in the Museum's garden themed Orientation Gallery, designed and painted by trompe l'oeil artist Christian Thee. Lunch is followed by a private guided tour of special exhibitions or permanent collection galleries of your choosing. This program can accommodate up to 30 individuals. *Please note, this special program requires at least 3 week's booking notice.

Groups can choose from two delicious lunch options:
Box Lunch Special includes two wraps, salad, dessert, and beverage.
$20 per person or $25 for Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters

Buffett Lunch Special includes entree, two sides, dessert, and beverage.
$30 per person or $35 for Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters

*Price includes group admission.

DOWNLOAD THE GROUP TOUR GUIDE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION

The Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art announced the installation of the Chihuly Chandelier
in the Museum's David Wallace Robinson, Jr. Atrium on April 9, 2010. The installation marks the first of
its kind in South Carolina and measures an impressive 14' tall, 5' wide and 11' deep. The design was chosen to
enhance the asymmetrical shape of the Museum's atrium and a "Carolina Sunset" color-scheme incorporates
Columbia's "Famously Hot" shades of golds, oranges and reds.

A private museum visit is ideal for your next meeting or convention, book club, garden club, birthday party or corporate event. Looking for a truly special romantic evening? They can help create the perfect atmosphere for two. The Museum is a great place for group trips and is fully accessible. Make your reservation early! All groups of 10 or more are asked to schedule their visit through the Museum's Group Tour Manager, even if not requesting a guided tour, to assure the best visit possible. The Group Tour Manager can advise you on the best days and times to avoid peak hours. Please call 803.343.2163 or email tours@columbiamuseum.org. Keep up with Columbia Museum of Art on Facebook and Twitter.

Assistance with scheduling off-site receptions and tours is just one of the many complimentary benefits of working with the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau sales team to bring your next meeting or convention to the Columbia region. There's no need to call hotel after hotel looking for the best rate. Our sales professionals can make it easy for you by requesting proposals from area hotels and meeting facilities and providing you with the best rates in your own customized proposal packet. Get started today by contacting our sales team or submitting your RFP online.

Columbia Hotels Receive High Honors

2011-06-23T13:23:00.003-04:00

Several hotels in the Columbia region have been recognized recently with awards for excellence and service. Here's our round up of local hotels in the news this month. Congratulations to our community partners!

Wingate by Wyndham - Lexington/Columbia was named "Outstanding Property of the Year" for 2010 by Wingate by Wyndham. This comes as one of the highest honors in the midscale hotel chain’s portfolio. Wingate representatives accepted this award on behalf of the Columbia/Lexington hotel at the Co-Op Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this past month.

Along with positive performance and outstanding characteristics in all areas of hospitality, the Wingate by Wyndham was critiqued on overall guest satisfaction, service, and cleanliness of the hotel property. Bill Hall, Wingate by Wyndham brand senior vice president stated, “I congratulate the hotel’s general manager on this phenomenal achievement and thank the staff for their continued commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for area visitors.”

The 97-room Wingate by Wyndham Columbia/Lexington is located at 108 Saluda Pointe Road in Lexington.

Be sure to "like" Wingate by Wyndham - Lexington/Columbia on Facebook.

Hilton® Columbia Center is now among approximately only 25 hotels in South Carolina whom have been recognized as AAA Approved Four Diamond lodging. Hilton® Columbia Center is the first Columbia hotel to receive this honor. Guidelines pertaining to cleanliness, comfort, security, and safety are all set incredibly high to receive this rating. This listing distinguishes the property amongst the most exclusive hotels in North America, as only four percent of hotels are presented with this high honor. Look out for Hilton® Columbia Center's listing in the 2012 edition of the AAA South Carolina TourBook Guide.

Hilton® Columbia Center is located in the heart of the Historic Congaree Vista and adjacent to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The hotel offers 6.000 square feet of meeting space and is prepared to serve any and all your facility needs.

Be sure to “like” Hilton® Columbia Center on Facebook.

Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, originally serving as the Palmetto Bank Building in 1913, has also achieved the prestigious status of being recognized as an AAA Four Diamond Award recipient. Threatened with demolition in 1980, the historic building was saved and rehabilitated to become the Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel in 2008. The Sheraton is a 135 room boutique style hotel offering a mix of old and new.

“We’re tremendously gratified to have received this exciting and prestigious designation as an AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, “said Tony Malizia, director of sales. “Being recognized for superior quality and service by AAA is a testament to our commitment to offering distinct and compelling brand experiences to guests at our unique hotel.”

If you are looking for a hotel offering exceptional location and extraordinary amenities in the rapidly growing Main Street area, the Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel is located at 1400 Main Street in Downtown Columbia.

Be sure to "like" Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

The new, eco-friendly Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport will be presented with the Exemplary Project Award, at the Fifth Annual Green Building Leadership Awards Program, held in conjunction with SustainSC2011 at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The hotel demonstrated “above and beyond” environmental, social, and economic success, and ultimate ability to be an inspiration to others. Factors such as hotel energy and hotel water savings were evaluated closely.

After opening on April 22, 2010 (which just so happens to be Earth Day), the Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport became Columbia’s first Green Hotel, and is currently in review for LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council. The LEED Gold certification exemplifies the greenest and most energy efficient hotel in the state of South Carolina.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly hotel, the Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport is located at 1020 McSwain Drive in West Columbia.

Be sure to "like" Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport on Facebook.

Behind the Scenes at Columbia's Newest Meeting Facility

2011-06-01T17:35:00.003-04:00

On my third day of working with the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism, I was lucky enough to be invited to The Medallion Center for their “Come Play with Us” luncheon and tour of the facility. Never did I think I would be given the opportunity to meet so many different hospitality professionals on only day three of my job as marketing intern.

As we arrived to The Medallion Center, we were greeted by Director of Sales Dorothy Team and her staff (who, as a side note, were extremely welcoming!). The Medallion Center is Columbia’s newest full-service contemporary conference and banquet facility and home of Tronco’s Special Events. Tronco’s Special Events has been serving the Columbia area for more than 17 years!

The Medallion Center is a wonderful new facility for the Columbia area, conveniently located in the middle of a vibrant hotel district in Southeast Columbia. There are literally half a dozen or so hotels either connected by parking lot or within a few blocks of the facility. The building hosts weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, fundraising galas, business meetings, trade shows, conferences, and the list continues. There is 41,000 square feet of meeting space with flexible configurations, five function rooms, a formal ballroom, and three executive board rooms. The Medallion Center offers dedicated event designers, WiFi throughout the facility, full audiovisual technology, and exceptional menus crafted by Tronco’s award-winning culinary team (just to name a few on the long list).

My fellow co-workers, Mandi Engram, Sarah Katherine Shearin, Kim Jamieson, and Joey Mouton chose the perfect table to sit at for lunch. We had the opportunity to sit with John Chiles, General Manager of The Medallion Center, David Martin, the president and CEO of Tronco’s, and Dorothy. All throughout lunch, we talked about the “old way” of doing business throughout the business office (we have had our share of technical difficulties forcing us to depend on the pen and paper a little more than usual). At each table setting there was a South Carolina lottery ticket for the guests to explore their luck. I am pleased to say that Mandi and I each won a few dollars! Jackpot!

After our chat about business before the internet and post-its, John let us in on the family history behind the Tronco’s business. His grandmother started a small fruit store on Blanding Street near an old bus station. With a large number of hungry Italian-American soldiers coming into Columbia for training at Camp Jackson (now Fort Jackson) smelling the homemade spaghetti his grandmother cooked in the back room of the store where her family lived, the store slowly transitioned into an Italian restaurant. After many years of serving the public, the restaurant that started out as Mrs. Martin’s small fruit stand still serves as Villa Tronco on Blanding Street to this day.

The food Tronco’s served was simply delicious! Mini tomato pie tartlets and pimento cheese on benne wafers were served as hors d’oeuvres while guests continued to come in. When everyone arrived, a Greek salad was served. The main course was presented beautifully and tasted just the same. The sliced beef tenderloin with a demi glaze and grilled sea bass with a lemon butter sauce served on toast points was complimented with blanched asparagus and herb roasted potatoes.

After eating the unbelievable red velvet cake for dessert, David and John gave us the heads up to look out for a new Tronco family restaurant to open, Smoked Bar-B-Que. It’s set to open in the coming weeks and is a Southern Style barbeque restaurant located in Blythewood. John made it known that “everyone in the room was overdressed for dining at Smoke.” Smoke is a feel-good, laid-back, relaxing atmosphere where anyone would love to eat some good Southern BBQ. I am looking forward to taking my friends and family to Smoked Bar-B-Que for some delicious barbeque!

I was thrilled to meet so many wonderful hospitality professionals at The Medallion Center today. Their facility was gorgeous – and don’t even get me started on the food!

I look forward to keeping everyone updated on my future experiences here with the Midlands Authority and the fun things I’ll get to “test out” for you!

Read all about the history of the Tronco family in The State.

Keep up with Tronco's Special Events and Catering on Facebook, and "like" Villa Tronco's Italian Restaurant.

What makes a "Successful Meeting" in Columbia, SC?

2011-04-09T17:37:00.004-04:00

Successful Meetings would like to know! It's that time again to submit your nominations for the Successful Meetings Pinnacle Awards. This is an opportunity to celebrate hospitality excellence among convention and visitors bureaus, hotels and meeting facilities setting the bar high and leaving lasting impressions.

Have you had an exceptional meeting or event experience in Columbia? With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, year-round temperate weather, a thriving downtown, rich history, and Southern charm, it’s hard to imagine a meeting that's anything less than stellar. So, take a moment to share your successful meeting experience, whether it was a metropolitan meeting at South Carolina’s only downtown convention center, a quaint reception at a charming historic home, or an energizing seminar at an area hotel.

Be sure to submit your nominations by April 15, 2011. It's a very short form that takes less than a minute to complete. Winners will be announced in the August 2011 issue of Successful meetings.

Vote now:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pinnacle0211

We are honored to have been selected three times for this award.
Here's a list of featured 2010 CVB Pinnacle Award winners:

ConventionSouth and Meetings & Conventions Magazine Readers: Thank you!

2011-02-08T12:18:00.004-05:00

We would like to extend a big thank you to readers of ConventionSouth and Meetings & Conventions Magazine for nominations and recognition of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau as a vital resource in planning your meetings and conventions.

M&C Magazine awarded our CVB with the 2010 Gold Service award. The award recognizes consistent excellence in serving the meetings industry as selected by corporate and association meeting planners. M&C’s readers, relying on their extensive industry experience in both corporate and association markets, made selections based on key criteria including professionalism of staff; support on hotels and site inspections; assistance with ground transportation planning; guidance on local attractions; and liaison with local venders and services.

ConventionSouth Magazine also recognized us with the 2010 Annual Readers' Choice Award for exhibiting excellence, creativity and professionalism in the meetings and conventions industry as selected by its readers. Readers nominated only the best meetings destinations, convention centers, hotels and venues within ConventionSouth's 14-state editorial coverage area.

So thank you, readers of M&C and ConventionSouth. We know that choosing a site for your event can be a difficult task, and we're honored that you find the Columbia Metropolitan CVB helpful in your search for the perfect destination and meeting venue.

10 Tips for Planning a City-Wide Event

2011-02-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

By Crystal Morris

Planning any meeting can be a task in itself, but city-wide events take a little more planning and are best scheduled years in advance. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau considers a city-wide event to be those using three or more hotels and/or meeting facilities. Executive sales manager, Crystal Morris, shares 10 tips to ensure that your city-wide event runs smoothly:

1. Be time-wise. Many cities, especially second-tier destinations, may fill up quickly since facilities and rooms are more limited than first-tier destinations. Our CVB recommends beginning to plan your city-wide event 3-5 years in advance to ensure a broad selection of hotels and meeting facilities.

2. Make the CVB your first call. Many planners begin calling around to individual hotels and facilities, only to find out that they will need to secure more than one venue, especially in second-tier or third-tier cities. Since CVBs work with city-wide events on a regular basis, your sales manager will be able to provide you with creative options that individual hotels or meeting facilities may not. Even if you think a city may be too small to accommodate your largest meeting, you may be surprised with the options a CVB can create for you with just a little time and attention to detail.

3. Have your meeting history handy. Since citywide events require generous amounts of space, hotels and facilities will be more likely to provide you with the best possible rate if you can provide backup on your room block and pickup as well as your budget for meeting space and catering needs. If you do not have your meeting history available, be sure to let your CVB representative know which hotels and facilities you used during your most recent event. We may be able to track down that information for you.

4. Communicate your needs. If you have special stipulations, such as an inability to pay for function space or the need for a hotel room rebate, be sure to tell your CVB representative up-front so that they can build your proposal around those important factors and develop creative budgeting solutions.

5. Think about transportation. Many CVBs will provide options for shuttles or ground transportation from multiple host hotels to your meeting headquarter, and may even offer incentives or discounts. Once you book your transportation, don’t forget the details. Be sure to know the shuttle routes and departure and pick up times in advance. Have a cell phone number for the drivers to stay in constant communication in the case of a delay or the need to make adjustments based on the flow of attendees. Work with the CVB or local airport to ensure cabs and shuttles are prepared and familiar with your group during heavy arrival and departure times.

6. Know what convention services are available based on your group’s size and room block. CVBs offer a wide variety of services that vary in each destination and they may be willing to assist with unconventional services if you ask. Convention services available for free or at a minimal cost may include assistance with the RFP (request for proposal) and bid process, site inspections, publicity and promotion, information tables, brochures and materials, custom meeting microsites, off-site tours and reception locations, and much more. One of the greatest time savers in the process is working with a CVB during the RFP process to save you from repeating your information to several facilities and to bridge the gap when working with multiple facilities to develop the best options for your meeting.

7. See it with your own eyes. Whether you are familiar with a destination or it’s your first time holding an event in a particular city, schedule a visit to check out the facilities and map out your meeting in person. Inquire about upcoming meeting planner FAM (familiarization) tours or site inspection assistance. This type of in-person experience will help you identify the best solutions for your meeting and help you avoid and plan for potential pitfalls prior to your event. Organize a meeting with everyone involved in your meeting, including the CVB, facility representatives, hoteliers, transportation providers, caterers, and everyone else involved in the successful execution of your meeting. This will help you identify overlaps or gaps in communication and delegate responsibilities more effectively.

8. Inquire about entertainment and off-site activities. These are are key to any successful meeting or event. Alternative and unique facilities for receptions or tours, such as college campuses, attractions, or scenic locations that are off the beaten path, will ensure a memorable experience for your attendees.

9. Plan for parking. When collecting registration information, it’s a good idea to find out how many attendees are flying vs. driving in. If you have a lot of drive market attendees, know how much parking is available at or near the meeting facility and communicate that information in advance. If there is insufficient parking, work with the CVB to determine what special accommodations are available for transporting attendees to and from overflow lots.

10. Do your research. Talk to your peers or ask the CVB for testimonials and contact information for planners who have held similar sized events in that destination. They may be able to offer you advice on options you may not have considered or things you should address in the planning stages.

It’s never too early to start planning your city-wide event. Contact one of our sales managers to inquire about availability for your next meeting in Columbia, SC or submit your RFP online today.

2010-02-04T15:22:00.002-05:00

We may be having some COLD weather but, living in Columbia, SC is definitely hot!

Our famously hot slogan just keeps on getting rave reviews and winning awards! Columbia’s “Famously Hot” marketing initiative was recognized with the prestigious Governor’s Cup award as the state’s top travel and tourism honors were presented at the 45th annual S.C. Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel.

We love living in Columbia and hope that you visit our fine city, very soon!!

Benedict College Hosts 3rd Annual Broadband Conference

2009-04-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

The Center of Excellence for the Division of Community Development will host the 3^rd Annual Broadband Conference, Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 8 am to 3 pm at the David H. Swinton Center on the campus of Benedict College.

The theme for this conference is “Broadband on Main Street: Implications for Education, Community, and Economic Development”. The conference features broadband experts from academia and private industry who will discuss the potential for statewide broadband in South Carolina and implications for the $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funding. Conference participants will explore the role that educational institutions in partnerships with government, community organizations, and the private sector can play in developing and implementing broadband applications.

Panelists will discuss the importance that technology plays in education, community, and economic development and recommend steps that can be taken to ensure that cities and towns all over America, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to broadband technology.

“Benedict has been a leader in smart, green, and sustainable approaches to community development,” says Dr. Jabari Simama, the college’s vice president for community development and conference director. “Our new broadband technology center on Two Notch Rd. and the community web portal will help small businesses and community groups become digitally literate.”

The Center of Excellence for Community Development was established to serve as the research and public service arm of the college. In 1999, the College created the Division of Community Development. The division examines issues affecting children and families, business and economic development, community technology, democracy and government.

The conference registration fee is $75 and scholarships are available to qualifying individuals. For more information of the conference and to register call 803-705-4351 or log on to www.benedict.edu/community.html

Allegiant Air Adds Another Destination From Columbia, SC

2009-04-02T13:39:00.002-04:00

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is pleased to announce low cost carrier Allegiant Air will begin service to a second destination from Columbia. Nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida will begin May 27. The airline will fly to Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday and Saturday.

Allegiant Air began flights between Columbia and Orlando in February. They will over introductory fares as low as $29 one-way. Regular fares will average $49 one-way.

Reservations may be made through the company’s website at http://www.allegiantair.com or with the airline’s Reservations Center at 702-505-8888.

Ric Luber, president/CEO of the MACST stated, “The addition of Fort Lauderdale to Allegiant Air’s service from Columbia is a bonus for the city. We now have more destinations that we’re able to reach with nonstop service which should be great news to a meeting planner. So not only is it easier to get here but the city and its amenities are affordable options for that planner on a budget.”

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Homewood Suites by Hilton® Honors Columbia, SC

2009-03-19T13:08:00.003-04:00

Brand’s Annual Conference Pays Tribute to Exceptional Service

Columbia, SC – March 2, 2009 – Homewood Suites by Hilton^Ò, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels, announced the list of team members and hotels honored with awards at the brand’s 20^th annual conference in San Diego, Calif. last week. Ninety hotels were recognized in 12 different categories among the brand’s more than 260 hotels for their exemplary customer service, adherence to Homewood Suites values, and leadership within the industry. Homewood Suites by Hilton of Columbia was awarded Complimentary Services Team of the Year, Reservation Team of the Year, and Consistency in Delivery award for 8 “Outstanding” grades for quality assurance evaluations in a row. Last year, this same hotel won Front Desk Team of the Year as well as General Manager of the Year.

The entire staff works diligently to provide friendly and efficient customer service, clean comfortable surroundings, and high-quality accommodations. Our complimentary services staff, lead by Cry Leggett, continues to exceed our customer’s expectations. Her friendly leadership has directed her team to always listen for opportunities to serve our guests.

“In this down economy, top-notch customer service, targeted sales strategies and efficient hotel operations become even more important to the success of our individual hotels and our brand as a whole,” said Bill Duncan, Global Head of Brand Management, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “Homewood Suites takes pride in outrageously pleasing our guests and we congratulate these top performers with our brand’s highest honors.”

The brand’s annual conference gives general managers and sales directors the opportunity to participate in a variety of intensive training programs, including sessions on revenue management, food and beverage, and sales/marketing. Additionally, networking breaks and other team-building activities help to unify the brand voice and allow for individuals to share ideas, express best practices, and learn about unique programs.

Located at 230 Greystone Blvd, Homewood Suites Columbia offers a mix of 81 studio and one bedroom suites designed for the extended-stay traveler. Amenities include complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast buffet daily, Manager’s Welcome Home reception Monday – Thursday, complimentary parking, onsite heated indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary HSIA, business center, and meeting space for up to 75 people. Nearby attractions include Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, USC, and Government Offices. For more information about rates and specials, call 803-239-4663.

Hot New Hire at the CVB

2009-03-11T11:42:00.003-04:00

the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes Brantley Butler as a new Sales Manager. Simons’ major responsibility will include marketing to the medical, scientific, and engineering markets to host their conventions and events in Columbia. She began her new role on Monday, March 2, 2009.

Butler earned her B.S. in Marketing from Clemson University. She has spent several years in the healthcare industry in the capacity of marketing and development. Her additional studies in biology, chemistry, and anatomy will prove to be beneficial to the scientific market. Butler is member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity and Chi Omega Fraternity and has won many awards including the Helen Brown Service Award in 1998.

On Butler joining the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, President Ric Luber states, “We are very pleased to have Brantley Butler on board. Her proactive approach fits right in with our current staff and her professional background will be useful as our organization taps into new markets.”

Tomorrow is the last day to reserve your spot!

2009-02-25T18:40:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-24T16:26:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

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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Convention Center receives ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award again!

2008-12-18T03:34:00.001-05:00

See "Sites You Can Count On: Readers Name Their Meeting Site Top Picks" p. 41-42
http://conventionsouth.epubxpress.com/link/csm/2008/dec/40?s=0

Your Votes Are In!

For many meeting and event planners, site selection is one of the most important tasks of the job because the perfect venue and destination is one of the foundations for a successful event.

So, this year, when they put the call out to their readers to nominate meeting sites for ConventionSouth's annual Readers' Choice Awards, they asked readers to recommend only the best. Some of you crafted detailed nominations for sites you felt displayed exemplary professionalism from site selection to the end of the event. In fact, one reader said of their nominated site, "They take my scheduled event up one step and make me look so good!"

They received hundreds of nominations for the best meetings destinations, convention centers, hotels and venues within ConventionSouth's 14-state editorial coverage area, and the winners were chosen based on the number of nominations and the detailed comments made by their readers. They believe the select group of meeting sites chosen not only meet but exceed the high demands of meeting planners today--in both physical attributes and their commitment to hospitality and customized services.

ConventionSouth | Food & Beverage Trend: Action Stations Promote Networking

2008-11-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.conventionsouth.com/generalenews.htm

ConventionSouth F&B Trend: Action Stations Promote Networking
By Ashley Wright

From omelets to Asian-inspired delicacies, action stations are being hailed as the newest food and beverage trend for group meals, receptions and other catered events.

According to partyspot.com, a new party planning website, action stations "are sort of halfway between a buffet and a seated meal." The website suggests that guests be served an appetizer and/or a salad at their seats then allow them to venture to different stations to try the various fares. They also add that many party planners are choosing to theme their stations by cuisine, such as sushi at one, tapas at another, etc.

Mack Stone, Columbia (S.C.) Metropolitan Convention Center's general manager and vice president, said he is noticing meeting planners opting for the action stations. He said several rounds with food items placed on platters are positioned around the meeting space. He also noted that this type of set up lends itself to being "a good business atmosphere where attendees can network while grabbing a bite to eat."

"Action stations with the right presentation have proven to be a very good substation for events with restricted budgets," Stone said. "The convention center invested in the action stations a few months ago and they have gone over very well with meeting planners. Attendees enjoy being able to go from station to station and mingle and network with fellow peers."

He emphasized that action stations are "an alternative to a plated lunch or dinner and much more economical. They also make the atmosphere a little more open to conversation and professional relationships."

The possibilities are endless for creative ways to engage in this hot trend, according to Bob St. Lawrence, catering executive chef/general manager for Ovations. "There is so much variety with action stations," he said. "You can keep it simple with fruit, cheese and sandwiches, or go all out with a pasta bar, seafood station, desserts—it really depends on what you want for your reception or event. Attendees love it because there's a wide variety of delicacies and they aren't stuck to a table to enjoy it."

Some regularly used action stations include carving stations, pasta stations and mashed potato stations. Some "out-of-the box" options include a gourmet grilled cheese station offered at the Lafayette Inn in Stanardsville, Va., whose catering department oversees on- and off-site events. A uniformed chef customizes a grill station with a planners' selection of breads and cheeses, such as brie with almonds and raspberry jam on sourdough and mozzarella on sun dried tomato foccaccio. Sandwiches are also served with a demitasse of tomato basil soup.

Job Opening at Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

2008-10-01T16:27:00.000-04:00

VP of Sales Operations
Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia, SC

Responsibilities:
The VP of Sales Operations is responsible for the management of the Convention Sales & Services Department of the CVB ensuring achievement of goals and objectives through the generation of booked convention business. Position manages CVB director of sales, two sales managers, one convention services coordinator and one sales assistant. Role includes management of key citywide accounts as assigned and oversight of all administration areas related to sales including lead distribution, prospecting, report generation, database maintenance and more. The VP of Sales Operations reports to the VP of Sales & Marketing for the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism.*

For more information, please visit our website:
http://www.columbiacvb.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=116&cID=2

The State | 08/12/2008 | It’s official: Columbia is ‘Famously Hot’

2008-08-12T13:08:00.000-04:00

The State | 08/12/2008 | It’s official: Columbia is ‘Famously Hot’

Columbia is "Famously Hot"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7hfxdySwxM

Promotional video produced by ADCO.

Read the official press release, download the new logo and find out more information about the new campaign at www.famouslyhot.com.

The State | 08/10/2008 | Exclusive: Ad Campaign Promises ‘Hot’ Time in Colatown

2008-08-11T19:19:00.001-04:00

The State | 08/10/2008 | Exclusive: Ad Campaign Promises ‘Hot’ Time in Colatown

FAMOUSLY HOT
www.famouslyhot.com

Columbia's Branding Effort

2008-05-30T15:28:00.001-04:00

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is developing a marketing campaign to attract more conventions and visitors to Columbia. A slogan is only a portion of what this campaign will include. The campaign is a comprehensive marketing process that begins with branding and will be carried through with advertising and direct marketing. The campaign will be designed to strategically target the meeting planners, sports event planners and leisure travelers determined by the Authority to be candidates for the many amenities and products Columbia's tourism community has to offer.

Our efforts are being funded by accommodations taxes generated and paid for by visitors who have come to our city. Accommodations taxes are collected for the purpose of funding tourism, which generates $1 billion in economic impact for the Columbia region each year. The travel and tourism industry saves the average local taxpaying family an estimated $690 a year in taxes. Our goal in conducting this new campaign is to increase this economic impact to our region.

We value your opinions and welcome your comments and feedback as we move through this process. Please fill out our online comment form if you wish to share your thoughts with us, or you may email comments to webmaster@columbiaauthority.com with "Branding" in the subject line.

Thank you for your continued interest in this endeavor. You may visit our website at www.columbiacvb.com for more information.

Click here for a printable fact sheet.

Click here for more information.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 1, 2008 - CALL FOR BIDS

2008-03-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

MARKETING & ADVERTISING - CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due April 1, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE.

Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

Are you Certified Friendly?

2008-03-14T12:15:00.000-04:00

The Columbia Riverbanks Region is known for its friendliness. That’s why we offer a one-day training session for employees that frequently interact with area visitors that provides information on enhancing the visitor experience and reinforces the region-wide branding message “Where Friendliness Flows.”

On your next visit, look for desk clerks, wait staff, and a variety of area personnel who wear the gold “Certified Friendly” pin then ask them any questions you might have about the Columbia Riverbanks Region!

Sign up online today at www.certifiedfriendly.com!

Exclusive Kenny Chesney Package Deals! Get your tickets and hotel rooms before they run out!

2008-03-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

KENNY CHESNEY @ WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM
Kenny Chesney's Poets and Pirates Tour 2008
Williams-Brice Stadium
Saturday, April 26, 2008
4:00 PM
Ticket prices: $49.50, $69.50, $89.50 & Zone Premium Seats $165.00

PIRATE and POET Ticket/Hotel Packages also available!

PURCHASE TICKETS & HOTEL PACKAGES ONLINE NOW!

Watch our video and discover all that Columbia has to offer!

2008-03-10T11:38:00.000-04:00

Marketing Campaigns - Call for Bids

2008-03-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due March 20, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE.

Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

Columbia CVB, Convention Center & Hotel Partners Win Best Booth Award at SCSAE

2008-01-25T17:07:00.000-05:00

Columbia, SC Wins 2008 Best Block Award at The Annual SCSAE Tradeshow

Representatives from the Columbia region to include the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC), Embassy Suites Hotel, the Clarion Downtown Hotel, the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC, the Hilton Columbia Center, the Marriott Columbia City Center, the Hilton Garden Inn Harbison, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, and the Hyatt Place won "2008 Best Block" at this year's South Carolina Society of Association Executives (SCSAE) Trade Show which was held Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the CMCC. The trade show featured more than 85 exhibitor booths including three blocks.

Crystal Morris, director of sales for the Columbia CVB recounted, "Working together with hospitality partners for the Columbia Metropolitan area is always enjoyable. From our first SCSAE tradeshow meeting to the conclusion of the show everyone contributed to our booth the "2008 Best Block". Upon hearing we won the award we knew our effort had paid off!"

SCSAE is an organization of chief executive officers and professional staff who manage a variety of trade, professional and nonprofit associations as well as companies that provide products and services to the association community. Organized in 1963, SCSAE now has more than 250 association executives, meeting planners, association staff members and business partners as members. The mission of SCSAE is to promote and enhance the achievement of association management professionals.

Link Your Site to Ours to Help Promote Columbia to Your Group

2008-01-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

To place a graphic link like the one to the left on your website to link to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau website, please visit our website for instructions:

Get the Code:
http://www.columbiacvb.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=489&cID=4

What are you doing?

2007-12-19T22:38:00.000-05:00

Be the first to know the latest meeting planner news and what's happening in Columbia by following us on Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/columbiasc

Visit Our 'Meeting Planner Corner' for Industry Tips, Trends & Enter Contests!

2007-12-19T16:15:00.001-05:00

Visit our Columbia CVB Meeting Planner Corner. Here Columbia CVB sales managers share industry tips and trends relevant to you, the busy meeting planner.

Each month a new tip or trend will be posted, so check back often!

Send us your creative & affordable meeting ideas and you might be our next spotlight! Email to: mengram@columbiaauthority.com.

- Meeting Planners: Get Rewarded for Your Feedback with a Starbucks Gift Card!

- Tips for Planning on a Budget, by Mandi Engram

- Planning Your Site Inspection, by Kelly Barbrey

- Tips for Family Reunion Planning, by Twila Jones

- 10 Tips for Planning a Citywide Event, by Crystal Morris

- Tips on Planning A Wedding, by Twila Jones

- Maximizing Your FAM Experience, by Crystal Morris

- Making the Most of CVBs

- Trade Show Tips for Success

- Top That Table ~ Creative Centerpiece Ideas

- Icebreakers

Columbia to Host 2008 SC Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel

2007-11-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

2008 S.C. Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel
The 2008 Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel will be held Feb. 11-13 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. More than 500 industry professionals are expected to attend to hear motivational talks from national speakers and to exchange ideas on improving the business of tourism. Visit this site often for updates on speakers, agenda and other conference events.

Conference Agenda

Host Hotels
Hilton Columbia Center
Clarion Hotel Downtown

Host City
Columbia, South Carolina

Host Meeting Facility
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Conference Speakers
Steve Zikman
Marti Barletta
Michele Miller
Aristotle Interactive
Marybeth Bond
Bob Seidler

Meeting Planners: Get Rewarded for Your Feedback!

2007-10-11T11:38:00.000-04:00

Enter to Win a $50 Visa Gift Card in exchange for your feedback!

Meeting Planners:

We want to hear from you so we can determine the best ways to communicate information to you in the future! Won't you take 5-10 minutes to answer our online survey? Complete the survey by October 17, 2007, and you will be eligible to win a $50 Visa Gift Card in our drawing. Participation is easy - simply click on the link below and you will be directed to the survey. We appreciate your feedback!

Click here to participate in the the survey or copy and paste this link in your browser:
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB226YYHRSH27

*Only meeting and event planners are eligible for this drawing.

Planning Your Site Inspection

2007-09-18T23:47:00.000-04:00

The phrase “site inspection” may sound industrial, but the term is a bit misleading for these fun-filled mini-trips. If you are new to the industry, you may picture hard hats and construction boots – a far cry from the expertly arranged meals, networking and hotel hopping you are likely to experience.

Site inspections are often the decision-making factor when a meeting planner has a number of cities under consideration for a particular meeting. In brochures and on the Internet many cities look the same, with images of sleek hotels, picturesque sidewalk cafes and glamorous meeting facilities. It can be overwhelming to make a selection based on a proposal packet alone! What better way to decide where to hold a meeting than to see the destinations first-hand?

The Columbia Metropolitan CVB has put together a list of five tips to help you plan your site inspection and get the most out the upcoming visits to your prospective destinations.

JUST THE BASICS

The best place to start when scheduling a site inspection is with a destination’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. The CVB will have access to the most current information on new updates in the community and can typically whip up a schedule that will maximize your time and leave you with some very viable options for your meeting. Remember, your input and RFP will be necessary in pulling together the scheduled facilities – don’t make the CVB take a shot in the dark at your interests. If you love holding receptions in museums, let the CVB know – they will make sure to include some on your tour. Your group’s history will also be helpful to the CVB as they work on your schedule. CVB’s typically provide a host for the duration of the visit, acting as an ambassador throughout your visit. The host will introduce you to the other members of the hospitality community that may be helping with your event should you select that destination.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Different groups have different needs in terms of the timing of a site inspection. Some groups prefer to begin the selection process with a site visit – often visiting five to ten communities that have the capability of handling their various meetings over the course of the next four of five years, then plugging the meetings in where they best fit. Other planners choose to wait until the proposals have been narrowed down to the top two or three for a specific conference or event and schedule site visits of those cities only. The choice is yours – there is no right or wrong time to schedule your site inspection, just make sure to let the CVB know where you are in the decision-making process. How long will you be gone? Depending on the city, a site visit can last one to three days. A site inspection in Columbia typically lasts a day and a half.
RELEVANCE IS KEY

Do your homework by visiting the city’s website and talking with CVB representatives before scheduling a site inspection. Don’t just accept every offer out there, thinking you would be rude to turn down such a gracious invitation. There is nothing worse than time wasted (yours or that of your host!) when a city is not the right fit and you are stuck somewhere for two or three days of tours knowing that city will not be in the running. Most CVB’s are working with a limited budget and will appreciate your honesty if a site inspection is just not in the cards for you for that particular destination.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Knowing what to expect etiquette-wise on a site visit will put you at ease. A CVB rep may invite you on a site inspection, but that invitation does not automatically extend itself to your entire board or committee. Make sure to inform your CVB representative of any additional board members or decision-makers that may benefit from joining you at any point in the site inspection. Typically, the CVB will be up front in what they can pay for, and most are willing to cover most all of your travel and accommodations expenses – within reason, of course. If they are not forthcoming – ask! The two of you will need to talk about the hotel arrangements, airfare (if applicable) and meal cost and what the CVB can cover. The CVB often has to make reservations for meals and transportation, and there is nothing more awkward than arriving at dinner with your party of six at a beautifully set table for three!
ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Ask the CVB rep about attire for the site visit. If you are visiting a zoo, for example, you may want to pack a casual outfit. But also inquire about the degree of dressiness for meals – is the restaurant coat and tie or business casual? Regardless of the destination, you will probably be walking more than you would on a normal work day at your desk, so comfortable and versatile shoes (such as loafers or flats) are a must! Also, take the region into consideration. As with any trip, check the weather forecast before you pack! Finally, the CVB and local hospitality community typically will provide you with some souvenirs or mementos of your trip. If you would prefer that they ship those items home for you, don’t hesitate to ask.

For more information or to arrange a site inspection for your next conference or convention in Columbia, please contact the CVB Sales Department at sales@columbiacvb.com.

Fort Jackson, SC - HOOAH!

2007-08-18T17:28:00.000-04:00

On Friday several of us took a bus tour of Fort Jackson and attended their graduation ceremony. We started off the day at 0800 hours military time and watched a slideshow presentation of several facts about the base. Afterwards we went to a graduation ceremony, and some of us caught ourselves getting emotional not even personally knowing any of the graduates.

Following the graduation ceremony, we witnessed some of the soldiers going through some serious training exercises in some pretty intense heat. You have to be in tip top shape to be able to accomplish some of the challenges they were facing, especially the climbing wall. Seeing this training first hand really gives you a new appreciation for what these men and women are doing. Not only did they have to complete the training, but they had to walk about thirty-five minutes to and from the training area in triple digit temperatures. We also saw their sleeping quarters and read the rules they have to abide by which included no makeup and no hair dryers, and I know that would be difficult for most women including myself.

What came next was totally unexpected, but definitely the most exciting part of the day. We went into a training room with digital screens soldiers use to walk through real life situations and practice shooting, then they go back and replay their hits and misses and see how accurate their shooting is. Now what I didn't expect is that we would actually get to try it out ourselves, which we did! Let me tell you, it is intense and really gets your adrenaline pumping to the point you actually feel like it's you or the person on the screen you're shooting at. I cannot imagine the thoughts running through your mind when you're actually put in that type of situation. I really respect these soldiers and their families for putting their lives on the line everyday for us.

By now we had worked up quite an appetite and we were lucky enough to get to eat at their dining facility, which just recently won an award for second best in the nation for military dining facilities. I wasn't expecting the food to be that great just from the stories you hear, but I must say I was quite impressed with the food. It kind of reminded me of Lizard's Thicket, which is quite popular in Columbia with the locals. After we were finished with our lunch, they presented us with a group photo that was taken earlier in the day and a military challenge coin. Apparently, if you get one of these coins you never want to get caught without it or you have to drop and do twenty push ups or buy the other person a drink. I thought this was a very special end to the day.

I would highly recommend this tour if you are looking to do something out of the ordinary and adventurous, if you are planning a military reunion or even if you just want to learn how to say, "Hooah!" If you would like more information about setting up a tour of Fort Jackson for your group and need assistance in securing hotel rooms and meeting space, please contact me at mengram@columbiacvb.com.

Tips for Family Reunion Planning by Twila Jones

2007-08-17T21:34:00.000-04:00

Tips for Family Reunion Planning by Twila Jones
Sales Manager, Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Specializing in Religious, Social & Multi-Cultural Markets
(803) 545-0017
tjones@columbiacvb.com

Family reunions are a STAPLE among those with southern roots. Each year, thousands of families juggle commitments with school, church and work to come together to celebrate the FAMILY. All summer long shaded backyards, city parks and lake shores are filled with adults and children wearing their family T-shirts and enjoying lots of great food and fun.

Coordinating such an event can be exciting and rewarding. Some families plan years in advance and rotate to new destinations each year. Others opt for quaint backyard BBQ's or a picnic at the park. Either way, the rewards are endless and the memories last a life time.

Here are some ways you can enjoy your trip to Columbia and learn more about your family's heritage:
1. Schedule a time to sit down and talk candidly with the oldest relative in your family. Make sure to bring a pad and pen. You'll learn a lot about your heritage and take away some great stories to share with your children.

2. Hire a photographer (non-relative) to capture all of your reunion activities. Pictures are lasting and are a great way to reflect back on good times with family and friends.

3. Go back and tour the neighborhood where your grandparents or parents grew up. It's sometimes very humbling to see where you came from and how much progress your family has made over the years.

4. Don't just concentrate on playing and shopping, schedule times to tour museums, historic homes and other cultural attractions. Do something rewarding and make learning fun for the entire family. The Historic Columbia Foundation is one of many resources to help you enjoy the historical side of our city.

5. Spend a few extra dollars and select a host property that will give you everything you need. If you haven't traveled in a while, you may not have realized how much hotels have evolved. Many of our select and full service properties now offer amenities such as guest laundry, fitness rooms, flat panel TV's, elaborate dining areas, discounts to area attractions and much more.

6. Put a committee together to explore your family's genealogy or research the family name. Visit the Richland County Public Library or the SC Department of Archives & History to get started.

7. Don't just grill or slap your meat on a bun at mealtime. Gather the aspiring chefs in the family and put together a menu that's sure to wow everyone who attends. Mac's on Main is just one of our great restaurants that offer a cookbook of southern cuisine recipes. Learn more at http://www.macsjazznblues.com/

8. Use your resources. Don't just plan on a whim, allow the Convention & Visitor's Bureau to work for you. CVB's are a one-stop way of getting the best out of your visit without dealing with a whole slew of people.

We guide you through the process of locating a venue for family functions, locating hoteliers for lodging, providing guides and brochures and much more. But the best part is our services are complimentary. Contact us today!

Embassy Suites Awarded “Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains With Full Service” by J.D. Power and Associates

2007-08-17T16:32:00.000-04:00

EMBASSY SUITES® AWARDED “HIGHEST GUEST SATISFACTION AMONG UPSCALE
HOTEL CHAINS WITH FULL SERVICE” BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES

Upscale Brand Reclaims Honor for Precedent-Setting Fifth Time; Sixth Time Overall

MEMPHIS, Tenn. July 24, 2007 – Embassy Suites Hotels, the leading upscale all-suite hotel brand, announced it has received the “Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” award in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM,. The brand last received the accolade in 2003.

“We are extremely proud to reclaim the J.D. Power and Associates award and be ranked the highest in guest satisfaction among upscale, full-service hotels for the fifth time,” said Jim Holthouser, senior vice-president – brand management, Embassy Suites Hotels. “Since the beginning of 2006, our owners and our brand have put nearly $600 million into our hotels as part of the 20/10 brand enhancement program. These new services and amenities – self-service registration kiosks, business centers, as well as extensive renovations to our older properties have kept the brand up-to-date and allowed us to keep in step with changing guests’ needs,” said Holthouser.

The 20/10 brand enhancement plan has improved some of the key elements of the Embassy Suites brand, mainly the complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast. The program has also introduced new elements to augment the brand's position in the all-suite category, including business centers, a new bedding program, Bloom amenities and the EmbassyDirect Registration kiosk featuring airline boarding pass printing. The extensive renovations taking place also promote greater consistency across all hotels within the brand.
According to the study, Embassy Suites Hotels received highest ratings in three of seven key measures of guest experience; specifically, check-in/check-out, food and beverage, and costs and fees.

The 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses from 47,634 guests who stayed in a hotel between May 2006 and June 2007. Brands in the “Upscale” category are characterized by offering full-service restaurants, multiple meeting facilities and a complete range of hotel services.

About Embassy Suites Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels and opened its first hotel in 1984. It was the first all-suite upscale hotel brand to enter the industry and today has nearly 190 hotels. To make reservations or learn the locations of Embassy Suites Hotels in urban, suburban, airport and resort areas, travelers can visit the Embassy Suites Hotels Web site at www.embassysuites.com, call 1-800-EMBASSY or contact their professional travel agent.
Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) is the leading global hospitality company, with nearly 2,800 hotels and 475,000 rooms in 76 countries, including 100,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels and Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on hotel ratings, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

###

Tips on Planning a Wedding by Twila Jones

2007-07-11T23:22:00.000-04:00

By Twila Jones
Sales Manager of Religious, Multicultural & Social Markets
Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Columbia is a beautiful area to plan a wedding. Whether back dropped amidst the stained glass windows of one of our local churches or posed in a gazebo at one of our historical homes and gardens, couples can find just about any wedding setting they wish in our capital city. But beyond nature’s beauty and architectural treasures, brides and grooms are sometimes challenged with the tedious job of planning the wedding itself.

Whether you opt for a traditional ceremony or a Hollywood style celebration, deciding what you want and putting the plan into action is key. Before you watch the next episode of “Weddings of the Rich & Famous”, consider the following:

1. Budget
Times have changed. Today, many couples pay for their own wedding. Suggestions from others are fine, but make sure you don’t get off track by listening too much to family and friends. They may have lots of ideas but you’ll be the one writing the checks when it’s all said and done.

2. Venue Selection
Unless you are marrying in your backyard, each property you rent comes with a price tag, so choose wisely. Consider utilizing the same venue for several events (i.e. rehearsal dinner, lodging for guests, reception, etc). Properties often will reduce your costs when multiple events will be hosted on site. Certain months are also more popular than others, so you may have to be a little flexible with your wedding date in order to get the venue you want.

3. Upgrade Wisely
Everyone wants to have the wedding of the century but most of us don’t have the funds to pull that off. Before you pick your menu, order your flowers or schedule your honeymoon, sit down and reflect on what is most important to YOU not your guests. Don’t break the bank on everything, choose one or two areas in which to splurge, then use simpler ideas when planning the rest. Keep reading...

18 Tips for Planning on a Budget by Mandi Engram

2007-07-11T23:18:00.002-04:00

Mandi Engram, Sales Manager
Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Specializing in Education, Fraternal, Government & Military Meetings

No matter where you are planning your next meeting, make sure you start by contacting the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. While each CVB is different, they all provide services that will save you both time and money. There are an endless number of ways to a better bottom line when it comes to budgeting, several of which are listed below:

1. Start by contacting the CVB.Our CVB provides the following complimentary services:
· Request for Proposal (RFP) – Just provide us with your meeting specifications, and we will determine which hotels and meeting facilities best suit the needs of your group and request proposals from just those properties. We can provide you with the rates in one easy to read document, and save you the hassle of having repeat your information over and over when contacting several facilities.
· Site Inspections· Brochures/Materials · Publicity· Information Center· Tours· Special Assistance

2. Plan ahead.- The further out you begin planning, the more likely you are to get the rate you want at the property you want for the dates you want. Many groups are booking their meetings now for 2009, but some as far out as 2015. The more time you give properties to respond to your request, the more responses you are likely to get.

3. Book multiple meetings at once.- Regardless of how small or large your meeting is, some hotels can offer groups discounts if you are willing to contract multiple meetings with them.

4. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Keep reading...

Ten Tips for Planning a City-Wide Event by Crystal Morris

2007-07-11T23:14:00.000-04:00

Planning any meeting can be a task in itself, but city-wide events take a little more planning and are best scheduled years in advance. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau considers a city-wide event to be those using 3 or more hotels and/or meeting facilities. Crystal Morris of the Columbia CVB shares the following ten tips to ensure that your city-wide event runs smoothly:

1. Be time-wise. Many cities, especially those smaller in size like Columbia, may fill up quickly since facilities and rooms are more limited than in first-tier destinations. Our CVB recommends beginning to plan your city-wide event 3-5 years in advance to ensure your pick of hotels and meeting facilities.

2. Make the CVB your first call. Many planners start calling around to individual hotels and facilities, only to find out that they will need to secure more than one venue, especially in second-tier or third-tier cities. Since the CVB works with city-wide events on a regular basis, your CVB sales manager will be able to provide you with creative options for your city-wide that a individual hotel or meeting facility cannot. Even if you think a city may be too small to accommodate your largest meeting, you may be surprised with the options a CVB can create for you with just a little time and attention to detail.

3. Have meeting history handy. Since citywide events require generous amounts of space, hotels and facilities will be more likely to provide you with the best possible rate if you can provide backup on your room block and pickup as well as your budget for meeting space and catering needs. If you do not have your meeting history available, be sure to let your CVB representative know which hotels and facilities you used during your most recent past event. We may be able to track down that information for you.

4. Communicate your needs. If you have special stipulations, such as an inability to pay for function space or the need for a hotel room rebate, be sure to tell your CVB representative up-front so that they can build your proposal around those important factors.

5. Think about transportation. Keep reading...

Welcome to the Columbia Visitors Bureau Sales Team Blog!

2007-07-11T23:09:00.000-04:00

The Columbia Visitors Bureau welcomes you to our new blog. We are here to share meeting tips and exciting meeting news about the Columbia Riverbanks Region. We hope the blog will be a tool for you to learn a little more about meeting planning and a lot more about Columbia, South Carolina.