Meeting News - April 7, 2008 - (Page 25)

Destination Insider: South Carolina Edited by Rayna Katz rayna.katz@nielsen.com MeetingNews Q & A: Columbia Takes Off MeetingNews recently talked with Ric Luber, president and CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports, and Tourism, who provided a window into Columbia’s emergence as an important meetings and conventions player in the state of South Carolina. Q A Q A What are Columbia’s strengths as a meetings destination? Our strongest attribute is our southern hospitality. In exit interviews, our service levels are always mentioned. Q A What types of meeting and convention groups do you target? Columbia has never really been strongly marketed as a meetings destination, so many planners don’t know much about us. We’re embarking on a major marketing program to show that we have a complete product with excellent facilities, hotels, entertainment, and dining. Q A Q A What are your biggest challenges in attracting groups? How has the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center impacted group business since its opening three years ago? It undoubtedly established Columbia as a meetings destination. Last year, the convention center had a 78-percent occupancy rate, so to say it has been well received would be an understatement. Columbia is already very strong with state associations and an increasing number of national associations. Now, we’re focusing our efforts on attracting more corporate business. We have major companies like Michelin, Pella Windows, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the area that help drive our corporate business. Fort Jackson is nearby, and it stages training sessions in our facilities. In addition, there are seven colleges and universities in Columbia that are able to stage seminars and conferences. What might planners not know about Columbia? We have a strong cultural scene, highlighted by well-developed professional and amateur theater productions throughout the city and on nearby college campuses. Also, for de-stressing between meetings, our riverfront is a major attribute because it provides 13 miles of jogging trails that go through the heart of the city. r www.meetingnews.com April 7, 2008 MeetingNews 25 http://www.carolinafirstcenter.com http://www.carolinafirstcenter.com http://www.carolinafirstcenter.com http://www.greenvillecvb.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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