In the heart of South Carolina, tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly in Columbia. It’s a modern city where stately buildings buzz with new businesses, and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives. As home to both the state’s capital and its largest university, it’s a vibrant city and creative hub that’s bursting with big ideas, forward thinkers and modern attitudes.
Accessible and affordable with big-city amenities and a small-town feel, Columbia is the ideal place for small to mid-size events. The mix of hotels provide lots of options and with three interstates that intersect the city and a regional airport, getting here is straightforward. Home to the only downtown convention center in the state, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center spans 142,500 square feet with 15 fully-customizable meeting rooms that can comfortably welcome groups of various sizes. Plentiful accommodations, walkability and overall manageability make for logistics that are as friendly as the people.
With dynamite shopping, characteristic Southern charm (and food!), as well as tons to see and do year-round, event attendees will feel right at home. Columbia fosters continuous innovation and a creative culture that’s palpable. It’s the hippest city you’ve never heard and—bonus!—comes without the headaches and hassles common to many other larger cities. You get all this amidst surrounding natural beauty. It doesn’t take long to get from the middle of downtown to what seems like the middle of nowhere with nearby Congaree National Park and the Saluda, Broad and Congaree Rivers running right through town.
Come as you are and discover all that makes Columbia a real Southern hot spot. Its natural beauty and historic significance serve as a rich backdrop for a city bursting with growth, creativity and the excitement of what’s to come. We’ll be waiting for you with a glass of sweet tea, unless of course you’d prefer something barrel-aged or bacon-infused.
