Midlands
ExperienceColumbiaSC.com; @ColumbiaSC
South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia offers planners a unique combination of historic charm and fresh, modern perspectives, says Charlene Slaughter, director of communications for Experience Columbia SC. “Clients rave about our culinary scene, hospitality, history, walkable downtown, and outstanding hotels and experiences. They also love the ease of flying in and out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).”
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center features 142,500 square feet of meeting space across 19 rooms. The venue is near 2,000 hotel rooms and more than 60 restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. Marriott Columbia has 17,896 square feet of event space across 17 event rooms and 14 breakout rooms; its largest space can accommodate up to 850 for receptions and 500 for banquets. The 222-room Hilton Columbia Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has 5,956 square feet of event space across five event rooms; its largest space can accommodate 280 people seated theater style and 220 for receptions.
The 237-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia, South Carolina—near the I-20/I-26 junction and 10 minutes from downtown, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and the University of South Carolina—has 23,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel’s largest space can host 1,500 people theater style and 800 banquet style. Embassy Suites, located near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, features 18,000 square feet of event space across 18 meeting rooms. Marriott Delta Columbia Northeast hotel has 16,215 square feet of meeting space across nine rooms; its largest space can accommodate up to 250 people.
Central Energy in Columbia’s historic Bull Street District accommodates up to 500 guests. Segra Park, home to the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball team, can host a capacity of 15,000 people for major outdoor events. It also features 16 luxury suites and a 7,000-square-foot club lounge for private events. Stone River, overlooking the Congaree River, has several event spaces, including a 2,900-square-foot indoor reception room, an 800-square-foot covered wrap-around porch, and a 1,500-square-foot outdoor pavilion and patio.
Numerous Columbia attractions have event space, including Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia Museum of Art, and the South Carolina State Museum, which can host up to 1,000 people.
