VisitColumbiaMO.com; @VisitColumbiaMO
Columbia is a vibrant, exciting city, according to Terra Nuzum, tourism sales specialist for Visit Columbia. “From fascinating museums and art galleries to stunning architecture and scenic trails, Columbia offers something for everyone,” she says. “Meeting attendees can explore unique shopping spots and lush parks and indulge in locally sourced cuisine that celebrates our diverse culture and rich heritage. Our community is all about making visitors feel like family, going the extra mile to ensure everyone experiences the warmth and hospitality that makes Columbia unforgettable.”
Columbia has three colleges with event venues. These include the 571-seat Launer Auditorium and a room with seating for 200 theater style at Columbia College; 1,784-seat Jesse Auditorium and 25 meeting rooms at the University of Missouri; and 350-person-capacity Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College.
Columbia’s North Village Arts District is home to artists, musicians, and live performance venues. The District, a downtown destination, has boutiques, nightlife, and local dining. The Arcade and The Stockyards feature a retro arcade with an indoor theater, an outdoor movie screen, a brewery, a distillery, and restaurants.
According to Visit Columbia, The Broadway, a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, will debut a second tower this spring, adding new meeting space and guest rooms. In February, the Holiday Inn Executive Center became the Wyndham Executive Center Columbia: Expo Center and is now undergoing major renovations expected to be completed this fall. Currently, the facility has 298 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of function space to host 2,700 conference guests.
Other larger event hotels include Hilton Garden Inn Columbia, with 151 guest rooms and 12,638 square feet of event space; 180-room Stoney Creek Columbia, with approximately 10,000 square feet of function space, including a 600-person capacity ballroom; and Courtyard by Marriott Columbia, with 133 guest rooms and 9,602 square feet of function space. The city has more than 3,500 guest rooms.
