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Columbia’s central location allows attendees to “meet in the middle from all directions,” says Terra Nuzum, tourism sales specialist for Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “We are an ideal location for events. In addition to being easily accessible, Columbia is affordable, vibrant, and fun. There is always something for every age and interest. What truly sets us apart is our strong focus on hospitality. We want to make sure every attendee has a memorable experience that leaves them eager to return.”
There are approximately 3,726 guest rooms in the city, according to the CVB. Wyndham Executive Center Columbia, which expects to complete a full renovation by 2027, has 298 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet of function space to seat up to 1,600 banquet guests; the 151-room Hilton Garden Inn has 12,638 square feet of meeting space; and the 181-room Stoney Creek Columbia and Frontier Conference Center has four main event rooms with space to seat 600 banquet guests. The Broadway Columbia, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel debuted a new tower in 2025; it now has 192 guest rooms and 9,000 square feet of event space. Additionally, the 133-room Courtyard by Marriott Columbia has 9,602 square feet of event space to host up to 450 guests; the 134-room Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia at the University of Missouri has 7,088 square feet of meeting space; and voco, The Tiger Hotel, a historic downtown landmark, has 62 guest rooms and event space for up to 200 seated guests.
Event venues on the campuses of Columbia’s three colleges include the 1,700-seat Jesse Auditorium, 1,200-seat historic Missouri Theatre, two auditoriums, and more than 30 meeting rooms at the University of Missouri; a variety of spaces at Columbia College, including the 571-seat Launer Auditorium; and the 350-person-capacity Kimball Ballroom and the newly renovated Hugh Stephens Penthouse at Stephens College that can host 120 reception guests.
Columbia prides itself on a variety of locally owned restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries, with parks, trails, and nature areas to explore, plus unique opportunities for teambuilding and excursions. “Visitors will enjoy Rocheport, a small, charming town a few miles away with a general store, antique shops and more; North Village Arts District, with galleries, restaurants, shops, and a monthly First Friday Art Crawl; The Stockyards, with fun for the whole family; the Shops at Sharp End, with a rich Black history and heritage trail to explore; and The District, a several-block area of downtown with dining, retail, and live entertainment, surrounded by our three college campuses,” says Nuzum.
