COLUMBIA, S.C. – Experience Columbia SC (ECSC) has named Jeff Homad as its new vice president.
Homad, who comes to Columbia from Memphis Tourism, will be responsible for the leadership and management of daily operations of Experience Columbia SC and the Visitors Center.
Homad brings more than 20 years of management, sales, marketing, and advertising experience within the DMO and hospitality industry. He was vice president of convention sales and services at Memphis Tourism and has worked in executive-level positions for hotels and resorts across the country.
“The Columbia region is just a great area,” Homad said. “There’s just something about the state, Midlands and the people. There’s so much to do both for meeting attendees and leisure travelers.
It’s a special place. I’m looking forward to working with the team and getting more people to experience Columbia because once they do, they’ll want to meet and be here.”
Homad said Columbia’s drive market puts it in a lucrative space to attract more meeting and business and leisure travelers, especially given the current restrictions due to the pandemic.
“Columbia is such a great drive market. We’ll want to own the drive market within the 300-to-600-mile radius of the city, and get back to conducting meetings. People are much more open to driving than flying, which positions Columbia very well,” Homad said.
ECSC president and CEO Bill Ellen said Homad is the ideal person to lead and strengthen the organization through this difficult time in the tourism industry.
“Jeff brings outstanding DMO experience, as well as extensive knowledge of hotel sales and marketing,” Ellen said. “We’re looking forward to Jeff leading our CVB to new levels…. I have total confidence that he will make our team stronger.”
Homad said he is excited about getting involved and engaging with the community, as he and his wife enjoy volunteering and helping in local efforts.
“To the community—we’re here to support and help,” he said. “The door is always open. We always want to talk to everyone about opportunity and how to bring business to the region. If people have thoughts and ideas, we welcome the different perspectives anyone has to offer. We’ll be doing all that we can to keep Columbia in the forefront of the meetings industry.”
