Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Job Opening at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center!

2008-08-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.columbiacvb.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=116&cID=2

Employee of the Quarter Announced

2008-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS KATIE COKER!

Mary “Katie” Coker has been selected as the Employee of the Quarter for January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008. Katie has been employed with the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism since November 15, 2006. Katie is a Sales Manager with the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The Authority Board along with our President/CEO and the entire staff at the Midlands Authority would like to congratulate Katie for this recognition.

Previous recipients include Karen Wooten, Mandi Engram, Ashleigh Pair, Sylvia Martin, Jennifer Freeman, Barbara Haggray, Keva Jennings, Kelly Barbrey and Crystal Morris.

THIS WEEKEND: FLW Outdoor's $2 Million Forrest Wood Cup & Outdoor Show

2008-08-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Check out FLW this weekend at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center!
http://www.columbiacvb.com/calendar/index.cfm?action=showDetail&eventID=4040

The State | 08/12/2008 | It’s official: Columbia is ‘Famously Hot’

2008-08-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

The State | 08/12/2008 | It’s official: Columbia is ‘Famously Hot’

Columbia is "Famously Hot"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7hfxdySwxM

Promotional video produced by ADCO.

Read the official press release, download the new logo and find out more information about the new campaign at www.famouslyhot.com.

The State | 08/10/2008 | Exclusive: Ad Campaign Promises ‘Hot’ Time in Colatown

2008-08-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

The State | 08/10/2008 | Exclusive: Ad Campaign Promises ‘Hot’ Time in Colatown

FAMOUSLY HOT
www.famouslyhot.com

Columbia's Rebranding Effort

2008-05-30T12:27:00.001-07:00

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is developing a marketing campaign to attract more conventions and visitors to Columbia. A slogan is only a portion of what this campaign will include. The campaign is a comprehensive marketing process that begins with branding and will be carried through with advertising and direct marketing. The campaign will be designed to strategically target the meeting planners, sports event planners and leisure travelers determined by the Authority to be candidates for the many amenities and products Columbia's tourism community has to offer.

Our efforts are being funded by accommodations taxes generated and paid for by visitors who have come to our city. Accommodations taxes are collected for the purpose of funding tourism, which generates $1 billion in economic impact for the Columbia region each year. The travel and tourism industry saves the average local taxpaying family an estimated $690 a year in taxes. Our goal in conducting this new campaign is to increase this economic impact to our region.

We value your opinions and welcome your comments and feedback as we move through this process. Please fill out our online comment form if you wish to share your thoughts with us, or you may email comments to webmaster@columbiaauthority.com with "Branding" in the subject line.

Thank you for your continued interest in this endeavor. You may visit our website at www.columbiacvb.com for more information.

Click here for a printable fact sheet.

Click here for more information.

Job Opening at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

2008-05-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

MIDLANDS AUTHORITY FOR CONVENTIONS, SPORTS & TOURISM

POSITION – Sales/Event Assistant

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

For more information, please visit the Careers page of our website.

Summit on Women to be held at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center April 16, 2008

2008-03-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Nicole D. Smith
Media Relations Director
803.545.0011
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

SC Summit on Women To Be Held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Columbia, SC – (March 31, 2008) The SC Summit on Women, sponsored by The South Carolina Commission on Women and The Alliance for Women at Columbia College, will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) Wednesday, April 16. Admission costs for this event is $25 for students, $35 for nonprofits, and $45 for individuals. More than 500 people are expected to attend this event.

The theme for this event is “A Day of Hope and Inspiration for Progress Made and Opportunities Ahead”. Guest speakers include Carolyn Sawyer, Debbie Walsh, executive director for the RutgersCenter for Women in American Politics at Rutgers University, and SC Attorney General, Henry McMaster. For further information on this event, please contact Michelle Hardy at michellehardy@bellsouth.net or (803) 944-0637. More information can also be found at www.allianceforwomen.net.

The mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is to provide a first-class venue offering superior operations management and state-of-the-science amenities for the successful coordination of meetings, conventions, tradeshows, entertainment and other special events utilizing the facility; enhancing the economic viability and image of the Columbia Riverbanks Region. To learn more about the Convention Center, visit www.columbiaconventioncenter.com or call (803) 545-0001.

# # #

Job Openings at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

2008-03-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

POSITION – Part-time Engineer Assistants

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

The Part-Time Engineer Assistants will assist the engineering staff with maintenance and repair of equipment, systems, grounds and building. Minimum requirements are Journeyman License or equal experience. The position will require some evening and weekend work. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Send resumes to Human Resources, PO Box 15, Columbia, SC, 29202, fax to 803 545-0028, or e-mail to careers@columbiaauthority.com. Contact telephone number for additional information is 545-0048. EOE

For more information or an employment application, please click here to visit our website.

Job Opening with the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

2008-03-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

POSITION – Assistant Engineer

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

The Assistant Engineer will provide assistance to the Facilities Engineer in maintaining HVAC, electrical, lighting, data, telephone, and plumbing systems. Responsibilities will include supplying clients using the facility with utility services and electrical equipment, assisting and maintaining owners operating manuals, maintenance records, repair of building and grounds, and performing a maintenance program on all equipment. Candidate must have electrical and HVAC experience. Must have remodeling experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience and also be able to work flex time which will include evenings and weekends. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Send resumes to Human Resources, PO Box 15, Columbia, SC, 29202, fax to 803 545-0028, or e-mail to careers@columbiaauthority.com. Position will be posted until filled. EOE

For more details, please visit our website.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 1, 2008 - CALL FOR BIDS

2008-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

MARKETING & ADVERTISING - CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due April 1, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE.

Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

Exclusive Kenny Chesney Package Deals! Get your tickets and hotel rooms before they run out!

2008-03-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

KENNY CHESNEY @ WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM
Kenny Chesney's Poets and Pirates Tour 2008
Williams-Brice Stadium
Saturday, April 26, 2008
4:00 PM
Ticket prices: $49.50, $69.50, $89.50 & Zone Premium Seats $165.00

PIRATE and POET Ticket/Hotel Packages also available!

PURCHASE TICKETS & HOTEL PACKAGES ONLINE NOW!

Event lures budget brides-to-be at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

2008-03-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bridal showcase gives couples ideas on how to save money for big day:

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/341507.html

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Video Segment

2008-03-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

Marketing Campaigns - Call for Bids

2008-03-10T07:37:00.001-07:00

CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due March 20, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE.

Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup - August 14-17, 2008

2008-01-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup, Presented by Castrol

Dates & Times:

August 14, 2008
2:00 - 8:00 pm

August 15, 2008
2:00 - 8:00 pm

August 16, 2008
10:00 am - 8:00 pm

August 17, 2008
10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Website: http://www.flwoutdoors.com/

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Admission: Exhibition is FREE and Open to the Public

Event Sponsors: Castrol, Walmart, Chevrolet and many more

Event Contact: Kim Lynn, klynn@flwoutdoors.com, (270) 252-1599

Expected Attendance: 60,000+ over 4 days

__________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE
For additional information, please contact:
Dave Washburn, vice president of communications, 270.252.1607

FLW Outdoors Announces 2008 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Schedule
Forrest Wood Cup Heading to Columbia, S.C.

DETROIT (July 11, 2007) - FLW Outdoors announced its 2008 Wal-Mart FLW Tour schedule today at the Chevy Open. The schedule includes some familiar destinations for the world's top bass anglers plus the introduction of a new 12-day off-limits at every tour stop.

The new off-limits, adopted at the request of FLW Tour anglers, will precede an official practice period that starts the Saturday prior to each tournament and extends through Tuesday of the tournament week. Registration for each event will be held on a Wednesday and no competitors will be allowed on tournament waters that day. Competition will run Thursday through Sunday, with the FLW Tour's traditional top-10 cut taking place following Friday's weigh-in. The heaviest cumulative weight from Saturday and Sunday will determine the winning pro as in 2007.

In addition to the off-limits period, FLW Tour anglers may not solicit or receive fishing information from anyone except for confirmed tournament anglers in 2008. Anglers who make the top-10 cut may not solicit or receive fishing information from anyone except for other top-10 anglers. During practice, pro anglers may fish only with other confirmed tournament anglers, immediate family members, approved sponsor representatives or approved media representatives.

Also new for 2008 is an adjustment to the payouts in the $1.5 million Wal-Mart, Chevy and National Guard opens that will see a greater percentage of the field receiving at least $10,000. Payouts of $10,000 cash will now extend through 75th place in Pro Division. Cash awards of $5,000 will extend through 100th place in each of the opens. Payouts in of the tour's three $1 million qualifiers remains unchanged with $10,000 cash awards extending though 50th place and $2,000 cash through 75th place. Additionally, pros finishing 76th through 100th will receive a $100 gas card from BP at each $1 million qualifier in 2008.

"All of our program enhancements for 2008 were adopted to continue to grow the sport," said FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Evans. "Our mission is to provide the absolute best tournaments possible for our anglers, our sponsors and our fans. We are having a terrific 2007 season and 2008 promises to be even better."

Wal-Mart FLW Tour competition kicks off Feb. 28-March 2 on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla., and then continues on Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, Ala., April 3-6. Lake Norman in Charlotte, N.C., will host the $1.5 million National Guard Open April 24-27 followed by the $1.5 million Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Ark., May 15-18. Knoxville, Tenn., will host the fifth tour stop June 19-22 with anglers fishing Fort Loudoun-Tellico, and the Detroit River in Detroit, Mich., will host the $1.5 million Chevy Open July 10-13. The $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol will be held on Lake Murray in Columbia, S.C., Aug. 14-17.

Entry fees for 2008 are unchanged at $3,500 per qualifier and $4,000 per open for pros and $700 per qualifier and $800 per open for co-anglers. The top 100 anglers from the 2007 FLW Tour and the top 30 anglers from the 2007 Wal-Mart FLW Series will have priority entry into the 2008 FLW Tour. Entry dates will be released soon.

Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Ranger Owens Tournament Championship Series, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses of nearly $43 million through 241 events in 2007.

Wal-Mart and many of America's largest and most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart signed on as an FLW Outdoors sponsor in 1997 and today is the world's leading supporter of tournament fishing. For more information about Wal-Mart, visit http://www.walmart.com/.

For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit http://www.flwoutdoors.com/ or call (270) 252-1000.

Columbia Bridal Associates Spring Bridal Showcase

2008-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Columbia Bridal Associates Spring Bridal Showcase

Dates: March 9, 2008

Times: Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Website: http://www.columbiabride.com/

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Admission: $7.00 per person

You have envisioned your wedding day, your exquisite wedding gown, and the look on your groom’s face when he sees you walk down the aisle. And, now that day is upon you — You are getting married! The next several months will be filled with excitement, romance, and joy.
The folks at Columbia Bridal Associates would like to help you make some of those very important wedding plans and make your dream become a reality.

SC Book Festival - February 22-24, 2008

2008-01-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

South Carolina Book Festival - February 22-24, 2008

Dates: February 22, 2008 - February 24, 2008

Times: Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 11am - 5pm

Website: http://www.scbookfestival.org

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Admission: General Festival Events are FREE and Open to the Public

The festival serves as the centerpiece for what has become South Carolina's premier annual literary weekend. Nearly sixty nationally-known authors for readings and signings; loads of booksellers and exhibitors; and thousands upon thousands of readers. This year celebrates our 10th Anniversary of this wonderful event. Check out our official web site for author listings and the schedule of events. Browse through the site for bios of authors appearing, a schedule of events, festival vendors, and lists of the folks who make this event happen. And be sure to check back often for updates or join our email list for the latest Book Festival news and happenings.

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism Adopts Lincoln Street

2008-01-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

(From Left to Right; Mandi Engram, Nicole Smith, Ellie France)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Nicole Smith
Director of Media Relations

(803) 545-0011

nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

PRINTABLE VERSION

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism Adopts-A-Street

Columbia, SC – (January 25, 2008) In an effort to give back to the community, the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) has signed an agreement to participate in the Adopt-A-Street cleanup program through Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the City of Columbia. The MACST has adopted the portion of Lincoln Street that runs alongside the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from Blossom Street to Elmwood Avenue. The first cleanup day is scheduled for February 8, 2008.

According to Peter Tarlow, renowned international tourism expert and author, "Beautification helps a tourism entity grow by attracting more visitors, providing positive word of mouth publicity, creating an environment that tends to lift the spirits of service personnel, and creates community pride often resulting in the lowering of crime rates."

Ric Luber, president/CEO for the MACST states, "We like to think of beautification as having an impact on the local economy. When a meeting planner visits the Riverbanks region, it's imperative that we are able to showcase a clean and healthy environment with great restaurants, attractions, and unique shopping. A clean and unpolluted region is a great selling point for our community."

Through the Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Street programs, caring citizens take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the Midlands. Participating community organizations (civic, school or business groups) adopt sections of road in or near their communities and clean litter from those segments at least four times a year for two years.

The benefits are numerous. First, the program serves as an educational tool against littering and establishes stewardship of public lands. Secondly, the program helps advance tourism, development and quality of life for all of our citizens by improving the appearance of our area. Finally, the program saves taxpayer dollars by performing a valuable public service on a volunteer basis.

###

Columbia Convention Center, CVB & Hotel Partners Win Best Booth Award at SCSAE

2008-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Columbia, SC Wins 2008 Best Block Award at The Annual SCSAE Tradeshow

Representatives from the Columbia region to include the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC), Embassy Suites Hotel, the Clarion Downtown Hotel, the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC, the Hilton Columbia Center, the Marriott Columbia City Center, the Hilton Garden Inn Harbison, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, and the Hyatt Place won "2008 Best Block" at this year's South Carolina Society of Association Executives (SCSAE) Trade Show which was held Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the CMCC. The trade show featured more than 85 exhibitor booths including three blocks.

Crystal Morris, director of sales for the Columbia CVB recounted, "Working together with hospitality partners for the Columbia Metropolitan area is always enjoyable. From our first SCSAE tradeshow meeting to the conclusion of the show everyone contributed to our booth the "2008 Best Block". Upon hearing we won the award we knew our effort had paid off!"

SCSAE is an organization of chief executive officers and professional staff who manage a variety of trade, professional and nonprofit associations as well as companies that provide products and services to the association community. Organized in 1963, SCSAE now has more than 250 association executives, meeting planners, association staff members and business partners as members. The mission of SCSAE is to promote and enhance the achievement of association management professionals.

John Edwards at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

2008-01-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) joined a town hall-style forum with young voters and moderated by the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) today at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. In light of the remarkable youth turnout in both the Iowa and New Hampshire Primaries, the forum was focused on the importance of young voters, civic participation, and ensuring higher education access—among other topics. Edwards also answered questions from an audience composed mostly of University of South Carolina students and College Democrats.

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Receives ConventionSouth Reader's Choice Award!

2008-01-24T19:58:00.001-08:00

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center was recently selected by meeting planners for the ConventionSouth Reader's Choice Award!

Your Votes Are In!
Readers Name Their Top Picks For The South’s Outstanding Meeting Sites
From the Arkansas heartland to the shores of the Carolina coast and throughout ConventionSouth’s 14-state coverage area, they asked their readers to nominate meeting sites that they feel display exemplary professionalism and service standards. They received hundreds of nominations via their website, www.conventionsouth.com, and by e-mail, many of which pointed to additional attributes such as easy access, ambiance, superb cuisine, and staff members who provide top-notch hospitality.

Town Hall Forum with Young Voters & U.S. Sen. John Edwards at Convention Center

2008-01-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

SAVE to HostTown Hall Forum with Young Voters and U.S. Sen. John Edwards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2008

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) will join a town hall-style forum with young voters hosted and moderated by the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) on January 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

The event is open to the public at 12:30 pm this Friday in the Lexington Room at the Convention Center. In light of the remarkable youth turnout in both the Iowa and New Hampshire Primaries, the forum will focus on the importance of young voters, civic participation, and ensuring higher education access—among other topics.

Edwards will also answer questions on any issue from an audience composed mostly of University of South Carolina students and College Democrats.

The event will mark the second in a series that SAVE is hosting with Democratic and Republican Presidential Candidates. "The gap between politicians and young people is too wide," said Matthew Segal, the executive director of SAVE. "The purpose of our forum is to show politicians that young people care and to show young people that politicians are accessible and listening. I am pleased that John Edwards recognizes that youth are a crucial component of the electorate who require the same respect, attention and consideration that older voting blocs receive."

SAVE is a student-led nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with chapters currently on 23 college campuses, founded to increase voter turnout, remove access barriers, and promote stronger civic education. In addition to advocating policy changes to enhance traditional get-out-the-vote efforts, SAVE works with community leaders, high school teachers, college faculty, state and federal legislators, and fellow students to strengthen the commitment in their communities for political dialogue and institutionalize voter awareness and active civic engagement. More information about SAVE can be found at www.savevoting.org.

Contact: Matthew Segal, SAVE executive director, 847.502.5012, matthew.segal@savevoting.org

Printable Version

South Carolina Log Home Show

2008-01-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

South Carolina Log Home Show - February 9-10, 2008

Dates: February 9, 2008 & February 10, 2008
Times: Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
*Registration opens at 9:30 am both days
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Admission: Open to the public; $10 per person (18 and under free)
Event Sponsors: Johnson's Log Home & Timber Frames

Contact: Eric R. Johnson
Phone Number: 800-745-8120
Website: http://www.loghomeshows.com

South Carolina Book Festival - February 22-24, 2008

2007-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

February 22, 2008 - February 24, 2008
Times: Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
http://www.scbookfestival.org
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Admission: General Festival Events are FREE and Open to the Public

The festival serves as the centerpiece for what has become South Carolina's premier annual literary weekend. Nearly sixty nationally-known authors for readings and signings; loads of booksellers and exhibitors; and thousands upon thousands of readers. This year celebrates our 10th Anniversary of this wonderful event. Check out our official web site for author listings and the schedule of events. Browse through the site for bios of authors appearing, a schedule of events, festival vendors, and lists of the folks who make this event happen. And be sure to check back often for updates or join our email list for the latest Book Festival news and happenings.