TOP 20 REASONS TO “THINK COLUMBIA!”
1. Southern Hospitality – Our region is known for our friendly faces and hospitable and accommodating attitudes.
2. First Class Visitors Bureau Sales Staff – Eager to assist you in planning your next event.
3. Time-Efficiency – We can gather competitive hotel room rates for you, at no charge, through our RFP process.
4. Accessibility – Whether traveling by air or vehicle, you’ll love Columbia’s easy access. Only 10 cities in America have three major Interstates transecting their metropolitan areas and Columbia is one of them. Columbia is served by I-20, I-26 and I-77, and is within 90 miles of I-85 and I-95, making travel to our city simple from every direction.
5. Meeting Space – Conventional or unconventional, we are eager to help you find the facility that best fits your meeting needs
6. Attractions – for attendees to enjoy during breaks. Fascinating historical and cultural attractions, a world-class zoo, outdoor recreation, festivals, parks and sporting events.
7. Dining & Nightlife – Attendees can dine capital city style, or explore our specialty districts for a one-of-a-kind experience
8. Convention Services – Brochures/materials, publicity, information center, & special assistance when you book your event through the Visitors Bureau.
9. Shops to Suit Every Taste – Area shopping includes Indoor & outdoor malls, several shopping districts that invite leisurely strolling among the many charming stores, galleries and restaurants.
10. Accommodations– full service, select service or limited service accommodations. We have major chains and boutique properties sure to fit with any group’s preference.
11. Rapid Growth. The cityscape of Columbia is ever changing. New developments such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs make the Metropolitan area a new place to discover.
12. Unique Meeting Facilities. Planning a meeting? Why not have it somewhere fun. Columbia offers meeting planners unique facilities such as the Riverbanks Zoo and Edventure Children’s Museum.
13. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This dazzling 142,500 square-foot facility was designed with you in mind! From abundant pre-function space to beautifully equipped break out rooms; a 24,700 square-foot, column free exhibit hall to an exquisite 17,135 square-foot ballroom – your next meeting or event is sure to be an overwhelming success!
14. Parks, Gardens, and Outdoors. Columbia has a plethora of parks to enjoy. Our latest adventure is our Riverwalks offering a beautiful view of our downtown area while featuring an abundance of plant and animal life.
15. Columbia Conference Center features executive-style chairs and oversized conference tables for the ultimate in comfort.
16. First Class Catering. Columbia has an eclectic array of catering companies here to fulfill any type of menu. Centerplate, the Convention Center’s exclusive caterer, boasts exquisite taste and superior service with an affordable price.
17. Brookland Baptist and Conference Center offers the meeting planner over 11,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. It is also a convenient 2.5 miles from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
18. Saluda Shoals River Center. Saluda Shoals River Center is another unique facility housed in a park setting that offers peace and tranquility.
19. City Art Gallery exhibits a variety of artwork from the most talented and thought-provoking local and regional artists, and is available for your next event!
20. Extracurricular. There’s always something happening in the region “Where Friendliness Flows!”

Visit our online event calendar and you ‘ll find everything from a weekend festival to the State Fair to local concerts and performances.

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