Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Celebrates 10 Years

COLUMBIA, SC –  Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) announced the celebration of its 10th anniversary.

“It’s hard to believe CMCC has been open for 10 years,” said Bill Ellen, president and CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism. “I am confident that CMCC has been a good investment for our region and has helped to give incentive to other developments in the area. We will continue to work hard to provide exceptional service to our clients and to work with our regional partners to promote all we have to offer.”

Since first opening its doors in September 2004, CMCC has housed a number of regional, national and international meetings, conventions and events and earned a number of accolades along the way. Such honors include Free Times’ “Best Thing to Happen to Columbia,” Convention South’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award and Successful Meetings’ Pinnacle Award for “Outstanding Conference Facility.”

With 497 events scheduled throughout the year, 2013 is noted to have the most number of events in CMCC history. This year has seen the most foot traffic with more than 300,000 people in the building. To date, CMCC has hosted 4,245 events and an estimate of 1.8 million visitors. The convention center is projected to reach 2 million by the end of the year.

“The success of CMCC is due to the hard work, cooperation and commitment of many people throughout our region,” said Ellen. “It is with much pleasure that I say ‘thank you’ to all that have made this possible. We look forward to the next 10 years and to being a positive leader in attracting visitors to Columbia, SC.”

About Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Built in 2004, the downtown convention center is a modern and architecturally significant complex that’s played host to some of the hottest special events in the Southeast. From magnificent receptions and cultural galas to corporate functions and international trade shows, the center is adaptable to meet meeting planners’ needs. Centrally located in South Carolina’s historic state capital, the convention center is in the middle of an exciting urban scene that includes open-air cafes, deluxe accommodations, live music, exciting sports venues and concert tours. For more information, please visit www.columbiaconventioncenter.com.