Stories | Columbia Convention Center

Seasoned Event Planning Experts on Your Side

Real-time support from events staff, facilities that suit your stakeholders' needs, and amenities to wow your business partners: this is the CMCC difference.

People drinking at River Rat during Fall

Why We Love Columbia in the Fall

Autumn is here, and so are our recommendations for those under-the-radar, unmissable fall events - useful for visitors and locals alike.

A Word About the Vista

The Vista, a district wedged between the Congaree River and Columbia's vibrant downtown, is undergoing a Renaissance. See what the CMCC staff has to say about their favorite spots.

Organizing a Conference? CMCC Can Help

Need the Convention Center's support for your next conference? Check out how we helped the South Carolina Athletic Trainers Association with theirs.

Bring Farm to Table Flavor and Flair to Your Event

Make Your Event Out of the Ordinary Our clients continually ask us how they can make their event experience stand out. Our advice: give your guests food and beverage experiences that will surprise...

Versatile New Rental Spaces at the CMCC

The Convention Center is better equipped than ever before to support clients in the pursuit of their event-planning objectives.

Meet the Team: Cheryl Swanson, Vice President

Our Meet the Team series introduces you to the people at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center that help bring your idea for a meeting or event to life. Find out more about Cheryl Swanson, Vice...

5 Tips for Securing and Retaining Sponsors for Your Event

Getting and retaining sponsors can be one of the most difficult parts of any event. But with a little planning, research, and follow up your sponsorship opportunities will be filled before you know it...

How to Diffuse Negative Social Comments

So, someone's using your event hashtag to complain? Things can go wrong at even the most carefully planned event, and some people are just looking for an opportunity to vent their frustration online. A strong social media strategy will allow you to respond to them in a thoughtful way. Read on for tips on how to deal with negative comments on social media.

Things to Do Near the CMCC

As South Carolina's only downtown convention center, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is just a short walk from over 60 bars and restaurants in the historic Vista district . Here you're...

Creative Event Space at the CMCC

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is not just your usual meetings, events and conventions facility. Here, you can find a range of creative options to make your event a one-of-a-kind...

Going Green at the CMCC

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center has been focused on conducting business responsibly for a number of years, maintaining high environmental standards in energy efficiency, waste management,...

Meet the Team: Joey Mouton, Senior Special Events Manager

In April of 2016, Joey Mouton celebrated his 10-year anniversary at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center after a career as a club manager for the U.S. Army. We talked with Mouton for our Meet...

Meet the Team: Ashleigh Conner, Director of Events

Our Meet the Team series introduces you to the people at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center that help bring your idea for a meeting or event to life. Find out more about Ashleigh Conner,...

Behind the Scenes at CMCC with Chef Tom Kasperski

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center's chef Tom Kasperski actually had a career plan outside the food industry. In fact, he never went to culinary school. He studied to be a pilot, and graduated...

Planner Talks: A Volunteer-Run Organization Finds Help at the CMCC

The South Carolina Science Council (SCSC) is a state chapter of the National Science Teachers Association. Council President John Hutchens says that members stay-up-to-date professionally through...

Planner Talks: A Perfect Central Location in Columbia

In 1975, the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina State Bar merged to create the current South Carolina Bar, which includes more than 15,000 members. The organization rotates the location of its...

Planner Talks: Moving to the CMCC to Find More Event Space

Nashicon , the oldest anime convention in South Carolina, held its first gathering at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in 2008 after it outgrew venues on the University of South Carolina...

Planner Talks: When Everything Clicks

An all-volunteer organization, the U.S. branch of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) promotes hobby modeling and provides opportunities for modelers to share their skills in a social...

Planner Talks: CMCC Staff Has Planning "Down to a Science"

One of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA South Carolina Synod encompasses 154 congregations and worshiping communities. In addition, the organization has three companion...