Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center at night

The Only Downtown Convention Center in South Carolina

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is located right in the heart of a bustling city center - with friendly locals, delicious food, and great shopping all within walking distance.

Columbia’s bustling downtown, its mouthwatering food scene, and our flexible meeting spaces will help you create an unforgettable event.

  • Conference Room at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

    Conference Rooms

    Our team will help you choose the right meeting room for breakout sessions.

  • Our beautifully landscaped terrace is an ideal setting for cocktails, luncheons or conference breaks.

    Outdoor Spaces

    Enjoy the beautiful South Carolina weather and views of our bustling city from our outdoor spaces.

  • The convention center's 24,700 square-foot, column-free Exhibit Hall is adaptable for whatever your event

    Exhibit Hall

    Our column-free exhibit hall is just right for seated meal functions, tradeshows, large-scale galas, and sporting events.

  • The convention center's ballroom is an elegant setting for any event

    Ballroom

    Elegant finishes, tall ceilings and customizable, built-in lighting options make the Ballroom a stunning setting for your event.

  • Lively Downtown

    Your guests will love the local restaurants, fun shops, great nightlife—all within walking distance from the convention center and hotels.

  • Up and Coming Food Scene

    You can’t talk about Southern hospitality without talking about food. Whether they’re looking for a classy cocktail hour, a chance to try something new, or a casual burger and fries, your guests will have plenty of options.

OnThe Record

“ The answer is yes, now what is the question? This is the attitude that greeted us from, our site visit to execution for our event in Columbia. When we had challenges we wanted to accomplish the [ECSC Sports team] in Columbia found answers and onsite their team could not have been more attentive. From the Chef creating specialty meals to Operations putting up signage, the team [at the Convention Center] was as enthusiastic about our program as we are. We cannot wait to return to Columbia with an event in the future. ”

- Lou Mengsol, US Sports Congress

“ You were both extremely patient and helpful from start to finish and the catering and A/V team were great. We received excellent feedback... This was my first time working with CMCC and I look forward to our next opportunity to host an event there. ”

- Erin Hedgecock, South Carolina Department of Commerce

“ On behalf of the SNA-SC executive board, I wanted to reach out and say thank you [to the CMCC] for your help planning the 67th Annual State Convention... We were blown away by how wonderful everyone was at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center! ”

- Clare Buck, South Carolina Student Nurses' Association

“ I was very pleased with how our event was carried out on [the CMCC] end. Virtually seamless! And I truly appreciated how responsive the entire staff was regarding last minute issues/needs that popped up. ”

- Cassie Barber, South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness

“ [The CMCC staff] were absolutely wonderful to work with! They executed our conference with professionalism and exceptional customer care. All CMCC components provided seamless support for our event. They went even further in helping us redesign the Exhibit Hall set-up to better meet the needs of our guests. We are indeed grateful for the support and enthusiasm in helping us to launch a successful conference! ”

- Renaye S. Long, SC Housing

“ We had a lot of variables for our event [that] were handled with 'we can do this' attitudes. The tables were beautifully set and the staff was helpful and diligent to meet our request of leaving the room when the program started. [They were] always available to us and able to help regardless of our needs. [They] made the night so much easier! ”

- Debby Jones, Crossover Banquet 2017

“ I book conventions and trade shows all over the US. I have to say that I was most impressed with the choices, quality, pricing and food service at the concession stand. It was heads above some of the larger cities I have booked. The building and the grounds were clean and neat and the ecology people were on the job. ”

- Margie Nolting, HelmsBriscoe, March 2018

“ I have to say I have been promoting shows for 10 years…I cannot say enough about [the CMCC] staff come showtime and the day before. Every need was met and it was very smooth whenever there was any issue! ”

- Kevin DeHaven, KD Promotions, April 2018

“ Everyone that assisted us was extremely courteous and helpful. The staff made our event enjoyable for our attendees and our staff alike! We truly didn't have to worry about a thing the whole day. Any questions we had were answered immediately, and any changes we needed to make on site were dealt with efficiently and expediently. We can't wait to come back for our next event! ”

- Erin Hughes, SC School Boards Association February 2018

“ This year was fantastic at the Convention Center! Everything went perfectly! [Our Event Manager] went so far above and beyond for us as a group and for me personally. Her professionalism and thoughtfulness are one of a kind... I also truly appreciate the huge amount of effort that went into the food and beverage options. The options that were available to our clients were perfect and the staffing was spot on. ”

- Felicia Taylor, Dancemakers February 2018

Let's start planning together

When you book with us, you'll get a dedicated staff to help you with everything from planning logistics to day-of coordination.

We are pleased to offer in-house catering services through OVG Hospitality. Are you interested in food and beverage for your event?