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Experience Columbia SC

1101 Lincoln Street, 29202
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Welcome to the Unexpected, Urban South

In the heart of South Carolina, tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly in Columbia. It’s a modern city where stately buildings buzz with new businesses, and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives. Nothing compares with the real connections, ideas and engagement of gathering face to face. Rest assured our hotels, restaurants and facilities are preparing to safely welcome you back. But for now, set your sights on the possibilities of what lies ahead when you plan a meeting in Columbia SC. It’s got all the gracious charm you’d expect from a Southern destination – nothing saccharine, just good old-fashioned kindness. As home to both the state’s capital and its largest university, it’s a vibrant city and creative hub that’s bursting with big ideas, forward thinkers and modern attitudes. With dynamite shopping, food and tons to see and do year round, it’s the real Southern hot spot. With evidence of renewal everywhere, Columbia SC will leave you looking forward to what’s next.

Venue Details

Hotels149
Convention center142,500 sq. ft.
Guest Rooms11,663
Guest rooms at 1 hotel300
Special event venues32
Average room rate$129.00
Occupancy rate68%
Restaurants450
Daily food cost$75.00
Tax rate7%
Venue typeCVB
Discover ColumbiaDiscover Columbia
For more information about Columbia, SC explore the city guide

Seasonal Availability

Do you want to know if your event is during the high or low season? Check the season availability for this hotel.
High season
Sep 01 - Nov 15Mar 01 - Apr 30
Shoulder season
Jan 01 - Feb 28May 01 - Jun 30
Low season
Jul 01 - Aug 31Nov 16 - Dec 31

Getting Here

Distance from Columbia Metropolitan Airport airport 8 mi

Location

Local Attractions

Five Points
Five Points
Business district
An influx of college students, professionals, and hipsters keeps Five Points buzzing by day and by night. Columbia’s original village neighborhood gets its affable character from a cluster of mom-and-pop coffee shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Columbia, SC, US 29205
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Main Street
Main Street
Business district
Don’t let the SC State House fool you. Main Street means more than business in this capital city. Whether you’re looking for art, indie films, special events, or a quiet escape, the renaissance of this district lives up to the hype.
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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The Vista
The Vista
Business district
Take a district once marked by textile mills and rail lines, pour in an array of art galleries, patio dining, and shopping and you’ve got The Vista. It’s a collision of old and new that brims with vibrancy no matter what day of the week.
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Three Rivers Greenway
Three Rivers Greenway
Park
Here you'll find where city and nature meet. The Three Rivers Greenway is a beautiful series of riverfront pathways – where the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers meet. It includes lighted trails and boardwalks, outdoor amphitheaters, restrooms and breathtaking views of the Columbia skyline in a dog friendly and ADA accessible environment. This linear path is currently 9 1/2 miles, with plans of growth on the horizon.
121 Alexander Road
West Columbia, SC, US 29169
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Park
One of the top ten zoos in the nation, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2,000 animals and one of the nation's most inspiring botanical gardens. Meander through the park to interact with the giraffes, feed the penguins, and peek at the tigers. Or, cool off with your kids at Waterfall Junction. If adventure is more your thing, take a chance at the zip line or ropes course.
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC, US 29210
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EdVenture
EdVenture
Museum
The South's largest children's museum is the home of Eddie, the world's largest child, along with 300 exhibits to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. Where else but EdVenture can children talk to a skeleton, drive a real fire truck, anchor the news or visit another country?
211 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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South Carolina State Museum
South Carolina State Museum
Museum
The South Carolina State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, SC. Boasting four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory, this museum appeals to all ages and interests.
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Columbia Museum of Art
Columbia Museum of Art
Museum
Founded in 1950, the Columbia Museum of Art opened its new building on Main Street in 1988 by transforming an urban department store into a sleek and airy, light-filled space with 25+ galleries. The museum boasts an eclectic collection and national exhibits that travel through the museum every few months. If you're here during a special event, you'll catch a fair amount of Columbia locals on Boyd Plaza eating, drinking, and mingling the night away.
1515 Main Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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South Carolina State House
South Carolina State House
Historical landmark
The South Carolina State House and grounds are home to historic monuments, flowers, plaques, and the iconic state house steps, all showcasing the history of South Carolina. Take a guided tour inside the building during certain hours to learn more about Columbia's past. You can also meander through the historic building or the grounds on your own accord with the help of a State House brochure. Be sure to look out for the bronze stars on the outside of the building that mark where Sherman's cannons hit during the Civil War.
1100 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Historic Columbia
Historic Columbia
Historical landmark
Historic Columbia’s historic house museum tours offer a peek into the past. Tour the Robert Mills House & Gardens, Hampton-Preston Mansion, Mann-Simons Site or Woodrow Wilson Family Home to learn more about Columbia's history.
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Park
The only national park in South Carolina, Congaree National Park offers more things to do than there are hours to do them. Think canoeing, hiking, fishing, and camping-- just to name a few. Especially awe-inspiring are the synchronized fireflies that make their debut mid-May to mid-June.
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC, US 29061
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Lake Murray
Lake Murray
Recreation
Whether you enjoy canoeing through calm waters, navigating your sails through cutting winds, water skiing and tubing behind a speed boat, or leisurely cruising in your fishing boat, Lake Murray is the place for you. With a vast area of water covering 650 miles of shore line, there's room for activities of all kinds.
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University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
University
Chartered in 1801 as South Carolina College, the University has grown from one building on the historic Horseshoe to over 155 facilities on more than 358 acres. The University of South Carolina offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate courses of study. Programs range from liberal arts and sciences to business, law, medicine and other professional studies. The serene horseshoe is the perfect place to take a stroll and take in Columbia's sunny weather.
911 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Convention center
Centrally located in Columbia, 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. Sitting just minutes away from a major airport and three interstates, getting there is easy. Built in 2004, our downtown convention center is a modern and architecturally significant complex that's played host to some of the best special events in the Southeast. The center is an impressive 142,500 square foot meeting/exhibit facility that boasts a 17,135 square foot ballroom, 15,145 square feet of meeting space and a 24,700 square foot exhibit hall.
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Koger Center for the Arts
Koger Center for the Arts
Theater
The Koger Center for the Arts is USC’s and Columbia’s performing arts center. The Koger Center seats over 2,400 guests, and also has two meeting rooms available. It is home to several local arts groups, including regionally-known Columbia City Ballet.
1051 Greene Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Township Auditorium
Township Auditorium
Theater
Centrally located downtown, the Township Auditorium is a 3,099 seat auditorium/arena. The auditorium hosts plays, concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year-- just to name a few.
1703 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Airport
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located six miles southwest of Columbia’s central business district and is also conveniently located near interstate highways, which are centered in Columbia. These highways include I-20, I-26, I-77 and nearby I-95. Major airlines serving the airport include American Eagle, Delta, United, and US Airways. Nonstop destinations from Columbia include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington Dulles and Washington National.
3000 Aviation Way
West Columbia, SC, US 29170
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Colonial Life Arena
Theater
The Colonial Life Arena is the largest arena in the state of South Carolina with 18,000 seats, and the tenth largest on-campus basketball facility in the nation. Located on the beautiful University of South Carolina campus, this one-of-a-kind facility features 41 suites, four Entertainment Suites, and the Frank McGuire Club, a full-service hospitality room that has a capacity of 300. The state-of-the-art facility also features plush seating, a technologically advanced sound system, a four-sided video scoreboard, and a one-of-a-kind selection of unique concession foods that will delight fans of all ages.
801 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, US 29201
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Nearby vendors

AV Chicago Show Ready Productions
AV Chicago Show Ready Productions
multi-city
Show Ready Productions is a leading national event production services provider. AV Chicago is a division of Show Ready focusing in the mid-west and Chicagoland areas. With our combined resources we are your partner for your events from start to finish. Our team is dedicated to making sure we begin with your vision and leave you and your attendees inspired by the experience.
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Preferred staff
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CPBR Activation
CPBR Activation
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CPBR Activation is a leading experiential marketing company specializing in innovative event entertainment and interactive brand activations. We partner with top corporate and private event planners around the globe, consistently delivering immersive experiences that captivate audiences and elevate events. From concept to execution, our team thrives on creative challenges and is dedicated to staying ahead of trends in engagement technology, photo experiences, and customized brand moments. Whether it’s a high-profile brand activation, corporate gala, or private celebration, CPBR Activation brings a fresh, dynamic approach to every project. Let us help you create unforgettable moments that drive connection, engagement, and lasting impact
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The Senate Columbia
The Senate Columbia
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A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE The Senate is dedicated to booking the best talent in the entertainment industry. Through significant investment and renovations, our new ownership team has transformed The Senate into a state-of-the-art venue operating under the highest of standards.
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Dave and Busters South East
Dave and Busters South East
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LEGENDARY FOOD & DRINK Looking for an incredible bar and amazing restaurant near you? Look no further than Dave & Buster's. We have amazing games and award-winning food and drinks. Come check us out!
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Main Event South East
Main Event South East
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Walking into a Main Event is like entering a new world of lights, music, entertainment, and laughter. Every Guest is greeted by the genuine, glowing faces of Main Event Team Members as they see splashes of color and new opportunities to play. Each center is full of passionate, driven people who are serving others and making memories that bring to life our chef-inspired meals, full-service catering with private rooms, high-energy bar with the latest audio-visual technology, space for birthday parties for kids and adults, and party rooms for corporate, school, and league events. A trip to Main Event is a chance for the whole family to reconnect, celebrate, compete, eat, and play. When you’re with us, each and every moment together is the Main Event.
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Restaurant/Bar
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Church and Union Charleston
Church and Union Charleston
Charleston
Brought to you by the 5th Street Group; the team behind Tempest Charleston, Church and Union Charlotte, La Belle Helene Charlotte, Church and Union Nashville – Church and Union Charleston is located on historic Market Street in downtown Charleston, SC.
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Walk & Talk Charleston
Walk & Talk Charleston
Charleston
Come meet the Lid Lady at the Hat Man for a storytelling walking tour focused on Historic Charleston's Character and Characters! Established in 2018. Founder, Tyler Page Wright, graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in History and a secondary focus in Art History. She is a born New Yorker with deep southern roots and island ties. She was drawn to Charleston for it's people, it's beauty, it's history and it's hospitality. We think that may be why you're here too! Let her show you around the town!
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On Purpose Adventures
On Purpose Adventures
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Crossed arms. Poked out bottom lips. Eye rolls. Sighs of displeasure. Mention team building, and you might get these reactions. The thought of another ropes course, forced togetherness or (gasp!) trust falls while keeping your already busy team from their work can create more stress than staying at the workplace. But not with On Purpose Adventures. Your group may need team building (focused on skill development/enhancement) or team bonding (focused on relationship-minded activities) or a combination of both. But whatever the activity, it needs to be facilitated WITH purpose and ON purpose. Most team building programs don’t tie the experience into real-world, job-related application. But ours does. On Purpose delivers team building and bonding with a purpose. Our programs are structured around the way your team operates, and can be tailored to fit your specific challenges and goals. Your team will engage in collaborative activities that build communication, cohesiveness, and enhance skills like collective problem solving, while having fun together. Team building and bonding with On Purpose Adventures brings your team members together in exciting, driven, purposeful activities that make a big impression and generate a genuine team response, keeping them productive and engaged. Skill enhancement happens in a real-life relatable structure, so your takeaways aren’t easily forgotten or lost as soon as the fun ends. Let us help you strengthen your team - on purpose.
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Legends In Concert
Legends In Concert
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Since its debut at the Imperial Palace on May 5, 1983, the show has earned entertainment industry awards for “Show of the Year,” “Entertainers of the Year,” “Grand Slam” and the prestigious “Show of Shows” awarded by the International Press Association. Today, Legends in Concert is the longest running show in Las Vegas history. In addition, Legends in Concert also has long-running productions in Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Branson (Missouri), Crown Melbourne (Australia), Foxwoods Resort (Connecticut), The Fireside Theatre (Wisconsin), Atlantic City, Long Island, Niagara Falls, Waikiki (Hawaii) and aboard the Norwegian Pearl. Each legendary performer not only looks like the star they portray, but use their own natural voices to pay homage to their iconic music counterpart. Legends in Concert live tribute shows are known for their elaborate theatrical sets, magnificent costumes and full array of incredible special effects, including three dimensional multimedia and multimillion dollar, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. An outstanding cast of accomplished tribute artists, talented singers and dancers, and a live orchestra comprised of some the top musicians in the industry, support each Legends in Concert production. What started in 1983 as a limited six week engagement at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (now the LINQ), celebrates 40 years of entertaining more than 40 million fans around the globe.
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READYSET ATLANTA
READYSET ATLANTA
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READYSET ATLANTA is a strategic and fast paced team of highly skilled Fabricators and Artists providing custom or pre-built sets. Our 12,000 square foot shop paired with our experienced crew allows us the opportunity to expertly execute a myriad of unique designs and projects. Our clients can rely on us to provide custom designs for any venture, from studio photography sets, events, retail and showroom displays, trade show booths, video and film scenery, gallery builds, pop-up locations and runways. Originating from ReadySet Inc. in New York City, an industry leader since 1997, we embody the passion and commitment necessary to meet our client's unique needs. We relish the opportunity to exceed our client's expectations and our team finds challenges rewarding. Our diverse crew offers a wide range of skills and they are always open to working with new ideas, materials or methods to further our skill set and deliver. The exceptional quality of our work is a reflection of our emphasis on teamwork and our commitment to our culture. With an emphasis on pre-building and finishing sets, our team is able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise ahead of time, saving valuable time during delivery. We provide 3D production drawings to our clients to confirm every detail and also provide samples of finishes needed. As the project develops, we provide constant communication with clients to ensure the project encapsulates their vision. Our clients are encouraged to inspect their jobs in our shop to get a hands on feel of the scale and specific scenic elements.
Logistics/Decor
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Convention Centers

Columbia Metropolitan Convention CenterSouth Carolina's only downtown Convention Center offers beautiful modern meeting space featuring up to 18 breakouts, a 23,700 sq. ft. column free Exhibit Hall and 16,700 sq. ft Ballroom, just steps from more than 80 bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Exhibit Space23,700 sq. ft.
Total meeting space126,362 sq. ft.
Guest rooms 1 mi. from convention center2,005

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Experience Columbia SC Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions from the Experience Columbia SC regarding Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion

Sustainable Practices

Please provide comments or a link to any publicly communicated Experience Columbia SC's sustainability or social impact goals/strategy.
No response.
Does Experience Columbia SC have a strategy that focuses on the elimination and diversion of waste (i.e. plastics, papers, cardboard, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate on your strategy of elimination and diversion of waste.
No response.

Diversity and Inclusion

For US hotels only, is Experience Columbia SC and/or parent company certified as a 51% diverse owned business enterprise (BE)? If yes, please indicate which one of the following you are certified as:
No response.
If applicable, could you please provide a link to Experience Columbia SC's public report on their commitments and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
No response.

Health and Safety

Were practices at Experience Columbia SC developed based on health service recommendations from public governmental entities or private organizations? If Yes, please list which organizations were used to develop these practices.
No response.
Does Experience Columbia SC clean and sanitize public areas and publicly accessible facilities (i.e. meeting rooms, restaurants, elevator banks, etc.)? If yes, describe any new measures that are taken.
No response.
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