This morning, our staff was honored to celebrate the one millionth guest to visit the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. At about 8:30 a.m., Dr. Simon Hudson was counted as the one millionth visitor to cross through the doors of the facility as he entered to attend the University of South Carolina Provost's Spring meeting. In celebration of the milestone, Dr. Hudson was honored at the opening of the meeting with a gift filled famously hot gift items representing the convention center, the City of Columbia and Richland and Lexington Counties.The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center first opened its doors in September, 2004, and has serviced numerous visitors, meeting planners and meeting attendees since its opening. The economic impact of the facility has been felt throughout the region's restaurants, hotels and attractions.
Ric Luber, president/CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST), says the accomplishments of the building are incredible considering the size of the facility. "We're a small convention center and to be able to service international meetings, city-wide events and big fishing tournaments, among other types of events, is remarkable and it's due to the management and staff of the facility and our community partners," Luber said.
Here is an overview of the impact the facility has made since its opening:
Total number of people walking through the building:2005: 132,208
2006: 121,027
2008: 248,569
2009: 166,748
2010: 147,297
Largest event held at CMCC: Forrest L. Woods (FLW) fishing tournament (60,000 people)
Number of events with attendance of 1,000 or more people: 158
Estimated economic impact of CMCC: $120 million(based on the EEI on 46% of business being out of town)
"[The convention center] has been a successful cooperative project made possible by Lexington County, Richland County and the City of Columbia for which the community at large is grateful," Luber noted.
Largest event held at CMCC: Forrest L. Woods (FLW) fishing tournament (60,000 people)
Number of events with attendance of 1,000 or more people: 158
Estimated economic impact of CMCC: $120 million(based on the EEI on 46% of business being out of town)
"[The convention center] has been a successful cooperative project made possible by Lexington County, Richland County and the City of Columbia for which the community at large is grateful," Luber noted.
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