FAQs

Q. I want to hold an event at the Convention Center. Where do I start?

A. To get started, you can call the number above under General Information and ask for a sales manager, or submit a Request for Proposal. You will find all of our sales managers listed on our contact page. After you have contracted your event space, you will work with the event and catering departments to detail your event. Your sales manager will direct you to your event and catering contacts. 

Q. Where is the Convention Center located?

A. The Convention Center is located in downtown Columbia, making it South Carolina's only downtown convention center. Our downtown area is referred to as the "City Center Region." The City Center region is home to 5 specialty shopping and dining districts, with The Vista district being the Convention Center's backyard. Explore area hotels, restaurants, and other things to do during your visit. 

Q. I need directions to the Convention Center.

A. Visit our Parking & Directions page for more information. 

Q. How many hotel rooms are within 1 mile of the Convention Center?

A. There are over 2,000 hotel rooms within one mile of the Convention Center with a 222-room hotel next door (Hilton Columbia Center). You can find a full list of hotels within one mile here. 

Q. Can you tell me about my catering options at the Convention Center?

A. The Convention Center has an exclusive in-house caterer, OVG Hospitality. The staff at OVG Hospitality are eager to work with you to customize a menu that is perfect for your event's needs. After you have contracted your event space with your Convention Center sales manager, you will then work with the event and catering departments to detail your event. Your sales manager will direct you to your event and catering contacts. Check out the menu here for some inspiration. 

Q. How many parking spaces are available at the Convention Center?

A. The CMCC parking lot adjacent to the facility has 278 spaces which may be available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking availability is subject to change, based on event times and the number of events in the building. Reserved parking in the CMCC lot can only be provided if the entire facility is contracted for your event.

Pay-for-Parking garages are open to the public and operated by other organizations, so availability is not guaranteed, however, your event manager can help reserve parking passes or a garage buyout if available. You can find a map of parking options here. 

Q. Do you have audio visual services?

A. You can contract with the Convention Center's preferred provider, South Carolina AV (SCAV). Find out more here.

Q. How close is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport to the Convention Center?

A. 7 miles. See the Columbia Metropolitan Airport website for more information on flights.

Q. Can you tell me more about Columbia?

A. Visit the official Experience Columbia SC website for more information about The Real Southern Hot Spot.