The Myrtle Beach Convention Center (MBCC) should be one of the first places you consider for a trade show or convention in the sunny Southeast. Rita Harrell, sales manager for Myrtle Beach Convention Center, breaks down the top five reasons why.
1. Unbeatable Location
Easy airlift and accessibility to the liveliest pockets of Myrtle Beach and the ocean give MBCC a location that’s hard to beat.
“It’s only two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, sitting in the heart of Myrtle Beach, and only four miles from the airport,” Harrell said. “Attendees love being close to Broadway at the Beach, a one-of-a-kind local attraction. There’s something for everyone.”
Mild year-round temperatures and calm ocean breezes make the destination attractive to attendees during any month of the year. Harrell said that winter and spring months are some of the most popular with corporate and association groups, but MBCC hosts a substantial number of trade shows and sporting events in summer and fall, too.
“This is a unique destination, and it’s a pleasant surprise during site inspections for planners,” Harrell noted. “Our flexibility and professionalism make booking a breeze.”
2. Record Attendance Levels
Myrtle Beach’s location is so desirable; it entices attendance, even prompting attendees to turn their trip to Myrtle Beach into an extended “bleisure” stay.
“Our location not only attracts planners to bring their event here, however increases attendance levels,” Harrell said. “Attendees will come on the front end or extend their stay of a conference or convention for a vacation and bring their friends.”
“That’s what drives a lot of group business to MBCC. What keeps them returning is the combined expertise from our sales, events, operations, engineering, concessions, and convention services teams, proven by Post Event Surveys that are completed by meeting planners and event organizers.
3. Flexible Meeting Space
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is one of the largest convention centers on the East Coast, and with that comes many flexible meeting space options.
“Our venue is unique in itself. We have a 400-room Sheraton hotel and it’s connected to our center. There’s nothing better than waking up to an ocean view and a city skyline,” Harrell explained. “The combined exhibit and meeting space totals 250,000 square feet—allowing these conventions to do everything under one roof.”
Featured spaces within the complex include:
- A 100,800-square-foot column-free exhibit hall that’s divisible into three sections.
- A 16,890-square-foot ballroom, which was renovated in 2019.
- A total of 17 meeting rooms for breakout sessions and up to 200-capacity theater seating.
- An Events Plaza that takes advantage of Myrtle Beach’s pleasant weather, perfect for receptions and other outdoor events.
“With a variety of overflow options, city-wide groups are welcomed.” Harrell added, noting another advantage of booking with MBCC.
4. Value That’s Hard to Match
Another huge advantage of meeting at MBCC is its competitive rental pricing. Harrell emphasized that location and price really set the convention center apart from other convention centers on the East Coast.
Travel to the destination is easy and affordable. The convention center is a few miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport, which offers nonstop service from 50 destinations.
“We are also non-union, which is a great draw for many planners,” Harrell added. “Our team of engineers provides excellent services along with affordable utility pricing for vendors, no matter where the pulls are needed in the booths—our food, beverage and concession prices aren’t tripled like in a big city. Thus, the savings not only provide positive feedback to our planners, but also it opens possibilities to enhance a wow factor—during off-sites or the trade show floor.”
5. Experienced Staff
Harrell and the sales team at MBCC bring substantial experience to meeting planners that’s hard to top. Because of their innate knowledge of the destination and their combined years of experience working with groups at MBCC, the team can bring your group a truly personalized, special experience.
“We have an experienced professional staff. We have all been here for over 20 years, with collectively over 60 years of convention and trade show selling experience—that’s very unique,” she said.
“I am genuinely invested in my planners and sincerely care about the success of their events here. I pride myself as seeing them as friends. It’s not uncommon if you walk past my office…you will hear me asking them about their child’s wedding or how the grand babies are doing.”
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