GSA Event 2011

E vent september 201 1

YOUR guide to event and meeting planning

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he skills required of a good driver operating in a challenging environment are remarkably similar to the skills required in operating any successful enterprise. So too are the potentials for heart-racing accomplishments. In the end, high-performance driving boils down to managing momentum. Those who manage momentum most successfully end up in the lead. Businesses that manage people, resources and costs most successfully end up profitable.

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he Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is thrilled to be a sponsor of the 2011 Event Planning Guide. Opening this fall, the Kroc Center brings excitement to Greenville! The state of the art facility is the only one of its kind in the Carolinas. More than just a building – the facility, grounds, programs, and people are here to provide all of the Greenville area community access to opportunities in an uplifting and welcoming atmosphere. The 20-acre recreational, cultural and worship facility along with a 16 court tennis complex provides the Upstate with family, personal, spiritual and youth services that enrich lives and build community.

The Kroc Center also offers unique rentals spaces for almost any event that are perfect for wedding receptions, professional networking, performances and much more. Whether you need event space for 6 or 600 people, the Kroc Center has something special to offer.

Corporate Meetings & Conventions

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Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

CONTENTS

EVENT

corporate meetings & conventions Tricks of the trade ..................................................6 Onstage still beats online for corporate meetings ..........................................9 Worth a thousand words ......................................12 Ballpark estimates for event budgets ..................14 Event planners take charge of social media ....................................................16

BUSINESS CASUAL Destination meeting ............................................20 Covering all bases: Thoughtful planning points to ensure success .....................................22 Break bread not concentration: The best foods for meetings ................................24

LIFESTYLE Eco-friendly event planning..................................28 Event calendar......................................................30

Lists & DIRECTORIES Event planners .....................................................34 Alternative/outdoor venues .................................35 Hotels with meeting facilities ..............................40 Golf courses .........................................................41 Exhibition centers ................................................42 Rental companies ................................................43 Florists/event decor .............................................44 Caterers ...............................................................46 Index of advertisers .............................................47 Index of companies .............................................47 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

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EVENT

corporate meetings & conventions

Tricks of the trade 6 Onstage still beats online for corporate meetings 9 Worth a thousand words 12 Ballpark Estimates for Event Budgets 14 Event planners take charge of social media 16

This section is sponsored by

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2010 Event Event & Meeting Planning Planning GuideGuide | www.gsabusiness.com 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

Tricks of the Trade Cost-Conscious, Tech-Savvy Budgeting for Events

By Heidi Coryell Williams

T

he most important question company leaders preparing to host a corporate meeting or business convention this year should ask, isn’t “If,” “When,” or even “Where.” It’s simply, “How much?”

For the past four years, the economy has prompted many Upstate companies to cancel or drastically downsize their corporate events especially as the cost of food, transportation, accommodations, rentals, and materials continues to rise.

But that’s changing this year, experts say.

Businesses are realizing that the face-to-face relationships fostered at these dynamic group events are far more valuable – and ultimately profitable– than the alternative, especially

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when careful budgeting is involved.

Creative cuts “There’s nothing wrong with cutting costs.

Just don’t make it obvious to the customers of your event,” said Bob Stegner, senior vice president, marketing, for Greenville-based SYNNEX Corporation, North America.

SYNNEX produces more than 200 events a year, including trade shows, business meetings, vendor events, and a national conference. Stegner said, “You have to figure out what is going to have the most impact for the money.”

This leaner, meaner meeting strategy incorporates all the elements of team building and idea generation, but streamlines these gatherings with technology, green solutions, and a little creative budgeting. But the best budget fix of all may simply be holding your next event in the Palmetto State.

While many companies cut back on their corporate meetings and conventions, SYNNEX did the opposite: growing the number of attendees to their national conference from 300 to 350.

“We’re doing more events because our competitors are not doing that,” he explained. “People who get closer to the customer get the benefit of the doubt.

That’s why we try to get more face time with our customer.”

To “outthink, rather than outspend” the competition, Stegner said a South Carolina location, is an economical and attractive choice for hosting events – especially compared to Las Vegas, Charlotte, or Atlanta.

He reigned in transportation costs by having clients cover their own airfare. Most everything else is paid for once they arrive.

The change did double duty for the corporation, Stegner explained. “As a business owner, if I’m going to pay for an airline ticket, I’m going to think about who I send. It’s also given us a good customer base to work with,” he said.

And no matter who’s covering the cost of airfare, the arrival of Southwest Airlines in Greenville and Charleston has made South Carolina an even more affordable meeting destination.

Suzanne Wallace, director of sales for the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

The numbers Even when a corporate event is cost-conscious, it still contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. Meeting Professionals International, the largest event industry organization in the world representing more than 23,000 members, recently commissioned a research study about the value of corporate meetings. The study, released earlier this year found that the U.S. meeting industry: Directly supports 1.7 million jobs.

Contributes $263 billion in direct spending toward the national economy $271 billion in labor income.

Prompted delegates, exhibitors and other attendees to spend $145 billion on attendance-related items.

Included 1.8 million conventions, conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, congresses, incentive events, and corporate/business meetings. Of these, 1.3 million are classified as corporate/business meetings.

Generates 205 million room nights/overnight stays.

Source: Meeting Professionals International.

For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

said convention attendance is up in South Carolina, also in part, because of the state’s ability to keep budgets in check.

“We’re able to give great value for a comparable product, if not better,” said Ric Luber, president and CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism. The Columbiabased authority, which includes the city’s CVB, convention services, and sports council, hosted nearly 600 events last year, and their convention business is growing rapidly. “Groups may have had two meetings a year dropped to one.

They’re trying to play catch-up now,” Luber said.

Other ways to do more with less Gone are the days of spending thousands for printing and paper to create programs. Mobile applications deliver information about every element of the event – from main sessions,

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT breakouts, dinners, parties, and more – right to attendees’ smartphones. It also keeps event-goers on task and provides real-time information for planners and service providers, which helps keep costs down.

Water bottles, another seemingly small expense included in a meeting budget, can add up to thousands of dollars and a lot of wasted resources. A wallet- and earth-friendly trick is distributing reusable water bottles (with the added benefit of corporate logos) at check-in and making water stations available at various spots.

Even post-meeting surveys conducted online can help streamline meeting flow and trouble shoot problems: issues flagged in a Friday afternoon survey are resolved by 9 a.m. Monday morning in most cases.

Similarly, online registration has practically eliminated the need for artificial attendance inflation. “It used to be if you were going to do a dinner for 600 you would buy for 660,” Luber said. “Now, you can go into the last moment (with RSVPs), and you don’t have wasted food.”

Suppliers are able to provide better pricing in many instances for the same reason, he said.

With so many creative ways for folks to bridge budgetary gaps in the events industry and in South Carolina in particular, it seems the only question left to answer is, “Where do I sign up?” EVENT

Sample budget Expenses Mailing and postage

$

Printing

$

Signs and decorations

$

Speakers $ Registration staff/materials

$

Extra help

$

Audio-visual equipment rental

$

Gifts $ Miscellaneous $ $

Total

Transportation $

Income

Entertainment $

Registration fees

Meeting room or rooms

$

Contributions $

Snacks $

Sponsorships $

Meals $

Exhibit space rentals

Gratuities $

Total $

$

$

Source: thegreatevent.com

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

Convention Planning Checklists Accommodations Committee checklist o Find out date of arrival and departure for the majority of the group. o Make a tentative booking of rooms. o Obtain information on the hotel and rates to send with promotional material. o Have emergency housing available for latecomers. o Record expected time and date of each attendee’s arrival. o Maintain regular liaison with the hotel regarding reservations. o Get information on exhibit locations and storage for exhibit materials.

Public Relations/Advertising Committee checklist o Prepare direct-mail materials to promote attendance. o Prepare write-ups for newsletters and association publications. o Send advance information to the media and invite the media to the event. o Set up a press table or a separate pressroom, if appropriate. o Obtain copies of all speeches in advance to give to the media and arrange for the speakers to be available for interviews. o Arrange for a photographer. o Provide news releases and photos of the speakers for their hometown papers.

Finance Committee checklist

We plan for flexibility The Columbia Marriott offers the most flexible meeting space for events in Columbia SC, with 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 10,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space.

The Marriott can accommodate groups from 10 to 700 people events from small business meetings to large social events.

Our staff offers personalized full-service attention from our Event Mangers, Audio Visual staff and our banquet staff. please contact our Sales and Catering Department by calling (803) 744-6908 or send request for proposal.

Columbia marriott 1200 Hampton Street | Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 771-7000 | www.marriott.com/caemh

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Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

o Find out when payment is due for various functions. o Decide on ticket prices. o Determine policy on accepting checks and giving refunds. o Find out when payment is due to speakers and extra help. o Determine the cost and number of meals as well as guarantee on number of meals. o Determine whether VIP accommodations will be paid for by your organization.

Plan for success The formula for a successful convention includes a well-established plan; clearly defined goals and objectives; organized volunteers; solid financial administration; and functional committees for finance, accommodations and public relations/advertising.

For a list of hotels with meeting facilities, see page 40.

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT

Onstage Still Beats E Online for Corporate Meetings

By Susan Levi Wallach

Phil Yanov on stage.

(Photo/Provided by Tech After Five)

vent experts such as Phil Yanov agree that the money and time saved when meetings take place via a webinar or a videoconference on Skype is nothing compared with the business opportunities that might be lost.

As executive producer of Tech After Five and president of the GSA Technology Council, Yanov gets frequent invitations to moderate panels. If the panel is going to be online, he tends to pass. “I’ve never met anyone interesting in the seat next to mine at a webinar,� he said. “The live event draws a community of interest to the seats all around you� — and that creates an environment for networking the old-fashioned way: in person.

Networking is what David J. Richardson, president of Memorable Moments in Charleston, considers the principal benefit of a live meeting. “It’s a relationship-driven thing, building trust with people you want to buy from or sell to,� he said. “You have to build relationships to get in the door at the highest level, and you do that face-to-face.� “We establish trust on a face-to-face basis,�

Yanov said. “Establishing trust online is slow and difficult and certainly unsure.� He noted that at most live events you can walk up to the speaker, see ONSTAGE, page 10

For your next meeting or event make it...

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions ONSTAGE, continued from page 9 even if the line is long, and have a word. “An online event can attract so many people that oneon-one interaction is impossible, and the speaker will never remember you.”

Both Yanov and Richardson said that the relative anonymity of online forums works against many of the reasons businesses hold meetings in the first place. A successful meeting often depends on the synergy of the crowd — not only how audience members respond to the speaker or panel but also how they react to and interact with each other.

“As a moderator I like to have a lively and interesting conversation,” Yanov said. “My thing is to dig into an area where people have strengths and are passionate about the topic. If I can see their faces, see their body language, I can adjust my questions accordingly.” It’s very easy to get wires crossed or to miss a point online he added, because the other person’s reactions are missing.

Richardson thinks online forums are well

suited to the delivery of information but live meetings afford opportunities to personalize and repeat key messages and structure a program that engages the participants in a setting remote from the distractions of everyday life.

It’s also where a business can realize the return on investment. “More business is closed at a live meeting that any business ever closed online. If your goal is getting this customer to do business with you or you want to make a major point, then you want a live event.”

Richardson pointed out that in addition to the audiovisual presentation, the smallest detail of things put in guestrooms and on the table during dinner allows a company to reinforce its branding and its commitment to customers. “I think emotional appeal is a surprising component. What stimulates a great business exchange at a high level is controlling the environment and the five senses,” he said.

At a live meeting, creativity and entertainment can have greater impact, too. Richardson once brought in an advanced robot that could converse with the people onstage, reinforcing the company’s message by delivering it in a distinctive way to an audience whose responses in turn added to the impact.

The dynamics that this shared experience offers are difficult, if not impossible, to create online.

“I understand why the web concept is of interest to techies, because they’re in the business of moving a particular idea from one place to another,” said Yanov. “In fact, meetings are more often about relationships, and that’s the thing you can’t get on the web.” EVENT

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

Worth a thousand words The ROI of Telling Your Story with Professional Photos

By Ross Norton

I

f a picture was worth a thousand words tion, good photos are no longer supplemental, in the days of ink and paper, good pho- he said, but fundamental communication tools.

“There’s a purpose for an event. Photos tography is far more valuable in an era that hums along alternating currents of tra- should be strategically aligned to meet that ditional, new, and social media. So don’t objective,” he said. “If it’s a parade, photos from last year can be used scrimp, said Brett Turner of Jackson Marketto get people there this ing Group in Greenville. year. Photos show mass, Good pictures show a depth, flavor, size, and sample of what happened. scope — all in an image.”

Great pictures tell a story Photos also can show of what was and what can results following an event. be. So any business planWhen the Nationning a special event would Am. ro P wide Tour’s BMW be remiss to simply drop a ty ri Cha up) e at BMW on Marketing Gro Charity Pro-Am golf camera in the hands of an Jerry Ric s k c vided Ja (Photo/Pro tournament is played employee at the last minute. each year, photography is a critical elePrices vary, but plan on about $500 for a half day for a profes- ment to help explain and showcase the scope sional photographer. Sure, it costs more than of the event — from the setup, to volunteers, having the guy in accounting use his shiny new to the evening events. Those photos are used in camera, but professional photos are good for all forms of communication from the website more than a one-time laptop slideshow at the to collateral pieces, and even find their way to BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany. next staff meeting.

“It’s a good way to show executives what’s goProfessional event planners say quality photography helps them and their clients tell stories. ing on at a specific event, because photos can Turner, public relations director for his firm, showcase and demonstrate the scope of the likes photos that appeal to the senses. Done well, event,” Turner said.

Turner also advises not forgetting the value photography makes people smell the food, hear the din and feel the excitement. In a world that of photography in-house. A collection of phorelies less and less on text-heavy communica- tographs is a great tool to help a team plan

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and assess how they are doing or how they performed on a project.

Tiffany J. Snyder, an event planner and designer with Distinctive Events in Charleston, also advises using the pictures at every opportunity, from websites to email to the old standby print. The pros use photos before, after, and sometimes during an event to let folks know what happened, what is being planned, and often what is happening now. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter allow pictures to reach an audience while the event is still under way.

“We use photos on all levels,” she said. “We constantly update our website to show our most recent events because people don’t want to see what you did last year. Events are trendy and you need to show your latest work.”

Snyder has cautionary advice for anyone still planning to skip the photography. Sometimes when clients pass on the photographer, her firm will spring for the pictures to fill their own needs.

And sometimes, when a successful event is in the books, a satisfied client decides it would be nice to have some pictures after all. Those unexpected pictures can be had, but now at an additional cost.

“It’s best to plan ahead for photography and make sure it’s done right,” she said. “You need good pictures to show the whole spectrum of what took place. You’re only as professional as the photos you show.” EVENT

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT

Corporate event planning checklists

Before the event

o Determine event goals and objectives. This is especially important with client eve nts and sales meetings, as it will help you keep on trac k.

As the event gets closer

o Form committees as req uired. The larger the event, the more work to be done.

Make life easier by getting others involved. Organi zations that have regular o Identify possible dates for the meeting. No matter events should consider form ing standing committees what date you pick, someon e will complain it doesn’t that meet regularly. work. Thinking ahead and che cking with others on poso Develop a promotional stra sible conflicts can limit the inco tegy. nvenience for all parties. o Do some PR for the eve o Prepare a preliminary age nt.

Calendar notices, press nda and guest list to help rele ases and interviews may all set thecriteria for the venue. be appropriate, depending on the size of you r event. o Prepare a preliminary bud get. Unless you manage o For nonprofit or charity your corporate event closely, events, line up sponsors. the budget can grow Pre pare and mail letters to pot unexpectedly. ential event sponsors requesting consideration in the ir budgets. o Send meeting requireme nts to selected sites with o

Ide ntif y nee ds for outside consultants, requests for written proposals. specifying If you are signing a conrequirements. tract, get a written proposal so there won’t be surprises. o If you are charging adm o Review site proposals from ission to the event, establish responding suppliers, reg istration fee structures and select potential sites and beg policies, and be sure to in site negotiations with includ e clear cancellation policie potential venues. Whenever s. possible, speak to companies that have hosted sim

o Inv ite and con firm key speakers. This inc ilar events at the venue. ludes people within your organizat o Conduct site visits as req ion. Don’t assume anyone uired. This is important is automatically available. when you’reusing the facility for the first time. Determine security needsat the o Obtain audiovisual needs location. from speakers and presenters, and order all necess o Negotiate hotel rates and ary equipment. blocks. If you use hotel meeting rooms for the eve o

Rev iew , upd ate and nt, you could get a significonfirm final event budget . cant discount on sleeping o Identify and communicate rooms. on-site responsibility o Determine preliminary foo d and beverage require- areas for committees and volunteers. Set up training for ments and negotiate menus volunteers and educate them and prices. It’s all negoabout your expectations. tiable, but keep in mind tha o Select and order speake t the more you customize r gifts and awards. the deal, the more you’ll hav e to manage. o Order special decoration s for the event. o Establish a theme and pre liminary graphics for the o Prepare and order the signs. This is logo, program, etc. Take adv another opporantage of this opportunity tunity to bui ld your brand. to enhance your corporate brand. o Arrange for travel and hou o Consider hiring a printer sing of all staff and VIPs. for invitations, programs and agendas. o Add any deadlines and other requirements to the timetable.

The day of the event

o Have a staff/volunteer me eting to review responsibilities, procedures and ove rlap areas such as registration. Taking 10 minutes for an informational and motivational meeting will save hea daches later in the day.

Continued on page 15

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

Ballpark Estimates for Event Budgets O

ne of the most difficult and often most limiting factors for an event is the budget. Knowing how to make the most of a budget of any size can be tricky. With all the variables to consider (food, date, audiences, etc.), it can help to have a general formula to use for plugging in details.

Catering/rentals — 60%-65%

The budgets for catering and rentals can be combined because most caterers are able to include organization of the rentals as part of their service because of the overlap.

When considering caterers, ask for photos of previous events and compare budgets. This will give you a clear picture of what you will receive at your budget level. Presentation and customer service are key elements to evaluate, especially if the caterers are also servicing the event.

Though it is the most important, catering is also probably one of the most flexible. Your initial quote from a vendor is open to revision. You might be surprised by how much you can lower your cost per person by cutting one ingredient.

Catering might include: food, beverages, alcohol serving permits/bartender if needed, tables, chairs, linens, serving ware, decorations, serving staff, staging, heating/fans, labor, etc.

Location — 10%-15%

The location of your event can significantly influence your attendance. Hosting the event at your company headquarters might be good for branding, but might not be conducive to serving food. Holding the event at a new or unique facility might draw more interest, but it might be a pricier option.

Conducting thorough research will help you determine your best solution. Compare the costs associated with a facility that offers a single site fee versus an hourly rate. Be aware that some sites might have very specific contracts, such as requiring pre-selected vendors or enforcing strict time requirements.

Location might include: facility, access to power and water, technology, cleanup, trash disposal, etc.

Marketing — 5%-10%

Publicizing an event might be one of the more neglected categories, but informing people and enticing them to come to your event is crucial to its success. Using door prizes or giveaways can be a good incentive for attendance, as well as a good branding piece for your company.

Consider your audience. Tech-savvy individuals might catch you Twittering about your event, while others might peruse local event

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calendars. Printed invitations are traditionally the most popular, but if that’s not in your budget, consider an electronic version instead.

Marketing might include: printing invitations, postage, e-vites, advertising, media relations, grass-roots marketing, phone calls, prizes, promotional items, etc.

Miscellaneous — 15%-20%

Though an elusive category, budgeting for all your “miscellaneous” items can definitely add up. Even though they are miscellaneous, make sure you are aware of, and don’t underestimate, the different elements. Including a photographer to capture the event or providing valet parking can go a long way toward impressing your guests. Your event should always “over deliver.”

If you have event sponsors to help share the cost, you need to have enough resources to thank and recognize those sponsors.

Miscellaneous items might include: additional decor, entertainment/speaker fees, transportation, event parking, printing of program or materials, staff time, photographer or videographer, technology and audiovisual if not provided by the site facility, etc. EVENT Source: Emily Kosa, special event planner, DNA Creative Communications. www.dnacc.com.

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT

Corporate event planning checklists

o Confirm and monitor pic kup of all rental equipment and supplies.

Immediately afterward

o Pack and inventory all ma terial. Many of your collateral materials are reusab le — and they’re a big investment. o Do financial reconciliation . Gather the invoices and make sure you have been billed correctly and that you pay in a timely fashion. Wa tch expense reports, an area where a lot of costs can be hidden. o Perform post-budget per formance review. Were you on budget? Could you have saved money? o Write and mail thank-you letters. o Collect and organize dat a for final meeting reports .

Get evaluations from staff, volunteers and consultants to determine what went righ t and what could be improved on so next time goe s more smoothly.

The Room

o Location o Caterer o Liquor o Bartenders o Linens (tablecloths, nap kins) o Menu o Cake o Votives and votive candle s o Napkin rings o Table can dy o Table games o Glitter or confetti o Bathroom florals

Giveaways/Prizes o T-shirts o Caps o Tote bags/baskets o Pen s, notepads o Theme-oriented items o Premiums, with compan y logo for corporate event

Other

o Photographer or videog rapher Registration table o Gift o table o Information table

Out-of-Town Guests

(cont.)

Hotel reservations o o Weekend-at-a-glance or itinerary o Maps to and from airport and other locations o Welcome gifts o Transp ortation o Other_____________ ___

Decorations o Sign-in board o Messa ge book o Centerpieces o Welco me sign o Band backdrop o Balloo n bouquets o Buffets – decor and sig nage o Ceiling treatments o Outside lobby area o Seating cards o Table cards o Directional signage o Easels o Theme-oriented signs o Company display

Entertainment

o DJ o Band o Music during cocktails o Other entertainment (caricaturist, magician, etc .) o Photo favors o Special presentation: Wh o to emcee? Who to presen t? o Roasts/toasts o Audiovisual needs o Other (theme-oriented)

Printed materials o Invitations to ceremony, party, benefit or main event o I nvitations to reception (if applicable) o Response cards o Response envelopes o Seating cards o Table cards o Cocktail napkins o Matches o Programs o Agenda o Newsletter Source: thegreatevent.com

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EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

Event Planners Take Charge of Social Media Chatter

By Susan Levi Wallach

G

reenville event planners will tell you that social media is fast replacing traditional surveys, polls, and hunches as the go-to analytics and promotional tool for event planning.

Professional planners such as Lindsay Hazle, senior event producer at Jackson Marketing Group, think more in terms of Facebook — and Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus, blogs, and the like — than facetime. It’s one way to take advantage of the viral nature of networking and online chatter.

But digging into the social media morass and pulling useful analytics can be challenging. For the event planner, social networks can turn the phrase “talk is cheap” into both a battle cry and a bogy.

Though it gets less attention, LinkedIn is

the social media site with the strongest business orientation. For Hazle, the main value in LinkedIn is the groups, such as the Convention Industry Council, many of which are available only to their association members. “They make sure their members have the same certification and professional standards,” she said.

“Facebook for me is more personal than business though we do use it,” said Hazle.

“If my company puts something on its Facebook page, we repeat the message on our pages.” She uses Twitter

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Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT and LinkedIn strictly for business. “I have a big network on Twitter to discuss event trends and different resources in different cities that I can get help with,” she said.

Jackson Marketing also posts videos on YouTube, linking them to the company website. “We posted a video of a motorcycle stunt on the deck of the USS Midway that we filmed at an event in San Diego. It’s a great way to draw traffic, to show what we do.”

Other South Carolina event planners rely more on Facebook as their main social media tool. “We use Facebook analytics to get an idea of who’s talking about what and who’s interested,” said Debi Schadel, who with Tracie Broom runs Flock and Rally, in Columbia. Schadel and Broom not only create event pages on Facebook but also use their personal networks of Facebook friends to promote their clients’ events. “You can hit your audience much more precisely,” she said.

Pulling traditional and reliable data from social media sources can be “tricky” at first, said Jordan Freeman, interactive marketing specialist at Trio Solutions in Mount Pleasant. When developing an event strategy Trio Solutions starts with a Facebook organization page to create interest and push out the information.

“I could pull out a big variety of demographics such as information on the users on the page: their interactions, gender and age, city they’re in, language they speak, whether they’re check the wall or responding to a question or looking at photos or the information page,” said Freeman.

She can also see where subscribers are linking from and whether they found the page on Google or Twitter or somewhere else. “On the interaction side, I can tell what posts are getting the most feedback, how many mentions the event is getting, how many views overall,” Freeman explained.

In addition, said Freeman, “you can build a fan base. The goal with the event is to drive people back to that organizational page anyway.” The means may be different, but

whether you extrapolate data via traditional analytics or social media feedback, the ends are the same, said Schadel. Even hashtags on Twitter are data mines because they allow all comments about an event to be grouped together. “Anybody who wants to check what people are saying in the moment can search on that hashtag and see all the conversations that are going on,” Schadel said. For the planner, this is both a real-time look at the perception of an event and a real-time way to push information. Freeman echoed other South Carolina event planners saying social media is a must. “Now that everyone is using social media of some type, when we go into planning mode we try to incorporate as many outlets as we can.” EVENT

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BUSINESS CASUAL

Destination Meeting 20 Covering all bases – Thoughtful planning points to ensure success 22 Break Bread Not Concentration: The best foods for meetings 24

This section is sponsored by

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EVENT Business Casual

Get Outta Town

Greenville meeting planners find great places to host events across the Palmetto State

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. (Photo/Provided by Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau)

T

ired of the same old conference room or convention hall? Sometimes a change of venue is just what a business meeting needs to energize attendees and get the innovative sparks flying. Fortunately, the sheer number of activities and amenities unique to South Carolina’s major metropolitan areas is incredible. And because they’re just a short drive away, you won’t have to break the bank to host a memorable event.

COLUMBIA

The seat of state government is also a fine spot to host a business conference or special event. Located at the confluence of three rivers just downstream from a 50,000-acre recreational lake, the capital city boasts an abundance of sunshine and an array of accommodations including large hotels and intimate, historic inns.

Columbia’s culinary scene is bursting with 450 restaurants that feature everything from classic American comfort food to Asian and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Over 537,449 square feet of meeting space is available in the region, including the 142,500 square foot Convention Center and the Colonial Life Arena which holds 18,000 guests. The arena also has 41 suites as well as the McGuire Room which can hold 300.

With more than two centuries of history and tradition, the University of South Carolina is

also a tremendous resource to meeting planners looking to feature experts for presentations in the health sciences, nanotechnology, alternative fuels, the environment, and information technologies.

The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (www.columbiacvb.com) sales professionals offer planners a full menu of complimentary services including indentifying the best hotel and meeting facility rates, finding a local caterer, entertainment and photographer, as well as assisting with transportation and registration.

CHARLESTON

Hosting a business meeting in the Lowcountry is certain to be unforgettable. The area’s historic charm, seaside vistas, and famous Southern hospitality combined with top-notch services can meet the needs of every planning professional.

Located in the middle of South Carolina’s picturesque coast and fed by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, the nation’s “friendliest city” according to Travel + Leisure is also one of the top 10 travel destinations in the United States. No wonder this tourist hotspot is home to a number of the top 100 hotels in the country and perfect for accommodating business travelers.

There are plenty of venues to hold board meetings, seminars or trade shows including

20 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. More than 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space as well as an adjoining Performing Arts Center is all conveniently located a few miles outside of historic downtown in North Charleston.

Other meeting spaces such as Conference Room Charleston, offer private conference rooms with full amenities perfect for a small meeting from two to eight participants in historic downtown Charleston. Facilities are also conveniently located near the Charleston International Airport at the new Hyatt Place-North Charleston.

For executives looking to inspire and recharge their team, a visit to Charleston will not only feed their minds but will also fill their stomachs with outstanding food. Fresh caught seafood and Southern comfort dishes abound, prepared in both haute and humble establishments. The only challenge will be what to choose as every meal can be an event in itself.

Associates at the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.charlestoncvb.com) can provide detailed information on the array of venues, lodging and more. Many hotel concierges can also help with business logistics, and suggest restaurants and team building ideas. EVENT

The porch at Charleston’s Founders Hall. (Photo/Provided Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Business Casual EVENT

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Covering all the bases

Thoughtful planning points to ensure success The Goal

Before you begin drawing up budgets or picking locations, you need to determine the goal of your event. Whether it’s a social or corporate function, you must have a clear understanding of your overall objective including who the audience will be and if a return on investment is being measured. Review your goals often throughout the planning process to make sure you stay on target.

The Budget

The economy has pushed many people into planning who have no prior experience in coordinating events. Consequently, whether the function is for corporate or social event, or a nonprofit fundraiser, many employees have no idea what to expect with costs. Look for a planner who will take time to educate you based on how much you have to spend. A professional planner will take your budget and scale the project to meet those requirements and find the perfect match for venue, menu, and number of guests to reach your objectives.

Change is inevitable so build an extra cushion into your budget for contingencies. 10-20 % of your total budget should cover any last-minute changes.

The Date

Time of year is key to the success of your event so factor in weather and temperature, especially if you have attendees traveling or you plan to hold the function outdoors. Check your local events calendar to compare your event date to other events happening in the community. See page 19 of this Event Planning Guide for a list of upcoming events in the region.

Invitations

Make sure you have an accurate head count before you order invitations. Have everyone in your office check the final list to make certain all details such as name spelling and addresses are correct.

Nothing is more embarrassing than sending an invitation to someone who has been gone for an extended period of time or your invitation doesn’t arrive because the person or business moved.

Invest in good quality card stock and printing. An impressive invitation sets the tone for the entire event.

Designate someone to handle RSVPs and include their phone number on the invitation.

Assist the designated responder by addressing the invitation specifically to the guest only – do not leave it open to interpretation — especial-

ly if you have a tight budget, or if your event space will only allow so many guests.

Event Timing

If your event is timed for just after work, consider what your guests may be doing after the party. The prospect of a cocktail party in downtown Greenville after work becomes more attractive if it is within walking distance of good restaurants.

When you ask guests to drive to a remote location, make sure you have plenty of parking and allow them enough time to arrive and get back to work if it is a breakfast or lunch event.

Keep in mind that as breakfast events become more popular, you may have to replicate one multiple times as it won’t serve everyone’s schedule. Start morning events at 8:30 a.m. to get past the rush hour and don’t schedule them to go longer than one hour.

Wow Them in the Beginning

If possible, arrange parking for your guests. Valet parking is a nice touch when you squeeze an event into a workday. If you or your guests have to pay for parking mention it on the invitation. If you are at another location such as a plant or warehouse, use golf carts to transport your guests from the parking lot to the facility. Segways, trolleys, or carriages are unique alternatives.

Wow Them in the Middle

Have your staff greet each guest at the parking lot or at the front door. Your attention to this detail will reinforce the quality of your work. Make sure there is always something going on so it isn’t a static experience. Move guests through rooms or furnish entertainment so the event is always evolving.

Great Food

Great food doesn’t have to be boring. Let your guests guide appropriate choices. An allfemale group will enjoy lighter fare, while a mixed crowd should be offered a variety of light and substantial options.

For breakfasts think in terms of combinations of bread or whole grain options, proteins and fruits. Luncheons or dinners can start with a small cup of tomato bisque and salad, both filling and delicious.

If you are having a more intimate event, ask the chef if he or she can introduce the menu and the wine selections. Encouraging your guests to ask questions during an explanation

22 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

of the forthcoming meal provides an interesting, interactive touch.

Roaming Entertainment

If you want to entertain your guests, go beyond hiring a band. Build on a theme of color, place, or time such as a “Las Vegas Night” or “Mid-afternoon in Morocco.” For the former, lounges with vintage arcade games or plasma screen TVs with video games provide interactive entertainment for all ages. The Moroccan theme could feature belly dancers, drummers and an array of Middle Eastern fare.

Prizes

Guests love to win drawings but if you plan on holding a raffle, you must make sure to be in compliance with local ordinances and the venue. Giveaways might include a trip to Biltmore, the Greenville Symphony, meals at local restaurants, a turn driving at the BMW Performance Center, or a weekend getaway to the NASCAR track in Charlotte, N.C.

Wow Them in the End

Have someone at the door to say goodbye and hand out swag bags. These goodie packs can be filled with donated gift certificates or coupons from local businesses.

Whether or not gifts are in your budget, consider mailing a “thank you for coming” note to acknowledge each guest’s attendance.

Wrap It Up

After the event, have a meeting to determine the high and low points of the event.

What worked and what would you do differently. Write up a summary to help with your objectives for the next event. If you know you’ll be doing another event, book the date right away to avoid conflicts later on. EVENT Source: Christa Hovis, owner and principal, event designer and planner Christa Hovis Special Events. eventdiva@christahovis.com

Business Casual EVENT

Technical Worksheet for events

A

ccounting for all audiovisual needs for your meeting or event can be Will this event be videotaped? _________________________________ a daunting task. Use this form to help clarify your needs and better communicate with your selected production company.

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

POWER Are you familiar with the power available at this venue? ______________ If not, do you have a contact for this at your venue? _________________

Organization or individual name: _______________________________ What kind of event are you planning? ____________________________

AUDIO

How many people are you expecting? ___________________________

How many people will be speaking? ____________________________

What is the event date? ______________________________________

What kinds of microphones are needed for this event?________________

Where do you plan to host this event? ___________________________

Wired HH/Qty__________________________________ Wireless HH/Qty_

What is your audiovisual budget for this event? ____________________

Wireless LAV/Qty___________________________________________ Wireless Headset/Qty______ Specific other:______________________

Event Details

The speaker(s) will address your audience from: (please circle one):

Load In:____________________Date:_____________Time:_________

Wired mic stand Head table mic stands Upright podium Tabletop

Rehearsal:________________________________________________

podium None

Doors Open to Guests:_______ Show Start:_______ Show End:________ Does your event have a theme or specific color choices?______________

VIDEO

Do you have a show flow or agenda for this event? __________________

What is the purpose of having video as an element of this event? _______

Do you have a logo specific to your event that you would like to project

Do you already have content you would like to present in video? ________

onto the walls, floor or building facade? __________________________

If so, what media and media source are you using? _________________

Are you planning to have entertainment that will require lighting?________

How many media sources do you plan to use? (PC, DVD) _____________

If so, is there a rider available with their specific needs? ______________

Do you need assistance with video design or production? _____________

Will this event take place in more than one location?

Would you like to use a projection screen(s) for this event? ____________

(tents, rooms, buildings) _____________________________________

If so, would you like to do front or rear projection? __________________

At what times would you transition the location of your event? _________

Ground support your video screen(s) or suspend from ceiling points? _____

Do you have a room diagram for this event? _______________________

Do you have any specific camera work needs for this event? ___________

What elements would you like to use lighting for? (stage, dance floor, decor) ____________________________________

Information provided by Production Design Associates Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

23

EVENT Business Casual

Break Bread not Concentration The best foods for meetings

E

ating the right foods makes a big difference in how alert and content people are during a meeting or conference. Careful choices need to be made when feeding large groups because the wrong foods can have negative results. Keeping attendees sharp, interested, and comfortable are the goals.

Easy does it

Many business men and women use these meetings as a networking tool, often engaging in conversation. Catering planners should avoid heavy sauces, large pieces, and foods that crumble.

Guests prefer food that is easy to handle. People don’t want to eat food that gets all over their face, gets stuck in their teeth, or drips on their shirts.

Leave the pizza and barbecue chicken wings off the menu and go for quiche, soup, or fish entrees to eliminate potential embarrassments.

Strossner’s Bakery Inc. caters events for groups of 10 to several hundred. Marketing director Chrissy Michalski said it’s important to organize the food for easy access. For more than 100 people, more than one service line is key, or position the table so that both sides can be used by guests. It’s best to keep the food service outside the meeting area, she said.

Crowd pleasers

Consider the gender ratio and if there will be international attendees at the event. Vegetarian requests are frequent, so salad bars and deli boards give attendees many options, and meats can be added or avoided. Allergies are

always a concern, so it is important to provide menu ingredients and serve the sauces and toppings on the side.

“We can accommodate those needs on the spot,” said Sarah Essich, group dining coordinator for High Cotton restaurant on Greenville’s Main Street.

A successful chef doesn’t want to exclude anyone, keeping in mind vegetarian preferences or health issues such as gluten allergies. At High Cotton, the chef will have something in his bag of tricks for the diner with special needs or requests, Essich said.

Don’t forget to spruce up the setting, Strossner’s Michalski said. “Fresh flowers are cheerful, and always brighten a table,” she said.

Avoid too much sugar and too much spice

Whenever possible, use ingredients grown in local garden and from local farms and suppliers. When planning a breakfast, avoid foods like doughnuts and danishes. Too much sugar may not sit well in the stomachs of some guests.

Pre-processed foods contain massive amounts of sodium and can cause bloating.

Fresh ingredients are the way to go to keep saltsensitive diners and guests happy.

Heavy foods = heavy eyelids

The heavy ‘meat and potatoes’ lunch will always slow things down and should be avoided. Instead, choose lighter, satisfying foods for lunch like salads with side additions of nuts, dried cherries, grilled salmon or chicken.

24 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Timing is everything

Grab-and-go is good idea when attendees are rushed.

Some guests may have spent the early morning hours traveling in a car, arriving just in the nick of time. Serve something easy to pick up so people can get seated and organized.

The mid-afternoon break is an opportunity to provide light, simple snacks.

The break is normally the time when guests slip out and take a few phone calls or attend to personal matters. A time-consuming snack will eat into their personal time, so pre-wrapped snacks, house-made trail mix or granola bars are a good addition to the table.

Favorites at High Cotton, Essich said, are ginger marinated chicken satays on a skewer, for example, or bacon-wrapped shrimp. A favorite with women, she said, is a caprese finger food that includes a grape tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar.

Have fun with your food

Foods with a local flare often give planners a chance to incorporate themes and creativity, which keep people interested, and they will consider the food an event in and of itself. Instead of canned tuna sandwiches, serve fresh seared tuna sandwiches. Making guests feel special begins with making the food special.

Themed lunches could include Asian with sushi and side dishes like noodle salad and stir-fry.

Local fare in the South is a platform for many popular themed events. EVENT

Business Casual EVENT

Proper Attire White Tie MEN: Black tailcoat; matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid; white pique wing-collared shirt with stiff front; white vest; white bow tie; white or gray gloves; black patent leather shoes; and black dress socks

Follow these guidelines to ensure you are appropriately dressed, whether you’re attending a formal wedding, a business dinner or a barbeque.

shoes; and dark dress socks WOMEN: Short afternoon or cocktail dress; or long dressy skirt and top

FESTIVE ATTIRE

WOMEN: Formal (floor-length) evening gown

BLACK TIE

WOMEN: Short cocktail dress; long, dressy skirt and top; or dressy pants outfit

MEN: Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers; formal (pique or pleated-front) white shirt; black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill); vest or black cummerbund to match tie; dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional); black patent leather shoes; black dress socks; and no gloves. In the summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket; black tuxedo trousers; and other black-tie wardrobe.

DRESSY CASUAL

WOMEN: Formal (floor-length) evening gown; or short, dressy cocktail dress

MEN: Seasonal sport coat or blazer; slacks or khakis; open-collar shirt

MEN: Either a tuxedo (see “Black Tie”) or a dark suit; white shirt; and conservative tie WOMEN: Formal (floor-length) evening gown; short, dressy cocktail dress; or dressy separates

CREATIVE BLACK TIE MEN: Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund; black shiny patent leather or dressy black leather shoes; and black socks WOMEN: Formal (floor-length) evening gown; short, dressy cocktail dress; or dressy separates, any of the above accessorized with items such as a feather boa, colorful shawl or colorful jewelry

SEMIFORMAL MEN: Dark, dressy business suit (usually worsted wool) with matching vest (optional); white shirt; conservative tie; dressy leather

MEN: Same as “Business Casual” with some holiday colors or designs.

WOMEN: Same as “Business Casual” with some holiday colors or designs.

MEN: Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice; slacks; open-collar shirt or shirt with festive or holiday-themed tie

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

HOLIDAY CASUAL

Source: Revised 17th edition of Emily Post’s “Etiquette”

MEN: Seasonal sport coat or blazer; slacks; open-collar shirt WOMEN: Street-length dress; skirt and dressy top; or dressy pants outfit

BUSINESS CASUAL WOMEN: Skirt, khakis or slacks; open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or low-neck tops)

SPORT CASUAL MEN: Khakis or clean, pressed jeans; plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or casual button-down shirt WOMEN: Khakis or clean, pressed jeans; plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or casual buttondown shirt

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

25

LIFESTYLE Eco-friendly Event Planning 28 Event Calendar 30

This section is sponsored by

26 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

EVENT Lifestyle

Eco-friendly event planning C

onsidering the environment has become an important part of planning meetings, weddings, and social events as more individuals and businesses recognize that eco-friendly event planning is costeffective, practical and good public relations.

Roper-Starch, a leading U.S. consumer marketing research and trends consulting company, recently reported that 80% of people consider themselves environmentalists.

“We’re all thinking about the future for our children and our grandchildren. We’re not just thinking about now,” said Carolyn Schoepf, president of Corporate Raves Inc. Schoepf has been planning a variety of events – including corporate, wedding and f u nd r ais ers – since 1988 a n d has noticed a recent uptick in requests for eco-friendly elements. She said one of the easiest ways her clients can be kind to the environment is to cut back on waste. Doing so makes an impact when hosting groups of any size, and it just takes a little time and thought.

“Place recycling containers alongside trash bins to make it easy for event goers to recycle,” said Schoepf, who plans BMW Manufacturing Co.’s annual Earth Day event.

Event planners can also make more conscious choices when it comes to décor. Floral arrangements, for example, usually end up in the trash once an event is over. Consider selecting live plants that can be raffled off to participants, given to guests, or donated to local schools or charities. Schoepf said many brides request their flowers be taken to assisted living homes.

Food is another important area for reducing waste and the key is to obtain an accurate headcount. Other eco-friendly elements include hiring a caterer that serves locally grown food and asking the caterer to compost scraps.

A local organic farmer could be hired to pick up the scraps and take them to his or her farm for composting. Unused food items can be taken to the local soup kitchen.

When serving food, Shoepf suggest using china and glassware instead of paper or polystyrene.

28 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Green exhibit

The tradeshow industry traditionally leaves a pretty large carbon footprint behind, but Katie Leckenbusch of JC Rose and Associates said that is changing. The company she works for builds tradeshow exhibits and offers a range of products from simple table-top displays and retractable banner stands, to modular components that can stand two-stories tall. And, because the company manufactures custom exhibits on-site, it has the ability to offer clients eco-friendly options.

For example, modular booths can be built with recycled materials and low-weight aluminum, which saves money if the exhibit must be shipped to an event. In addition, graphics can be printed with eco-solvent ink on fabric made from recycled soda bottles.

“There is a price-point difference, but for some people, it’s such a big part of their corporate structure, that is OK with them,” Leckenbusch said. “Personally, I think you end up with an exhibit or display that gives you another talking point. Not only is it beautiful and interesting for your target market to see, but there is the added aspect that it has been created without producing harmful effects.”

Convention centers are also making an effort to become more eco-friendly, Leckenbusch said. Exhibitors often leave a lot behind that could be recycled or given away, and some convention center operators have taken it upon themselves to sort out items rather than just toss them.

Green lodging

Planning a tradeshow, conference or wedding often includes making travel and lodging arrangements and some planners offer to track all of the guests’ travel and arrange for carbon offsets. Carbon offsets can be purchased through companies like NativeEnergy. com or CarbonFund.org. These companies provide tools to calculate carbon emissions and opportunities to offset them through supporting various carbon reducing.

Planners can also arrange for attendees to stay at a green hotel, (a complete list is provided by the Green Hotels Association, greenhotels.com). They can also choose a venue that is centrally located and ask attendees to consider carpooling.

When planners incorporate local products and sustainable practices into events, the occasion can be meaningful and memorable. EVENT

Lifestyle EVENT

green tips

Events can generate a lot of trash. With so many people interested in reducing their carbon footprint, use your next event as a way to promote environmentally friendly practices. Use this checklist to see how green you can make your event.

• If you must use paper, use post-consumer paper whenever possible.

• Tie-in promotions.

• Use reusable cups or mugs as promotion products that participants can take home and use after the event.

Waste reduction

Recycling and cleanup

Marketing/Advertising • Print all advertising on used paper or post-consumer recycled paper.

• Advertise electronically. Use e-mail as your main source of communication; when possible, direct people to a Web site where all information about your event can be found.

• Print signs and posters on the blank side of previously used paper.

• Inform participants that the event will have a green focus, and encourage them to be supportive and active.

• Offer online event registration.

• Have appropriate recycling bins at your event. Request additional recycling and garbage containers from the venue you’re using.

• Place the garbage and recycling bins next to each other so attendees can make one “stop and drop.”

• Make announcements and use signs to show guests the “Recycling Rules.” They’ll need to know what can be recycled and where to take the items. Make it as easy as possible.

• Have (polite and fun) volunteers monitor the recycling bins to ensure trash is being deposited into the right bin.

• Evaluate the types of waste your event will produce and see if you can substitute the waste that might go to the garbage with waste that can be recycled or reused.

• Try to use the most environmentally-friendly products and services that are available, including eco-friendly cleaning materials and products, even if they cost a bit more.

At the event Avoid using paper • Use dry-erase boards and chalkboards instead of flip chart paper.

• Encourage PowerPoint presentations or online presentations instead of handouts.

• If handouts are required, print material on the back of previously used paper or on post-consumer or recycled paper.

• Always print handouts double-sided.

Source: Jennifer Cherock, Trio Solutions Inc.,www.trio-solutions.com

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29

EVENT Lifestyle

Upstate Calendar of EVENTS The following is a sampling of some major events in the Upstate region.

St. Francis Fall for Greenville.

(Photo/Provided by Greenville CVB)

port this charity fundraiser weekend. 864-240-3400. www.blueridgefest.com The month ends with the Pontiac GMC Freedom Weekend Aloft, one of the nation’s largest hot-air balloon events, in Simpsonville. The festival attracts balloonists and their crews from all over the country for twice-daily mass balloon launchings and competition. Arts and crafts, carnival rides, concerts and fireworks round out the fun. www.freedomweekend.org. 864-399-9481

June

The Upstate Shakespeare Festival at Falls Park in downtown Greenville is a chance for theater lovers to bring a picnic basket and enjoy two plays in a beautiful outdoor setting. www.upstateshakespearefestival.org For those who enjoy sheaf tossing and bagpipes, the Greenville Scottish Games take place in early June at Furman University with plenty of activities for children and adults. www.greenvillegames.org/

July

The Upstate is a sprawling and busy place with events from the mountains to the rolling red hills.

January

The Battle of Cowpens Reenactment takes place at Cowpens National Battlefield. While many historic sites in the area remember the Civil War, this one marks the site of the 1781 Battle of Cowpens, considered by many historians to be a turning point in the Southern campaign of the American Revolution. 864-461-2828. http://www.nps.gov/cowp/

February Disco isn’t dead, at least not in Spartanburg in early February when Retrofest, the South’s Largest Disco Party, takes place at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

This groovin’ fundraiser brings out not only some old clothes, but a lot of support for the American Red Cross. http://piedmont.redcross.org/

March The Return to the Green festival celebrates Irishstyle for St. Patrick’s Day. Held at Falls Park in Greenville, the festival features activities for children and adults including arts and crafts, live entertainment and food. 864-467-6667. www. greatergreenville.com

April Spring brings the beauty of azaleas to the Upstate and it also brings the Azalea Festival to Pickens.

Hundreds of blooming azaleas, arts and crafts, children’s games, a historical tour and an eclectic range of musicians highlight this mid-April celebration of spring’s arrival. 866-615-6603. www.pickenschamber.org/AzaleaFest

May Thousands of people pack downtown Spartanburg during the first weekend of the month for Spring Fling. Festival-goers enjoy music, entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides, a classic car show and international foods. 864-596-3105. www.cityofspartanburg.org.

The Greer Family Fest provides rides, storytelling, arts and crafts, food and, for those who like adventure, a mud volleyball tournament. 864-877-4841. www. greerfamilyfest.com In Pickens, the Blue Ridge Fest features some of the biggest names in beach bands on Friday night and a “cruise-in” with more than 400 classic and antique cars. A motorcycle rally on Saturday also helps to sup-

30 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Spartanburg ushers in the patriotic season in the beginning of July with the Red, White and Boom festival in Barnet Park. The Fourth of July in Greenville is celebrated with the Red, White and Blue downtown festival. The event features a parade, fireworks, live music and barbecue.

Gaffney goes all out for the Peach Festival, which celebrates the fresh peach industry in Cherokee and Spartanburg counties. This 10-day festival includes parades, sporting events, truck and tractor pulls, concerts by nationally-known country music artists and plenty of food, topped off with delicious peach desserts. www. scpeachfestival.org

August

The Upstate Women’s Show focuses on the many interests that women share. As a three day interactive consumer event, women have face-to-face and handson contact with 300+ high-quality vendors with products and services targeted directly to them. The ability to shop comparatively while being constantly entertained is one of the prime reasons that the show is so increasingly successful. The event is at the Carolina First Center located in Greenville. www.upstatewomensshow.com

September

Art in the Park, sponsored by the Greenville Recreation Department and Upstate Visual Arts, is held on the Governor’s School grounds in downtown Greenville.

This annual celebration features local and regional

Lifestyle EVENT artists. 864-232-4433. www.upstatevisualart.org/ uvartnpark.htm

October Spartanburg dresses in its international wardrobe for the International Festival, which offers entertainment, costumes and cuisine to celebrate the wide variety of people that call the Upstate home. 864-596-3105. www.cityofspartanburg.org/international-fest/ During the second weekend of October, St. Francis Fall for Greenville transforms 10 blocks of downtown Greenville into a huge open-air eatery as area restaurants offer samples of their specialties.

The event also features waiters’ races, ice carving, an antiques show, bicycle races and a soccer tournament.

864-467-5791. www.mainstevents.com/ Every year downtown Greer hosts the traditional Oktoberfest. Festival goers should expect their mouths to melt from the array of German foods and desserts that will be served. Not only is the Greer Station Oktoberfest centered around German themes, it is embracing local artists and celebrating their creative works. Local artists will be displaying their creative pieces all day in downtown Greer. If you are interested in volunteering and being a part of this unique festival, contact the Greer Chamber of Commerce.

More than 30,000 people are estimated to visit Pumpkintown the second Saturday of the month each year.

On Highway 8 about 10 miles outside Pickens, the annual Pumpkin Festival is celebrated on the grounds of an old schoolhouse. The event includes traditional music, clogging, barbecue, antique cars and a parade. It’s also one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts shows in the state with more than 140 booths. 864-898-0261

Street perfomer at Artisphere.

(Photo/Provided by Greenville CVB)

November

The Turkey Day 8K race in Spartanburg started as a bet between two friends who decided all great cities have a Thanksgiving Day road race. The registration fee is canned food for the local soup kitchen. The event is sponsored by the Spartanburg Running Club.

Hagood Mill near Pickens celebrates Native American heritage each November. Hagood Mill was built in 1845 and operated until the mid-1960s. After several attempts to revise the historic gristmill, it was back in business in 1997 and is operated now during the third weekend of every month by the Pickens County Cultural Commission. The Native American Celebration in November is one of the biggest draws of the year. In 2003, petroglyphs were discovered on a large rock often used as a picnic spot or play area for children. www.co.pickens. sc.us/culturalcommission/

December

Beginning after Thanksgiving, Roper Mountain Holiday Lights illuminate downtown Greenville and I-85 in elaborate colorful light displays to celebrate the

Christmas season. www.ropermountain.org Spartanburg, Fountain Inn, Greenville, Anderson and Pendleton all host special holiday events for families. A favorite is the annual Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade on Main Street the first Saturday of the month.

864-467-4485

From Weddings to Galas, Concerts to Conferences, PDA is the company to call for your production needs. For 20 years we have been providing turn key services for our clients; we handle everything from design to set-up to strike. Our creative professionals are highly skilled and can help you through each stage of the event planning process. Production Design Associates and your event: 20 years ago, today, and into the future.

843.554.3466

www.pdastage.com Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

31

Lists & Directories

Event Planners 34 Alternative/Outdoor Venues 35 Hotels with Meeting Facilities 40 Golf Courses 41 Exhibition Centers 42 Rental Companies 43 Florists/Event Decor 44 Caterers 46 Index of Advertisers 47 Index of Companies 47

This section is sponsored by

32 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

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33

EVENT Lists & Directories

Upstate Event Planners Ranked by No. of Local Employees Company Address Phone/Fax/Website Erwin-Penland 125 E. Broad St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-271-0500/864-235-5941/www.erwinpenland.com Jackson Marketing Group 2 Task Industrial Court, Greenville, SC 29607 864-272-3000/864-272-3040/www.jacksonmg.com Duvall 206 Woods Lake Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-674-7188/843-763-6142/www.duvallevents.com Event Rentals 225 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-591-1846/864-591-1944/www.event-rentals.com Custom Production Services 730 Sterling Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29316 864-814-1221/864-814-1219 Crawford Strategy 200 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601 864-232-2302/864-232-2306/www.crawfordstrategy.com Market Link Inc. 301 Railroad St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 864-582-1003/864-587-5623/www.energizingsales.com DNA Creative Communications LLC 103 E.Park Ave., Greenville, SC 29601 864-235-0959/864-235-1304/www.dnacc.com Brett Inc. P.O. Box 2304, Greenville, SC 29602 864-239-0616/864-242-9811/www.brett-inc.com JBM and Associates LLC 14 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-250-9713/864-250-0434/www.jbmshows.com Culinary Connection 297-C Garlington Road, Greenville, SC 29615 864-421-7881/864-458-9599/www.theculinaryconnection.com Full Circle Public Relations 148 River St., Suite 205, Greenville, SC 29601 864-672-9614/864-672-9619/www.fullcirclepr.com Upstate Wedding and Event Services 1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6, Greenville, SC 29611 864-220-1220/864-220-1224/ www.upstateweddingservices.com Vass Markets Inc. 5 Creekside Park Court, Suite H, Greenville, SC 29615 864-288-2221/864-288-2221/www.vassmarkets.com Christine Faust Events 14 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-590-2440/www.faustevents.com Corporate Raves Inc. 1430 Maryland Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29307 864-585-8012/864-585-1820/www.corporateraves.com Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box1636, Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-594-5051/864-594-5052/www.visitspartanburg.com Communication Works LLC P.O. Box 27142, Greenville, SC 29616 864-908-4744/www.communicationworksllc.com Southern Socials 129 Colfax Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29316 864-316-7732/www.southernsocials.net Christa Hovis Special Events LLC 3620 Pelham Road, Suite189, Greenville, SC 29615 864-304-9085/864-297-3192/www.christahovis.com Corporate Meeting and Event Management LLC 131 Stewart Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-967-9722/864-228-1956 On the Go LLC P.O. Box 5204, Greenville, SC 29606 864-325-2589/www.onthegoconcierge.com Park-Way Meetings LLC 213 Davidson Road, Greenville, SC 29609 864-246-4560

Day of Local Coordinator Employees Available

Specialties

Top Local Official(s) Year Founded

275

Y

Product launch events, customer engagement events, trade shows, corporate meetings, conferences, concerts/entertainment, media events

Joe Erwin 1986

103

Y

Advertising, public relations, event management, Web development, mobile marketing, strategic planning

Larry Jackson, Darrell Jackson, Kevin Johnson 1988

100

Y

Catering, event design, bar service and decor for private parties, weddings and corporate events

Caroline Heuring 1978

35

INP

Wedding and corporate event needs

Wendell Christopher 1995

15

INP

Total event production and management; talent buying, staging, sound, lighting and video

Wm. A. (Sandy) Morgan 1987

14

Y

Press conferences, fundraising events, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, galas, holiday gatherings.

Marion Rose Crawford, Sandy Linning 2009

12

N

We provide telemarketing and email marketing services and support for any events a business may have.

Lisa Marshall 2004

8

Y

Debbie Nelson 1997

6

Y

Corporate events, grand openings, client appreciations, open houses, informational tours, realtor luncheons, press conferences, product launches, festivals, non-profit events Events from small business board meetings to golf tournaments and symphony concerts, experience handling press conferences, groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings

Tim Brett, Elaine Barnhill, John Boyanoski 1993

6

INP

Consumer show management and marketing

Jacqui Bomar 2001

4

Y

Corporate, social, weddings

Nancy Yeargin 1999

4

Y

Grassroots marketing, special events, social media management and crisis communications, press conferences, sales meetings, social media contests and in-store events for retailers

Liza Jones, Kim Banks 2009

4

Y

Weddings

Patty Revels 2004

4

Y

Public relations; show marketing and management; sponsorship and exhibit sales

Kathy V. Vass, Leigh Ann Satterfield DeYoung 2003

3

INP

Weddings and corporate events

Christine Faust 2005

3

Y

Corporate events, groundbreakings, grand openings, themed parties, holiday events, employee-related events, tours, meetings, seminars, conferences, destination management

Carolyn Schoepf 1988

3

N

Visitor, conference and meeting assistance.

Patricia Byrd 1986

2

Y

Training workshops and seminars, conferences, business meetings, employee special events, executive retreats

Betty Parker Ellis 1998

2

Y

Events, parties, and weddings

Sheila Turner 2005

1

N

Award winning design, planning and production services for social and corporate special events

Christa Hovis 2005

1

INP

Corporate meetings and special events

Bobbie MacIntosh 2002

1

Y

Office, holiday, birthday, anniversary parties and more

O'Zandra L. Floyd 2004

1

Y

Full meeting planning, budget to audit, for association and corporate clients; on-site meeting management

Brenda C. Park 2003

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

34 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Researched by Elizabeth Feather

Lists & Directories EVENT

Upstate Alternative/ Outdoor Event Venues Listed Alphabetically

295 Complex-Southport Road Southport Road Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-595-5356 Maximum Capacity: 1,500 Capacity Outdoor: 1,500 Capacity Reception: INP In-house catering available?: INPzTents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

Canaan Road Soccer Complex Canaan Road Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-596-9000 Maximum Capacity: 2,000 Capacity Outdoor: 2,000 Capacity Reception: INP Sports facility offers 8 soccer fields with 2 restrooms, passive seating.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

Centre Stage - South Carolina 501 River St. Greenville, SC 29604-8451 864-233-6733 Glenda ManWaring Maximum Capacity: 285 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 200 A 285-seat theater with three lobby areas and a patio.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.centrestage.org

Clemson University Outdoor Lab 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC 29670 Clemson, SC 29634-0737 864-646-7502 Leslie Conrad Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: 250 Capacity Reception: 150 Accommodations for conferences, meetings, workshops, retreats, camps, weddings, receptions located on Lake Hartwell.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: N www.clemson.edu/outdoorlab

Cleveland Park Spartanburg 141 N. Cleveland Park Drive Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-562-4150 Jon Woodsby Maximum Capacity: 400 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Public park with event center, 100-seat amphitheater, gazebo, outdoor event space and three picnic shelters available for rent. Grounds feature a miniature train, volleyball area and two meeting rooms totaling 5,400-square feet.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

The Cliffs Valley Golf Course 250 Knightsridge Road Travelers Rest, SC 29690 864-660-1100 David Sawyer Maximum Capacity: 350 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP 28,000-square foot clubhouse including ballroom, boardroom, dining room and tap rooms; 150,000-square foot wellness center.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.cliffscommunities.com

Cowpens Park - Linda St. Linda St. Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-595-5356 Maximum Capacity: 200 Capacity Outdoor: 200 Capacity Reception: INP Park with 2 baseball/softball fields, 2 tennis courts, 1 basketball court, concession/restroom building and playground.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

Cross Creek Plantation 130 Club Drive Seneca, SC 29678 864-882-8337 Mark Ernst Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 300 Golf and country club located minutes from Lake Keowee and Clemson University.

In-house catering available?: Y

Thornblade (Photo/Provided)

Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.crosscreekplantation.com

The Duncan Estate 840 Union St. Spartanburg, SC 29302 864-529-7287 Danielle Sanders, Barbara Barnes, Corey Sanders Maximum Capacity: 200 Capacity Outdoor: 200 Capacity Reception: 200 Located 1 mile from Downtown Spartanburg, historic estate and scenic 4 acres for weddings and events. Open vendor policy.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.duncanestate.com

ECPI 1001 Keys Drive, Suite 100 Greenville, SC 29615 864-288-2828 Amy Hickman Maximum Capacity: 50 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Computer lab and classrooms available for meetings.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.ecpi.edu

Fairmont Larkin Park - Nazareth Road Nazareth Road Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-595-5356 Maximum Capacity: 50 Capacity Outdoor: 50 Capacity Reception: INP

Picnic shelter, no power, and bathroom facility.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

Furman University Amphitheater 3300 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29613 864-294-3267 Todd Duke Maximum Capacity: 3,000 Capacity Outdoor: 3,000 Capacity Reception: INP Canopy-roofed amphitheater with full sound system for concerts, performances and weddings.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: Y www.furman.edu/younts

Furman University McAlister Auditorium 3300 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29613 864-294-2124 Danielle Hernandez Maximum Capacity: 1,900 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Auditorium for concerts, lectures and theatrical performances for community events.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.timmonsarena.com

Furman University, Charles E. Daniel Chapel 3300 Poinsett Highway see VENUES, page 36

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EVENT Lists & Directories 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601 864-242-5000 Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Meeting spaces throughout the Greenville County Library System for meetings, presentations, and information sharing.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: N www.greenvillelibrary.org

VENUES, continued from page 35 Greenville, SC 29613 864-294-2390 Bray Claire, Kay Wilson Maximum Capacity: 352 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP 27,000 square feet of space that includes: an upper sanctuary that can accommodate 352 people, a bridal room, a garden room and meeting spaces.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: N www.furman.edu/younts

Grant Softball Field Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-587-4267 Tim Wallace Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: 200 Capacity Reception: INP Softball In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.smcsc.edu

Greater Pacolet Park

Hollywild Animal Park (Photo/Provided)

- Sunny Acres Road Sunny Acres Road Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-595-5356 Maximum Capacity: 100 Capacity Outdoor: 100 Capacity Reception: INP 2 baseball/softball fields In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgparks.org

Green Valley Country Club 225 Green Valley Road

Greenville, SC 29617 864-246-2141 Garnette Brown, Gerald Weathers Maximum Capacity: 500 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Dining facility, pool, tennis courts, views of Paris Mountain, driving range, putting and chipping greens, full service country club.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.greenvalley.cc

Greenville County Library System

Greenville Little Theatre 444 College St. Greenville, SC 29601 864-233-6238 Allen McCalla Maximum Capacity: 1,085 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 400 A 585-seat auditorium with grand lobby and 7,000-square feet of meeting space within two meeting rooms. GLT provides school outreach programs and other special events.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: INP www.greenvillelittletheatre.org

GSA BUSINESS Marketing Goldmine This multi-media marketing opportunity runs over several months and is a fully integrated marketing goldmine. Your company will receive high visibility and branding exposure via your presence in GSA Business, the GSA Business website, various email campaigns and during the event.

Active Participation Event sponsorships provide a unique active participation component to your overall marketing campaign. You will directly engage with the leading and most respected business leaders in the Upstate.

Unique Brand Exposure As a partnering sponsor, your company receives critical brand exposure and gains unique access to prominently regarded and respected business leaders for one-on-one relationship-building face time.

36 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Lists & Directories EVENT

Greenville Technical College (Event Facilities) 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, SC 29606 864-250-8214 Evelyn Westfield Maximum Capacity: 250 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP 2 auditoriums with video projection and wireless microphones are available for event use.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.gvltec.edu

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve 820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.

Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-574-7724 Robin Vollmer Maximum Capacity: 100 Capacity Outdoor: 400 Capacity Reception: INP A 10 acre public garden open during daylight hours. 50 seat outdoor amphitheater, 40 seat observation deck, stone patio and waterfall, cedar pavilion and arbor with large brick terrace with ca-

pacity for 100.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.hatchergarden.org

Holly Tree Country Club 500 Golf Club Drive Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-967-9511 Joe Jackson, Penny J. Pater Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: 200 Capacity Reception: 250 Practice areas, 2,400 square foot ballroom, casual dining grill, courtyard for outdoor assemblies, full culinary team.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.hollytreecountryclub.net

Hollywild Animal Park 2325 Hampton Road Welford, SC 29385 864-472-2038 Mary Lee Rollins Maximum Capacity: 1,500 Capacity Outdoor: 1,500 Capacity Reception: 150 100-acre animal park and zoo with

open-air covered pavilion, meeting rooms, covered amphitheater and multiple picnic tables. Outside caterers only.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: Y www.hollywild.com

Capacity Reception: 400 Auditorium, dining hall, meeting rooms, and classrooms are available.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.limestone.edu

ITT Technical Institute

Mooneyham Baseball Field

6 Independence Point, Independence Corporate Park Greenville, SC 29615 864-288-0777 Josh Brown Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Computer labs, conference rooms, theory rooms, and a partitioned room.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.itt-tech.edu

Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-587-4267 Tim Wallace Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: 500 Capacity Reception: INP Baseball In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.smcsc.edu

Limestone College 1115 College Drive Gaffney, SC 29340 864-489-7151 Walt Griffin Maximum Capacity: 973 Capacity Outdoor: INP

Moore Athletic Activities Building Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-587-4267 Tim Wallace Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Basketball and indoor wrestling facility.

In-house catering available?: INP see VENUES, page 38

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS HEALTH CARE

HEROES HOUR

HOUR

You are a Leader

Tiered Opportunities

Your sponsorship positions your company as a leader in your field.

Various sponsorship levels allow participation at any budget level.

For advertising information and special sponsorship benefits, please contact Lisa Jones, GSA Business Publisher at 864-235-5677 x28 or ljones@scbiznews.com

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG & ANDERSON

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

37

EVENT Lists & Directories Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: N www.riverfallsspa.com

Smithfields Country Club

Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP

100 Pine Ridge Drive Easley, SC 29642 864-855-3543 Adam Relan Maximum Capacity: 487 Capacity Outdoor: 487 Capacity Reception: 200 Olympic-sized swimming pool, six tennis courts, dining facilities, driving range.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.smithfields.cc

The Preserve at Verdae

Solitude Pointe

Zen (Photo/Provided)

VENUES, continued from page 37 Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.smcsc.edu

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University and at Heritage Green 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29614 864-770-1331 Amy Basinger, Erin R. Jones Maximum Capacity: 49 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Executive conference room for board meetings, guest lectures/conferences, and staff leadership training.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: N www.bjumg.org

Nash Soccer Field

650 Verdae Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29607 864-676-1500 David A. Nelson, Paul Albert Maximum Capacity: 1,300 Capacity Outdoor: 2,000 Capacity Reception: 2,000 Clubhouse Deck overlooking golf course, The Pavillion and The Terrace (covered outdoor venues), extensive manicured lawns, and over 23,000-sqare feet of flexible indoor event space with full food and beverage service.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.thepreserveatverdae.com

Richardson Park / City of Spartanburg

Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-587-4267 Tim Wallace Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Soccer In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.smcsc.edu

N. Converse St. and E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-596-3105 Deborah McClary Maximum Capacity: 75 Capacity Outdoor: 75 Capacity Reception: INP Outdoor park facility In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.cityofspartanburg.org

Oconee Country Club

River Falls Spa

781 Richland Road Seneca, SC 29672 864-882-8037 Dick Paschal Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP In-house catering available?: INP

102 Table Rock Road Cleveland, SC 29635 864-836-4128 Rodney Ross, Amy Ross Maximum Capacity: 100 Capacity Outdoor: 100 Capacity Reception: 100 Log-sided event hall for weddings, receptions, family reunions, corporate retreats; six luxury cabins, three with hot tubs.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.solitudepointe.com

Southside Park-Groce Road Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-595-5356 Maximum Capacity: 50 Capacity Outdoor: 50 Capacity Reception: INP 2 softball/baseball fields In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.spartanburgcounty.org

Spartanburg Community College 800 Brisack Road Spartanburg, SC 29305 864-592-4900 Para M. Jones Maximum Capacity: INP Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: INP Tents allowed?: INP www.sccsc.edu

130 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601 864-240-2136 Maximum Capacity: 75 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Spa services for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Davenport 230 Trade St. In-house catering available?: Y

38 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Greer, SC 29651 864-848-7212 Mark Tucker Maximum Capacity: 200 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 200 Hardwood floors, antique chandeliers and exposed brick walls for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and receptions located in downtown Greer. Parking is free; tables, chairs, and linens included in rental fee.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: N www.davenportgreer.com

The Venue & The Renfrew 15 Renfrew Ave. Travelers Rest, SC 29690 864-303-5184 Joan Buchanan, Joseph Buchanan Maximum Capacity: 257 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 257 Restored historic mill house for smaller events. The Venue, at 4,600 square feet, offers a larger space with a 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; dance floor.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.thevenue1.com

Thornblade Club 1275 Thornblade Blvd.

Greer, SC 29650 864-234-5100 Patricia Calder Maximum Capacity: 500 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Private meeting and event space available in all sizes, from board room to ballroom, professional event planning.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.thornbladeclub.com

TimbeRock at Hopkins Farm 3717 Fork Shoals Road Simpsonville, SC 29680 864-907-0529 Carol C. Hopkins, Agnew Hopkins Maximum Capacity: 500 Capacity Outdoor: 500 Capacity Reception: 500 Family farm on the National Historic Register with gardens, grounds, gazebo, pavilion, bandstand and covered buffet for outdoor events, weddings, corporate

Lists & Directories EVENT events and social gatherings, both indoor and outdoor.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.timberockathopkinsfarm.com

Upcountry History Museum 540 Buncombe St. Greenville, SC 29601 864-467-3100 x 128 Kathy A. Barefoot Maximum Capacity: 500 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: 500 History museum with private meeting spaces In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.upcountryhistory.org

USC Upstate 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 2930 864-503-5000 Judy Srock Maximum Capacity: 400 Capacity Outdoor: 400 Capacity Reception: 400 Variety of facility spaces for rent. Professional catering staff offers complete services for banquets, breakfasts, luncheons, receptions, dinners, meetings and conferences.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.uscupstate.edu/campus_services/se/

USC Upstate Performing Arts Center 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-503-5880 Barry Whitfield Maximum Capacity: 400 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP 450-seat continental seating for unobstructed views, hydraulic pit lift, acoustically tunable chamber, state-of-the-art lighting system.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: Y www.uscupstate.edu

Walnut Grove Plantation 1200 Otts Shoals Road Roebuck, SC 29376

864-576-6546 Zac Cunningham Maximum Capacity: 150 Capacity Outdoor: 150 Capacity Reception: 150 Open-air pavilion with restrooms and basic kitchen facilities offers 2,400 square feet of meeting space. Space available only after hours, 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., and not available on Sundays.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.spartanburghistory.org

The Wilhite House (Photo/Provided)

The Wilhite House 604 S. McDuffie St. Anderson, SC 29624 864-716-9910 Lori Monroe Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: 200 Capacity Reception: 300 A historic home with 3,000 square feet of indoor space for weddings, receptions or parties, meetings and corporate events. Formal indoor setting and a large, well-shaded garden with a 1,400-square foot covered pavilion.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: INP www.wilhitehouse.com

Willow Creek Conservatory 141 Old Ballenger Mill Road Landrum, SC 29356 864-498-2136 Morgan Graham Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: 300 Capacity Reception: INP Located minutes from Greenville, wedding venue with many structures.

In-house catering available?: Y Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.willowcreekconservatory.com

Wofford College 429 N. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-597-4404 John I. Blair Maximum Capacity: 300 Capacity Outdoor: 300 Capacity Reception: 300 Features the Carolina Pantherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training facility and offers a computer friendly and wireless facility.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: N

Tents allowed?: Y www.wofford.edu

Wofford College Leonard Auditorium, Main Building 429 N. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-597-4000 Robinson R. Ron, Abbey L. Bedenbaugh Maximum Capacity: 800 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Auditorium with state-of-the-art sound, A/V movie screen, lights and controls.

Handicap accessible. Renovations completed during summer 2006.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: N www.wofford.edu

Wofford College, McMillan Theater 429 N. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-597-4000 John I. Blair Maximum Capacity: 90 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP A theater with projection system for feature-length films, digital productions, cable television sports and entertainment programming, surround sound and tiered seating with comfortable, over-sized chairs.

In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: N www.wofford.edu

Wofford College, Tony White Theater 429 N. Church St.

Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-597-4180 Mark A. Ferguson Maximum Capacity: 100 Capacity Outdoor: INP Capacity Reception: INP Black Box (versatile) theater In-house catering available?: N Outside caterers allowed?: N Tents allowed?: N www.wofford.edu/theatre

Zen - An elegant space for hire 924 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29605 864-235-5770 Jeff H. Renow Maximum Capacity: 600 Capacity Outdoor: 600 Capacity Reception: 450 12,000 square ft space in 2 rooms, the Studio and the Lotus Lounge, full commercial kitchen and Japanese garden.

In-house catering available?: INP Outside caterers allowed?: Y Tents allowed?: Y www.zengreenville.com

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable.

Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data.

Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews. com/data and click on Add Data.

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

39

EVENT Lists & Directories

Hotels with Meeting Facilities Ranked by Square Footage of Event Space Company Address Phone/Fax/Website

Event SF/ Meeting Rooms

Hyatt Regency Greenville 220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-235-1234/864-240-2789/www.greenville.hyatt.com Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-596-1211/864-596-1219/www.spartanburgmarriott.com Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607 864-676-9090/864-676-0669/www.embassysuitesgreenville.com The Walker Course at Clemson University 210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634-5673 864-656-0236/864-656-7154/www.cuconferencecenter.com Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg 801 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-699-2222/864-699-2233/ www.spartanburgwestgatemallsuites.hamptoninn.com The Westin Poinsett 120 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-421-9700/864-421-9719/www.westinpoinsettgreenville.com Clarion Hotel Spartanburg 9027 Fairforest Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-574-2111/864-576-7602/www.clarionhotel.com Hilton Garden Inn & Destination Pointe Event Center 115 Destination Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621 864-964-0100/864-964-0300/www.anderson.stayhgi.com, www.andersondestination.com Hilton Greenville 45 W. Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615 864-232-4747/864-235-6248/www.greenvillesc.hilton.com Marriott Greenville One Parkway East, Greenville, SC 29615 864-297-0300/864-679-1150/www.marriott.com/gspap The Bleckley Inn 151 E. Church St., Anderson, SC 29624 864-225-7203/www.bleckleyinn.com Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown 50 W. Broad St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-451-5700/864-451-5701/www.marriottcourtyardgreenville.com Crowne Plaza Hotel Greenville 851 Congaree Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-297-6300/864-297-5793/www.crowneplaza.com/gsp-ropermt Candleberry Inn B&B & Day Spa 105 Marshland Lane, Greer, SC 29650 864-201-1411/www.candleberryinn.us University Inn & Conference Center 1310 Tiger Blvd., Clemson, SC 29631 864-654-7501/864-654-7301/www.universityinnclemson.com Drury Inn & Suites Greenville 10 Carolina Point Parkway, Greenville, SC 29607 864-288-4401/864-288-4401/www.druryhotels.com The Inn on Main 319 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 864-585-5001/www.innonmainofspartanburg.com Holiday Inn Greenville 4295 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605 864-277-8921/864-299-6066/www.holiday-inn.com/gsp-southwest Sleep Inn 231 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 864-240-2006/864-672-2015/www.sleepinn.com Spartanburg Hotel & Resort 200 International Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-576-5220/864-574-1243/ www.spartanburginternationalhotelandresort.com The Phoenix, Greenville's Inn 246 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 864-233-4651/864-672-4704/www.phoenixgreenvillesinn.com Comfort Inn Millennium 2756 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-288-6900/864-288-5935/www.choicehotels.com

Event Capacity Reception Banquet Theater Classroom

Year Founded

34,000 INP

1,400

1,200

1,580

INP

Domenick Buffone

1982

28,000 28

1,334

870

1,334

672

Akshay Bahl

2004

23,000 20

2,000

980

1,300

750

David Nelson

1993

17,000 17

550

400

550

200

Jeff Martin, Sharon Franks

1995

16,500 9

500

350

600

330

Patti Wetherford

2004

14,000 10

1,400

300

350

INP

Fabian Unterzaucher

1925

13,000 13

400

200

300

230

Cosha Martin

2003

12,000 9

400

360

500

200

Deborah Hord

2005

12,000 13

450

500

500

250

Ryan Herron

1987

11,000 14

450

400

450

300

John Deck, Brian Crowne, Owen David

1989

11,000 5

500

250

350

INP

Shelby Clardy

2011

9,000 5

400

100

125

60

Glen Williams

2010

7,600 INP

600

315

500

247

Ghee Alexander

1983

7,200 INP

200

100

150

150

Elaine Hufstetler

2002

6,200 8

400

600

800

250

Hiten Patel

2011

5,676 6

200

150

180

100

Michelle Parks

2007

5,000 INP

INP

INP

INP

INP

Susan Sease, Wayne Sease

2004

3,750 4

400

360

400

INP

Bobbie Mercer

1976

3,200 INP

INP

INP

INP

INP

Jack Desai

1997

3,180 5

300

225

300

300

Jennifer Rodriguez

1968

3,020 3

275

180

300

90

Steve Moore

1971

3,000 3

300

300

300

300

Naren Vivek

1996

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

40 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

General Manager

Researched by Elizabeth Feather

Lists & Directories EVENT

Upstate Golf Courses Ranked by USGA Slope Rating from Back/Pro Tees Company Address Phone/Fax/Website

Slope Rating/ Course Rating/ Yardage

The Reserve at Lake Keowee 931 Reserve Blvd., Sunset, SC 29685 864-869-2106/864-869-2110/www.reserveatlakekeowee.com Musgrove Mill Golf Club 772 Musgrove Mill Road, Clinton, SC 29325 864-833-6921/864-833-3511/www.musgrovemill.com Greenville Country Club - Chanticleer 239 Byrd Blvd., Greenville, SC 29605 864-233-6227/864-271-3730/www.thegreenvillecountryclub.com The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards 824 Clubhouse Drive, Sunset, SC 29685 864-868-7000/864-868-4777/www.cliffscommunities.com The Cliffs at Glassy 200 Fire Pink Way, Landrum, SC 29356 864-895-8104/864-895-0230/www.cliffscommunities.com Cross Creek Plantation 130 Club Drive, Seneca, SC 29678 864-882-8337/864-885-1582/www.crosscreekplantation.com Pebble Creek Golf Club - Linkside 101 Pebble Creek Drive, Taylors, SC 29687 864-244-8937/864-244-1022/www.pebblecreek-club.com Thornblade Club 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer, SC 29650 864-234-5100/864-234-5104/www.thornbladeclub.com The Cliffs at Keowee Springs 141 Spring Cove Way, Six Mile, SC 29682 864-868-0422/864-371-1864/www.cliffscommunities.com Green Valley Country Club 225 Green Valley Road, Greenville, SC 29617 864-246-2141/864-246-7268/www.greenvalley.cc The Cliffs at Keowee Falls 700 S. Cherry Laurel Way, Salem, SC 29676 864-944-8721/864-371-1845/www.cliffscommunities.com The Carolina Country Club 2355 Carolina Country Club Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-573-7540/864-580-2299/www.thecarolinacountryclub.com Links O'Tryon 11250 New Cut Road, Campobello, SC 29322 864-468-5099/864-468-5339/www.linksotryon.com

148 74.5 7,112 147 74.4 6,933 146 75.1 6,864 145 74.6 7,006 144 72.6 6,805 144 73.2 6,902 142 74.2 7,012 142 74.9 7,024 141 73.9 7,100 141 74.4 7,012 140 75.4 7,171 139 73.6 6,937 139 73.2 6,877

The Preserve at Verdae B 650 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607 864-676-1500/864-676-0669/www.thepreserveatverdae.com Greer Golf & Country Club 2299 Gap Creek Road, Greer, SC 29652 864-877-9279/864-877-6599/www.greercountryclub.com Smithfields Country Club 100 Pine Ridge Drive, Easley, SC 29642 864-855-3543/864-850-5961/www.smithfields.cc The Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor 200 Grand Harbor Blvd., Ninety Six, SC 29666 864-543-2000/864-543-3279/www.grandharbor.net Southern Oaks Golf Club 105 Southern Oaks Drive, Easley, SC 29642 864-859-6698/864-306-0506 Falcon's Lair Golf Club 1308 Falcon's Drive, Walhalla, SC 29691 864-638-0000/864-638-9993/www.aaggolfgroup.com Cherokee Valley Golf Club 450 Cherokee Valley Way, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 864-895-6758/www.cherokeevalleygolfclub.com The Walker Course at Clemson University 210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634-5673 864-656-0236/864-656-7154/www.cuconferencecenter.com Greenville Country Club - Riverside 239 Byrd Blvd., Greenville, SC 29605 864-233-6227/864-271-3730/www.thegreenvillecountryclub.com The Walker Course at Clemson University 210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634 864-656-0236/www.walkergolfcourse.com

138 73.7 6,847 137 71.4 6,350 137 73.5 6,797 136 74.3 7,133 136 71.6 6,495 135 74.4 6,866 133 71.3 6,612 133 72.3 6,911 133 72.6 6,660 133 72.3 6,911

Manager

Designer/Architect

No. of Holes/ Par

Public or Private

Year Founded

Frank Santoro

Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

18 72

Private

2002

James R. Patterson III

Arnold Palmer

18 72

Private

1988

Greg Hobbs

Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones

18 72

Private

1905

Brett Kist

Tom Fazio

18 71

Private

1999

Sawyer David

Tom Jackson

18 72

Private

1993

Mark Ernst

P. B. Dye

18 71

Private

1990

Bradley Hughes

Tom Jackson

18 72

Private

1976

Patricia Calder

Tom Fazio

18 71

Private

1989

Brett Kist

Tom Fazio

18 72

Private

2008

Garnette Brown, Gerald Weathers

George Cobb, Tom Jackson

18 72

Semi-private

1958

Brett Kist

Jack Nicklaus

18 72

Private

2007

Tim Mervosh

Tom Jackson

18 72

Private

1984

Eric Young, Eric Edwards

Tom Jackson

18 72

Semi-private

1987

David A. Nelson, Paul Albert

Willard Byrd

18 72

Public

1993

Steven Gay

E. Thomas

18 72

Semi-private

1955

Adam Relan

Willie B. Lewis

18 72

Private

1983

Tommy Thomas

Davis Love III

18 72

Private

2004

Wayne Myers

Willie B. Lewis

18 72

Semi-private

1989

James McCoy

Harry Bowers

18 72

Semi-private

1992

Dave Maga

P. B. Dye

18 72

Semi-private

1993

Jeff Martin, Sharon Franks

INP

18 72

Semi-private

1995

Greg Hobbs

William Langford, Brian Silva, George Cobb

18 71

Private

1905

Brent Jessup

D. J. DeVictor

18 72

Semi-private

1995

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

B Formerly Verdae Greens Golf Club at Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center

Researched by Elizabeth Feather

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

41

EVENT Lists & Directories

Upstate Exhibition/Convention Centers Ranked by Maximum Capacity

Maximum Capacity/ Square Feet of Event Space/ No. of Meeting Rooms

Description

Top Local Official(s)/ Year Founded

Littlejohn Coliseum 1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson, SC 29634 864-656-0619/864-656-1414/www.clemsonmajorevents.com

10,000 180,000 7

Multipurpose 10,000-seat coliseum, event planning, catering, meetings, expos, galas, large company meetings, parties

Zach Kerns 1968

Furman University Timmons Arena 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613 864-294-3267/864-294-3267/www.timmonsarena.com

5,000 43,180 1

Multipurpose arena offers meeting space, accommodates spectators and trade shows, dinners and special events; houses 2 basketball courts and a permanent, elevated stage and collapsible arena seating

Todd Duke 1998

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium 385 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29304 864-582-8107/864-278-2003/www.crowdpleaser.com

3,244 15,000 6

3,217-seat theater and 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall; reception, banquet, theater and classroom style set-ups

Steve Jones 1951

Clemson University T. Ed Garrison Arena 1101 W. Queen St.,, Pendleton, SC 29670 864-646-2717/864-646-3362/www.clemson.edu/garrison

3,000 100,000 0

Specifically built to promote the livestock industry, a multipurpose facility for concerts, trade shows and educational programs

Charles W. Williams 1991

3,000 8,400 INP

2,100-seat Concert Hall, 400-seat Gunter Theater, 500-person capacity Huguenot Loft event space, outdoor amphitheater, openair Wyche Pavilion, and private dining spaces

Carrie Moore 1990

TD Convention Center One Exposition Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 864-233-2562/864-255-8600/www.tdconventioncenter.com

3,000 340,000 16

Features 280,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 30,000 square foot ballroom and 30,000 square feet of meeting space.

John Wilusz, Elizabeth Lyons 1964

Chapman Cultural Center 200 E. St. John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306-5124 864-542-2787/864-948-5353/www.chapmanculturalcenter.org

2,600 86,000 3

3-building facility (86,000 sq. ft.) for visual and performing arts, science and history, 500-seat theater, outdoor plaza located in downtown Spartanburg with parking

Jennifer Evins 2007

Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-596-1211/864-596-1219/www.spartanburgmarriott.com

2,200 28,000 28

Hotel located in downtown Spartanburg

Akshay Bahl 2004

Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607 864-676-9090/864-676-0669/ www.embassysuitesgreenville.com

2,000 23,000 20

All-suite hotel with 268 guestrooms, over 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, 2 covered outdoor venues, clubhouse deck, extensive manicured lawns, and The Preserve at Verdae onsite golf course; all with full food and beverage service

David A. Nelson 1993

Hyatt Regency Greenville 220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-235-1234/864-240-2789/www.greenville.hyatt.com

1,580 34,000 INP

Atrium hotel on Main Street in downtown Greenville, 14,000 sq. ft. ballroom

Domenick Buffone 1982

Twichell Auditorium at Converse College 580 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 864-596-9069/www.converse.edu

1,500 25,000 1

1,500-seat auditorium with acclaimed acoustics built in 1899, available for events. Located near Gee Dining Room and historic Cleveland Hall Alumnae House.

Kathy S. Worley 1899

Summit Pointe Conference & Events Center 805 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301 1-877-477-0477/864-699-7867/www.summit-pointe.com

550 19,000 10

19,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space with catering options to use an approved commercial caterer or in-house catering team

Patti Wetherford, Meghan Wright 2005

Furman University Younts Conference Center 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613 864-294-2390/864-294-3109/www.furman.edu/younts

500 6,000 5

6,000 square feet of meeting space, featuring a large room for a group meeting, lecture or wedding reception; room can be divided to form 5 more intimate break-out rooms for smaller sessions; event coordinator available

Kay Wilson 2005

400 500 1

Accommodations for large weddings and receptions, a conference room for business meetings, classrooms for children's birthday parties or other events. Kitchen facilities are available with gallery, atrium or special events bookings.

Leanne McBride 1972

City of Greer Events Complex 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer, SC 29651 864-968-7005/864-801-2020/www.cityofgreer.org

400 4,500 4

4,500 sq. ft. banquet room, venues in 12-acre park

Karl Rogozenski, Laurie A. Campbell 2008

The Showroom dba HUB-BUB 149 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., Suite 2, Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-582-0056/864-585-0377/www.hub-bub.com

270 2,000 1

Art gallery, theater, and performance space

Celia Cooksey 2006

Spartanburg Art Museum 200 East St. John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-582-7616/864-948-5353/www.spartanburgartmuseum.org

225 3,000 9

Art museum galleries may be rented during off hours

Scott Cunningham 1969

Company Address Phone/Fax/Website

Peace Center for the Performing Arts 300 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-467-3030/864-467-3040/www.peacecenter.org

Anderson Arts Center 110 Federal St., Anderson, SC 29625 864-222-2787/864-716-3840/www.andersonarts.org

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

42 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Researched by Clayton Wynne

Lists & Directories EVENT

Upstate Event Rentals Ranked by Number of Local Employees Company Address Phone/Fax/Website

Local Employees

Specialization

Top Local Official(s) Year Founded

Liquid Catering P.O. Box 465, Greenville, SC 29602 864-248-4850/www.liquid-catering.com

40

Beverage services, full-service bartending, event staffing including event managers and day-of wedding coordination.

Tammy Johnson 2011

Event Rentals 225 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-591-1846/ 864-591-1944/www.event-rentals.com

35

Tents and party rentals for big events. Linens etc

Wendell Christopher 1995

Professional Party Rentals Inc. 647 Congaree Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-627-8808/ 864-627-8807/www.professionalpartyrentals.com

26

Corporate events, weddings, community events, private parties

Jeff Fann, Dorie Fann 1996

Corporate Connection LLC 1200 Woodruff Road, F-19, Greenville, SC 29607 864-627-4002/ 864-627-4006/www.corporateconnection.net

21

Furnished corp.apartments, furniture rental

Charlene R. Knight 2001

Greenville Rental 3 N. Kings Road, Greenville, SC 29605 864-299-0512/ 864-299-5973/www.greenvillepartyrental.com

15

Home, business, contractor, party, tents

Dan McGee 1977

JC Rose & Associates Inc. 12 Park Place Court, Greenville, SC 29607 864-299-4660/ 864-299-4669/www.jcrose.net

15

Turn-key coordination of trade shows, sales meetings and corporate events. Design and fabrication of custom displays (event decor, point of sale, kiosks, specialty store fixtures). Specialty furniture rentals, event floor coverings (rental and purch

John C. Rose 1984

Skyline Exhibits & Design Inc. 346 Feaster Road, Greenville, SC 29615 864-234-7995/www.skylinexd.com

15

Exhibits and displays, graphic design and graphic production, installation and dismantle, staging, photo backdrops, product intros, road shows

Steve Hoffman 1980

Palmetto Sound Works P.O. Box 1347, Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-585-0085/ 864-585-8641/www.palmettosoundworks.com

12

Audio, video, lighting for concerts and corporate events; sound, video and lights installation, staging and set design

Alan Hulsey 1994

Hames Music Inc 370 Peachoid Road, Gaffney, SC 29341 800-669-0892, 864-595-1150/ 864-489-1135/hamesmusic.com

11

Music instrument retail

INP 1975

AARO Party Rental/Greenville Rental 1205 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29605 864-277-7787/ 864-277-7795/www.greenvillepartyrental.com

10

Specializing in corporate parties and weddings, also offer party tents, inflatables and carnival concessions, small contractor equipment, home and garden

Barbara McGee, Dan McGee 1954

Asheville Hwy. Rental 1101 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-583-6393/ 864-582-8188/www.ashevillehwyrental.com

10

Event equipment supplier, event planner

Wayne Hurt 2002

Expressions Unlimited Inc. 921 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-9972/ 864-233-6891/www.expressions24-7.com

10

Full service florist, balloon decorations, limousine service, helium tank rentals, event decor, personal and professional ceremony and wedding flower artists.

Billy Bush, Staci Bryant 1982

Praise Unlimited Weddings Rentals & Florals 2304 Secession St. Ext., Abbeville, SC 29620 864-446-3157/ 864-446-3157/www.praiseunlimitedweddings.com

10

Wedding planner, director, floral designer, renter of wedding equipment and linens including chair covers, gazebo, pavilion, arbors, torches etc.

Nita Hozey 2002

Dahlia A Florist 303 E. Stone Ave., Greenville, SC 29609 864-232-0112/ 864-232-1123/www.dahliaonline.com

9

A retail florist that specializes in weddings and events of all sizes and styles; daily floral deliveries, custom design

Kristi Podsiadlo 2000

ABC Party Rentals and Amusements 286 Rocky Creek Road, Greenville, SC 29615 864-675-6688/ 864-322-0253/www.abcgreenville.com

8

Event planning, party supply rental, catering equipment, tent and wedding rentals, amusement rides and concessions

Scott Wiener 2000

Audio Solutions Inc. 311 Industrial Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 864-250-7942/ 864-250-0811/www.audiosolutionsusa.com

7

Sound, video, lighting and staging; video presentation and production

Alan Simonton 1994

Centurions, Sound Systems & More P. O. Box 49275, Greenwood, SC 29649 864-943-2319/ 864-941-9210/www.soundsystemsandmore.com

7

Systems integration, audio/video design, build and install; live sound rental with or without operator

Ronnie L. Carroll 1998

Co-Op Gas Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Master Helium & Balloon Distributors P.O. Box 27, Pauline, SC 29374 864-583-6546/ 864-948-0623/www.ballooncountry.com

7

Distribution of helium gas and balloons for business

David Akins 1997

Schafer Advertising & Marketing 25 S. Laurens St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-232-2544 x 12/ 864-233-9060/www.schaferadvertising.com

7

Creative, business-to-business, mass marketing for retail/service industry, Web design, logo/image creation

Susan Schafer, Christy Souther 1988

Upstate Wedding and Event Services 1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6, Greenville, SC 29611 864-220-1220/ 864-220-1224/www.upstateweddingservices.com

7

Wedding planning, event decor rental, setup and breakdown services and photography

Patty Revels 2004

The Flower Box Inc. 8809-C Augusta Road, Pelzer, SC 29669 864-243-9460/ 864-243-9460/www.theflowerboxonline.com

5

Weddings, big or small, you dream it we create it

Paula Hendricks 1999

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

Researched by Elizabeth Feather

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

43

EVENT Lists & Directories

Upstate Florists/ Event Décor Specialists

Expressions Unlimited Inc. 921 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29609 864-271-9972/ 864-233-6891 Billy Bush, vice president Staci Bryant, Wedding and Floral Consultant Specialization: Full service florist, balloon decorations, limousine service, helium tank rentals, event decor, personal and professional ceremony and wedding flower artists.

Year Founded: 1982 www.expressions24-7.com

Listed Alphabetically

All Occasion Flowers Gifts and Balloons 2802 E North Ave. Anderson, SC 29625 864-224-1922/ Mail INP Specialization: Gift items, floral arrangements, custom silk designs.

Year Founded: 1984

Hick’s Florist

And Why Not Balloons 112 Holly Tree Cir. Duncan, SC 29334 864-230-0321 or 864-595-3636/ 864249-0875 Joy Stern, owner Specialization: Certified balloon artist, arches, columns, dance floor decor, centerpieces, bows.

Year Founded: 1997 andwhynotballoons.com

Angel’s Flower & Gift Boutique 738 Saluda Lake Road Greenville, SC 29611 864-246-8077/ 864-246-5077 Angel Anfuso Specialization: Corporate events, custom designs, funerals, weddings.

Year Founded: 1999 www.greenvillefloristsc.com

Asheville Hwy. Rental 1101 Asheville Highway Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-583-6393/ 864-582-8188 Wayne Hurt, owner Specialization: Event equipment supplier, event planner Year Founded: 2002 www.ashevillehwyrental.com

3147 Union Highway Gaffney, SC 29340 864-489-7540 Mary Hicks, owner Specialization: Flowers for all sizes of weddings, funerals.

Year Founded: 1982

JC Rose & Associates Inc. dings, funerals, hospital deliveries, anniversaries and birthdays, DJ services.

Year Founded: 1983 www.chezjuliesflorist.com

weddings and events of all sizes and styles; daily floral deliveries, custom design.

Year Founded: 2000 www.dahliaonline.com

Coggins Flowers & Gifts

Event Decor & More

800 N. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-585-6266/ 864-585-6223 James Coggins, president Specialization: Full-service floral and gift shop, design services for weddings and events. Wholesale prices DIY brides and event coordinators for bulk purchase of fresh flowers at upstateflowermarket.com.

Year Founded: 1956 www.expressflowershop.com

101 E. Curtis St. Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-967-7490/ 864-967-7490 Joy Cox, owner Specialization: Customized fabric draping, linens, props, event decor and rentals, venue design and layouts.

Year Founded: 2007 www.eventdecorandmore.net

Crawford Strategy

601 Palmetto Ave., Suite A Greenville, SC 29617 864-553-3599 Todd Jones, owner Specialization: Floral designs, linen, china, complete hands-on planning.

Year Founded: 1999

200 E. Camperdown Way Greenville, SC 29601 864-232-2302/ 864-232-2306 Marion Rose Crawford, president Sandy Linning, principal Specialization: Marketing, public relations, media relations, community relations, special events, corporate communications, political relations and fundraising, graphic design, strategic planning.

Year Founded: 2009 www.crawfordstrategy.com

Chez Julie’s Florist LLC

Dahlia A Florist

1662 E. Greenville St. Anderson, SC 29621 864-226-6261/ 864-226-6261 INP Specialization: Full service florist, wed-

303 E. Stone Ave. Greenville, SC 29609 864-232-0112/ 864-232-1123 Kristi Podsiadlo Specialization: Retail florist specializing in

Botanica

44 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Event Design by Ric Singleton 502 West Arlington Ave. Greer, SC 29650 864-232-8983 Ric Singleton Specialization: Complete theme decor, props, lighting, balloons, floral, etc.; comedian Ric Singleton, family-friendly entertainment.

Year Founded: 1985 www.eventdesignbyric.com

Event Rentals 225 W. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306 864-591-1846/ 864-591-1944 Wendell Christopher, owner Specialization: Tents, linens, and party rentals for large events.

Year Founded: 1995 www.event-rentals.com

12 Park Place Court Greenville, SC 29607 864-299-4660/ 864-299-4669 John C. Rose, president Specialization: Turn-key coordination of trade shows, sales meetings and corporate events. Design and fabrication of custom displays (event decor, point of sale, kiosks, specialty store fixtures).

Specialty furniture rentals, event floor coverings (rental and purchase).

Year Founded: 1984 www.jcrose.net

Pam Rowland & Design Co. 1613 Danehower Road Pendleton, SC 29670 864-642-7212 Pam Rowland, owner Specialization: Award-winning floral design, flowers, props, and linens.

Year Founded: 2006 www.pamrowland.com

The Powdersville Wren Florist 3320 Highway 153, Suite A Piedmont, SC 29673 864-269-3044/ 864-269-3403 Connie Baker, owner Specialization: Floral design, weddings, holiday and event decorating.

Year Founded: 2000 www.powdersvillewren.com

Praise Unlimited Weddings Rentals & Florals 2304 Secession St. Ext. Abbeville, SC 29620

Lists & Directories EVENT 864-446-3157/ 864-446-3157 Nita Hozey, owner, wedding planner, floral designer Specialization: Wedding planner, director, floral designer, wedding equipment rentals, linens including chair covers, gazebo, pavilion, arbors, torches etc.

Year Founded: 2002 www.praiseunlimitedweddings.com

Pro-Tech Audio and Video Systems PO BOX 1716 B Anderson, SC 29624 864-353-3828 INP Specialization: Church audio and video installations.

Year Founded: 1989 www.churchsoundsystems.com

Professional Party Rentals Inc. 647 Congaree Road Greenville, SC 29607 864-627-8808/ 864-627-8807 Jeff Fann, owner Dorie Fann, owner, owners Specialization: Corporate events, weddings, community events, private parties.

Year Founded: 1996 www.professionalpartyrentals.com

Schafer Advertising & Marketing 25 S. Laurens St. Greenville, SC 29601 864-232-2544 x 12/ 864-233-9060 Susan Schafer, president/creative director Christy Souther, co-creative director Specialization: Creative, business-to-business, mass marketing for retail/service industry, Web design, logo/image creation.

Year Founded: 1988 www.schaferadvertising.com

Skyline Exhibits & Design Inc. 346 Feaster Road Greenville, SC 29615 864-234-7995 Steve Hoffman, president Specialization: Exhibits and displays, graphic design and graphic production, installation and dismantle, staging, photo backdrops, product intros, road shows.

Year Founded: 1980 www.skylinexd.com

The Flower Box Inc. 8809-C Augusta Road Pelzer, SC 29669 864-243-9460/ 864-243-9460 Paula Hendricks Specialization: Weddings of all sizes.

Year Founded: 1999 www.theflowerboxonline.com

Touch of Class Ltd. 306 Mills Ave. Greenville, SC 29605 864-233-8542 Merriann Hart Specialization: Weddings, funerals, corporate events of all sizes.

Year Founded: 1982 www.touchofclassltd.com

Twelve Gates Home Accents 135 Mall Connector Road Greenville, SC 29607 864-297-8597/ 864-297-8596 Vicki Odom Greg Odom Specialization: Quality silk trees, custom arrangement, small accent tables, oil paintings, commercial-grade Christmas trees and lighting.

Year Founded: 1988 www.12gateshome.com

Twigs 1100 Woods Crossing Road Greenville, SC 29607 864-297-5112/ 864-297-4036 Kate Tierney, owner

Specialization: Indoor/outdoor facility for corporate luncheons, dinners and meetings, event planning, florist, event dĂŠcor/props.

Year Founded: 1990 www.twigs.net

Upstate Wedding and Event Services 1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6 Greenville, SC 29611 864-220-1220/ 864-220-1224 Patty Revels Specialization: Wedding planning, event decor rental, setup and breakdown services and photography.

Year Founded: 2004 www.upstateweddingservices.com www.palmettosoundworks.com

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked.

N/A=Not applicable.

Find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur. Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

THE INSIDE SCOOP. INSIDE YOUR INBOX.

GSAMORNING BLEND GSA DAILY Daily Upstate Business News from GSA Business

Sign up today at gsabusiness.com/resources/new Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

45

EVENT Lists & Directories

Upstate Full-Service Caterers Ranked by Largest Event Catered in 2010 Company Address Phone/Website Bagatelle Caterers 2514 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29615 864-322-9001/www.bagatellecaterers.com Friends at the Cove & Catering 1500 Providence Church Road, Anderson, SC 29626 864-231-0663/www.friendsfoodwithaflair.com Stax Catering 80 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615 864-627-1403/www.staxs.net Stax Omega Diner 72 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615 864-297-6639/www.staxs.net Clemson Catering/Aramark Corporation Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29633 864-656-2058/www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSE/Clemson/ Catering/ Culinary Connection 297-C Garlington Road, Greenville, SC 29615 864-421-7881/www.theculinaryconnection.com Henry's Smokehouse 240 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29609 864-232-7774/www.henryssmokehouse.com CafĂŠ Verdae at Embassy Suites 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607 864-676-9090/www.embassysuitesgreenville.com Carolina Barbecue No. 1 7115 Lone Oak Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-503-0542/www.mycarolinabbq.com Chef360 Catering 6 Summer Glen Drive, Greenville, SC 29681 864-242-5578/www.chef360catering.com Larkins on the River 318 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-467-9777/www.larkinsontheriver.com Saffrons West End Cafe 31 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-241-0401/www.saffronssidewalkcafe.com Little Pigs BBQ of Mauldin LLC 110 W. Butler Road, Mauldin, SC 29662 864-288-6615/www.littlepigsbbqcatering.com Strossner's Bakery, Florist, Catering, CafĂŠ 21 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-233-3996/www.strossners.com Chili's 3801 Clemson Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621 704-942-6494/www.chilis.com Soby's On the Side 22 E. Court St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-271-8431/www.sobysontheside.com Wilhite House Catering 604 S. McDuffie St., Anderson, SC 29624 864-716-9910/www.wilhitehouse.com All J's Catering 208 Winterberry Lane, Seneca, SC 29678 864-985-8020/www.alljscateringsc.com Hare and Hound Pub 101 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-3232/www.hareandhoundpub.com Main Street Deli 112 N. Main St, Anderson, SC 29621 864-222-3893/www.mainstdeli.us Hilton Garden Inn & Destination Pointe Event Center 115 Destination Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621 864-964-0100/www.anderson.stayhgi.com, www.andersondestination.com Marriott Greenville One Parkway East, Greenville, SC 29615 864-297-0300/www.marriott.com/gspap

Largest Event 2010/ Local Employees

Catering Services

Top Local Official(s)

14,000 10

Full service caterer and reception planner for up to 15,000 guests, all over S.C., N.C. and Northern Ga.

Francois M. Bertin

3,600 10

Using local ingredients, beautiful on or off premise catering. Buffets to banquets.

Katie Tillman, Valerie Lowe

3,500 25

Unique and personalized service for 15 or 10,000 guests; custom menus, equipment rentals, flowers, linens, personalized wait and bar staffing available

George Koumoustiotis

3,500 120

Full service catering, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

George Koumoustiotis

3,000 500

Service capabilities range from the simplest of coffee breaks and luncheons, to elegantly prepared and serviced receptions and dinners.

Dan Davies, Pam Morgan, Jean MacDuffie

2,500 4

Full service catering and event planning for all types of occasions; including corporate, social and weddings, Contemporary American cuisine

Nancy Yeargin

2,500 40

Full service catering/buffet.

Tiger O'Rourke

1,200 40

INP

Bill Groves

1,200 25

Can deliver your catering, stay and serve it, or have it ready for pick up at our restaurant

Michael R. Hicks

1,200 INP

Corporate catering, social catering, full-service event planning

Peter Collins

1,200 90

Full service catering, specializing in outdoor events, off site events and premier wedding and dinners, concerts, corporate recognition events, company picnics, rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions

Bob Munnich, Kimberly Adams, Jessica Latif, Billy Watson, Kristina Murphy, Whitney Kohout

1,100 20

Full service from hors d'oeuvre parties to sit down dinners

Glenn Patrick Sawicki

1,000 6 800 50

Full-line Smoked BBQ pork and chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, dessert and our delicious sweet tea. Also offering on-site grilling and additional Robert K. Powell menu items.

Specialize in corporate lunches and functions; salads and home-style meals and desserts from the bakery; service includes plates, utensils, condiments Dick Strossner, Mary Strossner and clean up

700 20

Delivery and set up of party platters

Lori Ann Stewart-Johnson

600 10

Full service catering and corporate delivery for any size and any event.

Jessica Tollison, Lauren Van De Water, Kristen Cleveland

600 INP

500 30

Fun and fanciful to grand and glorious, unique and artistic design is brought to every event with custom carved fruit and vegetable designs, revolving and elevated displays, food towers and floral masterpieces A full service catering company serving Oconee, Pickens, Anderson and Greenville counties specializing in corporate meetings, small and large events, weddings, fundraisers and home delivery Full event planning, sit down or buffet options, tent specialists, flowers, full transportation needs. Events for 2 to 1000, equipped for do multi-day catering events with travel if needed.

500 3

Full service catering

Jeff Morris

400 50

On-site catering only; cater breakfast, lunch and dinner for groups of 2-400 people

Deborah Hord

400 90

On site and off site full service catering

John Deck, Brian Crowne, Owen David

500 9

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the topranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of lists, errors sometimes occur.

Please send additions or corrections to List Research, 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

46 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

Lori Monroe JoAnn Johnson Sandra Lawson, Patty Otto

Researched by Elizabeth Feather

Lists & Directories EVENT

Index of advertisers Bleckley Inn......................................................................... 17

Kroc Center............................................ Inside Front Cover, 11

BMW Performance Center.....................Outside Back Cover, 21

Larkin’s on the River.............................................................. 9

Charleston Marriott Hotel..............................Inside Back Cover

PDA..................................................................................... 31

Columbia Marriott Downtown................................................. 8

Rick Erwin’s/Nantucket Seafood Grill................................... 27

Furman University.................................................................. 5

Spartanburg Expo & Event Center.......................................... 8

Hampton Inn & Suites- Spartanburg..................................... 29

Ten at the Top...................................................................... 33

High Cotton of Greenville, LLC................................................ 7

Zen...................................................................................... 19

JC Rose and Associates....................................................... 10

Index of companies 295 Complex-Southport Road.......................... 35

Chapman Cultural Center................................. 42

Comfort Inn Millennium.................................... 40

AARO Party Rental/Greenville Rental................ 43

Chef360 Catering............................................. 46

Communication Works LLC.............................. 34

ABC Party Rentals and Amusements................ 43

Cherokee Valley Golf Club................................ 41

The Walker Course at Clemson University........ 40

All J’s Catering................................................. 46

Chez Julie’s Florist LLC.................................... 44

Corporate Connection LLC............................... 43

All Occasion Flowers Gifts and Balloons........... 44

Chili’s.............................................................. 46

Corporate Meeting and

And Why Not Balloons...................................... 44

Christa Hovis Special Events LLC..................... 34

Event Management LLC................................... 34

Anderson Arts Center....................................... 42

Christine Faust Events..................................... 34

Corporate Raves Inc......................................... 34

Angel’s Flower & Gift Boutique......................... 44

City of Greer Events Complex........................... 42

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown..... 40

Asheville Hwy. Rental..................................43, 44

Clarion Hotel Spartanburg................................ 40

Cowpens Park - Linda St.................................. 35

Audio Solutions Inc.......................................... 43

Clemson Catering/Aramark Corporation........... 46

Crawford Strategy.......................................34, 44

Bagatelle Caterers........................................... 46

Clemson University Outdoor Lab...................... 35

Cross Creek Plantation................................35, 41

The Bleckley Inn.............................................. 40

Clemson University T. Ed Garrison Arena.......... 42

Crowne Plaza Hotel Greenville......................... 40

Botanica.......................................................... 44

Cleveland Park Spartanburg............................. 35

Culinary Connection....................................34, 46

Brett Inc........................................................... 34

The Cliffs at Glassy.......................................... 41

Custom Production Services............................ 34

Café Verdae at Embassy Suites........................ 46

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls................................ 41

Dahlia A Florist............................................43, 44

Canaan Road Soccer Complex......................... 35

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs........................... 41

The Davenport................................................. 38

Candleberry Inn B&B & Day Spa....................... 40

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards........................ 41

DNA Creative Communications LLC.................. 34

Carolina Barbecue No. 1.................................. 46

The Cliffs Valley Golf Course........................35, 41

Drury Inn & Suites Greenville........................... 40

The Carolina Country Club............................... 41

Co-Op Gas Inc. & Master Helium & Balloon

The Duncan Estate........................................... 35

Centre Stage - South Carolina.......................... 35

Distributors...................................................... 43

Duvall.............................................................. 34

Centurions, Sound Systems & More................. 43

Coggins Flowers & Gifts................................... 44

see INDEX, page 48

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

47

EVENT Lists & Directories INDEX, continued from page 47

ITT Technical Institute...................................... 37

Smithfields Country Club............................38, 41

ECPI................................................................. 35

Jackson Marketing Group................................ 34

Soby’s On the Side........................................... 46

Embassy Suites Golf Resort

JBM and Associates LLC.................................. 34

Solitude Pointe................................................. 38

& Conference Center...................................40, 42

JC Rose & Associates Inc............................43, 44

Southern Oaks Golf Club.................................. 41

Erwin-Penland................................................. 34

Larkins on the River......................................... 46

Southern Socials.............................................. 34

Event Decor & More......................................... 44

Limestone College........................................... 37

Southside Park-Groce Road............................. 38

Event Design by Ric Singleton.......................... 44

Links O’Tryon................................................... 41

Spartanburg Art Museum................................. 42

Event Rentals........................................34, 43, 44

Liquid Catering................................................ 43

Spartanburg Community College...................... 38

Expressions Unlimited Inc...........................43, 44

Little Pigs BBQ of Mauldin LLC......................... 46

Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau....... 34

Fairmont Larkin Park - Nazareth Road.............. 35

Littlejohn Coliseum.......................................... 42

Spartanburg Hotel & Resort............................. 40

Falcon’s Lair Golf Club..................................... 41

Main Street Deli............................................... 46

Spartanburg Marriott

The Flower Box Inc.....................................43, 45

Market Link Inc................................................ 34

at Renaissance Park...................................40, 42

Food With A Flair dba Friends

Marriott Greenville......................................40, 46

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.................... 42

at the Cove & Catering..................................... 46

Mooneyham Baseball Field.............................. 37

Stax Catering................................................... 46

Full Circle Public Relations............................... 34

Moore Athletic Activities Building..................... 37

Stax Omega Diner............................................ 46

Furman University Amphitheater...................... 35

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University

Strossner’s Bakery, Florist, Catering, Café........ 46

Furman University McAlister Auditorium........... 35

and at Heritage Green...................................... 38

Summit Pointe Conference & Events Center..... 42

Furman University Timmons Arena................... 42

Musgrove Mill Golf Club................................... 41

TD Convention Center...................................... 42

Furman University Younts Conference Center... 42

Nash Soccer Field............................................ 38

Thornblade Club.........................................38, 41

Furman University, Charles E. Daniel Chapel.... 35

Oconee Country Club....................................... 38

TimbeRock at Hopkins Farm............................ 38

Grant Softball Field.......................................... 36

On the Go LLC................................................. 34

Touch of Class Ltd............................................ 45

Greater Pacolet Park - Sunny Acres Road......... 36

Palmetto Sound Works..................................... 43

Twelve Gates Home Accents............................ 45

Green Valley Country Club...........................36, 41

Pam Rowland & Design Co............................... 44

Twichell Auditorium at Converse College.......... 42

Greenville Country Club - Chanticleer............... 41

Park-Way Meetings LLC................................... 34

Twigs .............................................................. 45

Greenville Country Club - Riverside.................. 41

The Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor............... 41

University Inn & Conference Center.................. 40

Greenville County Library System..................... 36

Peace Center for the Performing Arts............... 42

Upcountry History Museum.............................. 39

Greenville Little Theatre................................... 36

Pebble Creek Golf Club - Creekside.................. 41

Upstate Wedding and Event Services....34, 43, 45

Greenville Rental.............................................. 43

Pebble Creek Golf Club - Linkside.................... 41

USC Upstate.................................................... 39

Greenville Technical College (Event Facilities)... 37

The Phoenix, Greenville’s Inn........................... 40

USC Upstate Performing Arts Center................ 39

Hames Music Inc............................................. 43

The Powdersville Wren Florist.......................... 44

Vass Markets Inc.............................................. 34

Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg.................. 40

Praise Unlimited Weddings

The Venue & The Renfrew................................ 38

Hare and Hound Pub........................................ 46

Rentals & Florals.........................................43, 44

The Walker Course at Clemson University........ 41

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve.............. 37

The Preserve at Verdae...............................38, 41

Walnut Grove Plantation................................... 39

Henry’s Smokehouse....................................... 46

Pro-Tech Audio and Video Systems.................. 45

The Westin Poinsett......................................... 40

Hick’s Florist.................................................... 44

Professional Party Rentals Inc.....................43, 45

Wilhite House Catering..................................... 46

Hilton Garden Inn & Destination

Richardson Park / City of Spartanburg.............. 38

The Wilhite House............................................ 39

Pointe Event Center....................................40, 46

River Falls Spa................................................. 38

Willow Creek Conservatory.............................. 39

Hilton Greenville............................................... 40

The Rock at Jocassee Golf Resort.................... 41

Wofford College............................................... 39

Holiday Inn Greenville...................................... 40

Saffrons West End Cafe.................................... 46

Wofford College Leonard Auditorium, Main

Holly Tree Country Club.................................... 37

Schafer Advertising & Marketing.................43, 45

Building........................................................... 39

Hollywild Animal Park...................................... 37

The Showroom dba HUB-BUB.......................... 42

Wofford College, McMillan Theater................... 39

Hyatt Regency Greenville............................40, 42

Skyline Exhibits & Design Inc......................43, 45

Wofford College, Tony White Theater................ 39

The Inn on Main............................................... 40

Sleep Inn......................................................... 40

Zen - An elegant space for hire........................ 39

48 Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

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BMW Performance Center

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