Hospitality Day at State House and Inaugural South Carolina Hospitality Conference Resounding Successes

Every year, the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA) gathers industry professionals, state lawmakers, members of the media, and hospitality enthusiasts alike to celebrate one of the state's most vital sectors. The annual Hospitality Day at the State House event featuring a Taste of South Carolina has become a highlight of the General Assembly’s social calendar, showcasing the strength and significance of South Carolina’s hospitality industry while also advocating for policies that support its continued growth and success.

This year's event was a vibrant mix of networking, advocacy, and, of course, culinary delights. Here's a look at some of the day's key moments and highlights.

A Warm Welcome and Legislative Advocacy

The event kicked off under sunny skies with a warm welcome from members and staff of the SCRLA to the over 1,200 guests from across the state. With over 12% of South Carolina’s workforce employed in the leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors, our industry plays a crucial role in driving tourism, creating jobs, and moving our state forward – having an over $31 billion economic impact on our state annually.

Constitutional Officers, Legislators, and their support staff from across the state joined the event, providing attendees with an opportunity to discuss important issues affecting oue industry. Topics ranged from workforce development and training to regulations and support for small businesses. The exchange of ideas and concerns was fruitful, and many in attendance appreciated the opportunity to have their voices heard directly by policymakers.

The Culinary Showcase

One of the event's most anticipated segments was the culinary showcase, featuring top chefs and restaurants from across South Carolina. In total, 22 different groups were featured during this year’s event and attendees were treated to a wide array of dishes, highlighting the state's rich culinary diversity. From traditional Southern fare to innovative fusion cuisine, there was something to tantalize every palate.

Participants enjoyed sampling dishes from iconic restaurants and up-and-coming eateries alike. This year's showcase featured a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers as well as highlighting several of our state’s impressive ProStart culinary programs. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders.

Recognizing South Carolina’s Vibrant Hospitality Industry

The day prior to Hospitality Day at the State House, the SCRLA in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, gathered jointly in Columbia to convene the South Carolina Hospitality Conference – a first of its kind event for our industry in the state. The conference was keynoted by Governor Henry McMaster. In his remarks, Governor McMaster praised South Carolina's rich tradition of hospitality which has blossomed into an annual $31 billion industry – fueling tourism and economic prosperity for our entire state. The Governor also recognized the Palmetto State's robust hospitality workforce and everything our industry has positively contributed to our state's rich cultural heritage.

Following his remarks, Governor McMaster proclaimed Wednesday, April 24 as Hospitality Day in South Carolina – celebrating our industry and the people who comprise it. Additionally, the conference featured panelists, industry experts and stakeholders alike – providing the latest trends impacting our industry as well as highlighting the latest technologies and services available to strengthen and streamline the operations of restaurants and hotels across the state. Overall, the event was very well attended, with over 135 individuals gathering to share experiences, exchange ideas, network, and discuss best practices. The atmosphere was both celebratory and collaborative, with a palpable sense of camaraderie among attendees. A sincere thank you to Governor McMaster, to the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, to our generous sponsors who made the event possible, and to everyone who attended the South Carolina Hospitality Conference and made this event an overwhelming success!

Furthermore, in recognition of Hospitality Day at the State House this year, the General Assembly adopted a Concurrent Resolution, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hembree, and presented it to members of the SCRLA, expressing their sincere gratitude and appreciation of South Carolina’s hospitality industry and to all the participating restaurants, ProStart students, and sponsors of the event. The Concurrent Resolution highlighted the many ways South Carolina hospitality industry pushes our state forward, and that is attributed in no small part to the people, businesses, and organizations who make our industry such a wonderful sector to work in.

Looking to the Future

As the South Carolina Hospitality Conference and Hospitality Day at the State House drew to a close, there was a sense among those in attendance of optimism and of a renewed energy and commitment to making South Carolina a premier destination for dining, lodging, and tourism. The success of our state's hospitality sector is vital to South Carolina's economy and it’s because of events such as these that remind us of the passion and dedication of our workforce that drives our industry forward. Though there are many challenges facing our industry and many legislative battles still to be fought and won, South Carolina’s hospitality industry is poised for continued success in the years to come and our future is certainly bright.

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