With 60 miles of breathtaking beachfront, an international airport that welcomed 1 million passengers on 2017, 98,600 accommodation units at various price levels, and a modern convention center with 250,000 square feet of meeting space and an upscale adjoining hotel, the Myrtle Beach area is an ideal destination to host meetings and group gatherings.
Great Facilities
Within the Myrtle Beach area’s 12 distinct communities, meeting planners are sure to find a meeting facility and accommodations to suit their needs. More than 30 of the area’s hotels and resorts offer functional meeting facilities for groups of 10 to 2,000 attendees. For larger groups, the Myrtle Beach Convention Center boasts 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. With venues ranging from a 100,800-square-foot, column-free exhibition hall to 20 breakout meeting rooms to a 17,000-square-foot ballroom, the convention center can accommodate a variety of group needs. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) makes travel to the Grand Strand simple, with carriers that service Myrtle Beach directly: Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, and WestJet. When professionals can afford downtime from their meetings, the Myrtle Beach area offers an ideal climate, wide sandy beaches, hundreds of restaurants and entertainment options, and close to 100 golf courses. This relaxing and serene backdrop leads to some of the best-attended meetings for many planners. "Our largest attendance has been in the Myrtle Beach area. That is why we are returning," says Sherry Hamilton of the Southern Early Childhood Association.
Locals' Commitment to Tourism
What really makes the Myrtle Beach area stand out is the locals' commitment to supporting the community and welcoming visitors. The Visit Myrtle Beach team works with about a dozen “Local Experts,” who are more than willing to speak, train, or just come network with a group. Our experts can advise on topics such as golf, history and culture, culinary spots, entertainment, nature, and outdoor activities. These offer groups great team-building opportunities ,as well as a chance to step outside the boardroom and open their minds to new experiences.
Abundance of Amenities
Today’s meeting groups are constantly on the lookout for exciting and innovative ways to promote team-building among participants, and the Myrtle Beach area delivers, thanks to its coastal setting and abundance of outdoor activities. With miles of public beaches, two oceanfront state parks, hiking and biking trails, and the ocean, rivers, and marshlands, the opportunities are endless. Embark on nature expeditions, camping trips, kayak excursions, and more. Ann Wilson, Interpretive Ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park, is able to introduce visitors to the coastal environment through myriad classes. "Moving to Myrtle Beach has been great for our trade show. Attendance has increased, and our attendees are happy to have so many attractions like restaurants, shopping, and golf to enjoy," says Donna Shealy Foster of the SC Nursery & Landscape Association. Additionally, the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach at Horry Georgetown Technical College opened a beautiful space in August 2016. This new location includes, among other things, an amphitheater with a staging area for guest chefs to teach. Cooking classes are offered to the general public, including groups. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help facilitate your group’s team-building activities by putting you in touch with professionals for ideas and opportunities. Just visit MyrtleBeachMeetings.com.
