GSA Event 2011

SponSored by

publiShed by

EvEntYOUR gUide tO event and meeting planning

september 201 1

http://www.bmwusa.com/performancecenter

http://krocgreenville.org/

http://www.gsabusiness.com

EVENT

CEO and Group Publisher Grady Johnson

[email protected] • 843.849.3103

Vice President of Sales Steve Fields

[email protected] • 843.849.3110

The Event & Meeting Planning Guide and GSA Business are published by Upstate Business News LLC. Annual subscription rate to GSA Business is $49.95. Copyright ©2011 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of all or any editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Opinions expressed in guest columns or letters to the editor are those of the authors and not necessarily those of GSA Business. Bulk postage paid at Greenville Post Office. GSA Business reserves the right to reject or edit any submitted material. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising.

©2011 SC Business Publications LLC

Publisher - Lisa [email protected]

Editor - Scott [email protected]

Staff Writer - Liz [email protected]

Production Manager/Art DirectorS. Kevin Greene

[email protected]

Sr. Account Executive - Salley Tyler [email protected]

Account Executive - Pam Edmonds [email protected]

Account Executive - Geoff Humphreys [email protected]

Research & Events Coordinator Elizabeth Feather

[email protected]

Office Manager - Vickie [email protected]

Circulation Manager

Kathy [email protected] • 843.849.3113

Circulation Coordinator Kim McManus

[email protected] 843.849.3116

Contributing Writer - Lydia Dishman

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

EVENT

SC Business Publications LLCA portfolio company of Virginia Capital

Partners LLCFrederick L. Russell Jr., Chairman

What: EvEnt & MEEting Planning guidE

Presented by: gSa BuSinESS

details: PrESEntEd annually for thE laSt 3 yEarS,

thE EvEnt & MEEting Planning guidE iS thE go-to

PuBlication for EvEnt PlannErS in thE uPStatE arEa.

don’t miss: Each Edition includES grEat Planning toolS,

including chEckliStS and dirEctoriES.thE guidE alSo

includES articlES that look at thE latESt trEndS.

in this issue: BudgEting trickS, Social MEdia tiPS,

and MorE.

You’re Invited!

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

EVENT

The skills required of a good driver operating in a challenging environment are remark-ably 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.

BMW Performance Driving School Corporate Events help bring new focus to your business by putting your team through the paces on the track. Experience how overly aggressive driving leads to a slower lap time in the same way that rising costs cut into the bottom line.

Effectively processing all of the sensory feedback a car gives the driver in order to balance steering with braking and acceleration is the driving equivalent of working smarter, not harder. In the end, the stopwatch—like a P & L statement—never lies.

The 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 & Conventionssection sponsored by

Business Casualsection sponsored by

Lifestylesection sponsored by

Lists & Directoriessection sponsored by

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

an elegant space for hire

about our

SPONSORS

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




http://www2.furman.edu/sites/Younts/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.zengreenville.com/

http://www.rickerwins.com/

http://www.tenatthetop.org/


EVENT

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

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

LiFESTYLEEco-friendly event planning .................................28Event calendar .....................................................30

LiSTS & DiRECTORiESEvent planners ....................................................34Alternative/outdoor venues ................................35Hotels with meeting facilities .............................40 Golf courses ........................................................41Exhibition centers ...............................................42Rental companies ...............................................43Florists/event decor ............................................44Caterers ..............................................................46Index of advertisers ............................................47Index of companies ............................................47

3Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com



EVENT

4 2010 Event Planning Guide | www.gsabusiness.com

CORPORaTE mEETiNgS & CONVENTiONS

This secTion is sponsored by

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

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





Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com 5Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com



Corporate Meetings & Conventions


EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

By Heidi Coryell Williams

The 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 con-tinues 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

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 presi-dent, 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. Steg-ner said, “You have to figure out what is going to have the most impact for the money.”

This leaner, meaner meeting strategy incor-porates all the elements of team building and idea generation, but streamlines these gather-ings 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 cor-porate 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 ex-

plained. “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 com-

petition, 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 transpor-tation costs by having cli-ents cover their own air-fare. 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

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

“We’re able to give great value for a compa-rable product, if not better,” said Ric Luber, pres-ident and CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism. The Columbia-based authority, which includes the city’s CVB, convention services, and sports council, hosted nearly 600 events last year, and their conven-tion 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 lessGone 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,

ThE NUmBERSEven 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 mem-

bers, recently commissioned a research study about the value of corporate meetings. The

study, released earlier this year found that the U.S. meeting industry:

Source: Meeting Professionals International. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

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 at-tendees 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/busi-ness meetings.

Generates 205 million room nights/overnight stays.

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

EVENT

6




EVENT

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

Water bottles, another seemingly small ex-pense 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 vari-ous spots.

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

Similarly, online registration has practically eliminated the need for artificial attendance in-flation. “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

Source: thegreatevent.com

SamPLE BUDgETExpensesMailing and postage $

Printing $

Signs and decorations $

Speakers $

Registration staff/materials $

Extra help $

Transportation $

Entertainment $

Meeting room or rooms $

Snacks $

Meals $

Gratuities $

Audio-visual equipment rental $

Gifts $

Miscellaneous $

Total $

IncomeRegistration fees $

Contributions $

Sponsorships $

Exhibit space rentals $

Total $


http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/highcotton/greenville/


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

EVENT

8

Columbia marriott1200 Hampton Street | Columbia, SC 29201(803) 771-7000 | www.marriott.com/caemh

We plan for flexibilityThe 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.

accommodations Committee checklistoFind 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.

oHave emergency housing available for latecomers.

o Record expected time and date of each attendee’s arrival.

oMaintain regular liaison with the hotel regarding reservations.

o Get information on exhibit locations and storage for exhibit materials.

Public Relations/advertising Committee checklistoPrepare direct-mail materials to promote attendance.

oPrepare 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.

oProvide news releases and photos of the speakers for their hometown papers.

Finance Committee checklistoFind out when payment is due for various functions.

oDecide on ticket prices.

oDetermine policy on accepting checks and giving refunds.

oFind out when payment is due to speakers and extra help.

o Determine the cost and number of meals as well as guaran-tee on number of meals.

oDetermine whether VIP accommodations will be paid for by your organization.

Convention Planning Checklists

PLaN FOR SUCCESSThe formula for a successful convention includes a well-estab-lished plan; clearly defined goals and objectives; organized volun-teers; solid financial administration; and functional committees for finance, accommodations and public relations/advertising.

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

http://www.marriott.com/caemh


http://www.spartanburgexpo.com/



EVENT

From private board meetings and great dinners

to seminars for up to 300, contact Corporate Event Specialist

Billy Watson at [email protected]

or call 864.467.3020(Direct: 864.940.2788)

For your next meeting or event make it...

By Susan Levi Wallach

Event experts such as Phil Yanov agree that the money and time saved when meet-ings take place via a webinar or a video-

conference 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, Ya-nov gets frequent invitations to moderate pan-els. 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 environ-ment for networking the old-fashioned way: in person.

Networking is what David J. Richardson, president of Memorable Moments in Charles-ton, considers the principal benefit of a live meeting. “It’s a relationship-driven thing, build-ing 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,

Onstage Still Beats Online for Corporate meetings

Phil Yanov on stage.(Photo/Provided by Tech After Five)

see ONSTagE, page 10


http://www.larkinsrestaurants.com/page.php?ID=28



EVENT


even if the line is long, and have a word. “An on-line event can attract so many people that one-on-one interaction is impossible, and the speaker will never remember you.”

Both Yanov and Richardson said that the rela-tive anonymity of online forums works against many of the reasons businesses hold meetings in the first place. A successful meeting often de-pends 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 in-teresting 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 personal-ize 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 busi-ness is closed at a live meeting that any business ever closed online. If your goal is getting this customer to do busi-ness 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 sur-prising component. What stimulates a great business exchange at a high level is control-ling the environment and the five senses,” he said.

At a live meeting, creativ-ity 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 con-

cept 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, meet-ings are more often about relation-ships, and that’s the thing you can’t get on the web.” EVENT

ONSTagE, continued from page 9


http://www.jcrose.net/

Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com 11Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com




EVENT Corporate Meetings & Conventions

If a picture was worth a thousand words in the days of ink and paper, good pho-tography is far more valuable in an era

that hums along alternating currents of tra-ditional, new, and social media. So don’t scrimp, said Brett Turner of Jackson Market-ing Group in Greenville.

Good pictures show a sample of what happened. Great pictures tell a story of what was and what can be. So any business plan-ning a special event would be remiss to simply drop a camera in the hands of an employee at the last minute.

Prices vary, but plan on about $500 for a half day for a profes-sional photographer. Sure, it costs more than having the guy in accounting use his shiny new camera, but professional photos are good for more than a one-time laptop slideshow at the next staff meeting.

Professional event planners say quality pho-tography helps them and their clients tell stories.

Turner, public relations director for his firm, likes photos that appeal to the senses. Done well, photography makes people smell the food, hear the din and feel the excitement. In a world that relies less and less on text-heavy communica-

tion, good photos are no longer supplemental, he said, but fundamental communication tools.

“There’s a purpose for an event. Photos should be strategically aligned to meet that objective,” he said. “If it’s a parade, photos

from last year can be used to get people there this year. Photos show mass, depth, flavor, size, and scope — all in an image.”

Photos also can show results following an event.

When the Nation-wide Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament is played

each year, photography is a critical ele-ment to help explain and showcase the scope of the event — from the setup, to volunteers, to the evening events. Those photos are used in all forms of communication from the website to collateral pieces, and even find their way to BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany.

“It’s a good way to show executives what’s go-ing on at a specific event, because photos can showcase and demonstrate the scope of the event,” Turner said.

Turner also advises not forgetting the value of photography in-house. A collection of pho-tographs is a great tool to help a team plan

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

Tiffany J. Snyder, an event planner and de-signer with Distinctive Events in Charleston, also advises using the pictures at every oppor-tunity, 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 of-ten 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

The ROI of Telling Your Story with Professional Photos

WORTh a ThOUSaND WORDS

By Ross Norton

Jerry Rice at BMW Charity Pro Am.

(Photo/Provided Jackson Marketing Group)



Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com 13

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT

Corporate event planning checklistsBefore the evento Determine event goals and objectives. This is espe-cially important with client events and sales meetings, as it will help you keep on track. o Identify possible dates for the meeting. No matter what date you pick, someone will complain it doesn’t work. Thinking ahead and checking with others on pos-sible conflicts can limit the inconvenience for all parties.

o Prepare a preliminary agenda and guest list to help set thecriteria for the venue.o Prepare a preliminary budget. Unless you manage your corporate event closely, the budget can grow unexpectedly.

o Send meeting requirements to selected sites with requests for written proposals. If you are signing a con-tract, get a written proposal so there won’t be surprises.o Review site proposals from responding suppliers, select potential sites and begin site negotiations with potential venues. Whenever possible, speak to com-panies that have hosted similar events at the venue.

o Conduct site visits as required. This is important when you’reusing the facility for the first time. Deter-mine security needsat the location. o Negotiate hotel rates and blocks. If you use hotel meeting rooms for the event, you could get a signifi-cant discount on sleeping rooms. o Determine preliminary food and beverage require-ments and negotiate menus and prices. It’s all nego-tiable, but keep in mind that the more you customize the deal, the more you’ll have to manage.

o Establish a theme and preliminary graphics for the logo, program, etc. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your corporate brand.o Consider hiring a printer for invitations, programs and agendas.

o Add any deadlines and other requirements to the timetable.

as the event gets closero Form committees as required. The larger the event, the more work to be done. Make life easier by get-ting others involved. Organizations that have regular events should consider forming standing committees that meet regularly.

o Develop a promotional strategy. o Do some PR for the event. Calendar notices, press releases and interviews may all be appropriate, de-pending on the size of your event. o For nonprofit or charity events, line up sponsors. Prepare and mail letters to potential event sponsors requesting consideration in their budgets. o Identify needs for outside consultants, specifying requirements.

o If you are charging admission to the event, establish registration fee structures and policies, and be sure to include clear cancellation policies. o Invite and confirm key speakers. This includes people within your organization. Don’t assume anyone is automatically available. o Obtain audiovisual needs from speakers and pre-senters, and order all necessary equipment. o Review, update and confirm final event budget.o Identify and communicate on-site responsibilityareas for committees and volunteers. Set up training for volunteers and educate them about your expectations. o Select and order speaker gifts and awards. o Order special decorations for the event.o Prepare and order the signs. This is another oppor-tunity to build your brand.o Arrange for travel and housing of all staff and VIPs.

The day of the event o Have a staff/volunteer meeting to review responsi-bilities, procedures and overlap areas such as registra-tion. Taking 10 minutes for an informational and moti-vational meeting will save headaches later in the day.

Continued on page 15





EVENT

One of the most difficult and often most limiting factors for an event is the bud-get. 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 revi-sion. 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, decora-tions, 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 con-tracts, 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 priz-es or giveaways can be a good incentive for attendance, as well as a good branding piece for your company.

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

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

Marketing might include: printing invi-tations, 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 under-estimate, the different elements. Including a photographer to capture the event or provid-ing valet parking can go a long way toward im-pressing 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: addi-tional decor, entertainment/speaker fees, trans-portation, event parking, printing of program or materials, staff time, photographer or videogra-pher, technology and audiovisual if not provided by the site facility, etc. EVENT

Source: Emily Kosa, special event planner, DNA Creative Communications. www.dnacc.com.

Ballpark Estimates for Event Budgets



Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com 15

Corporate Meetings & Conventions EVENT

Corporate event planning checklists (cont.)o Confirm and monitor pickup of all rental equipment and supplies.

immediately afterwardo Pack and inventory all material. Many of your col-lateral materials are reusable — 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. Watch expense reports, an area where a lot of costs can be hidden. o Perform post-budget performance review. Were you on budget? Could you have saved money? o Write and mail thank-you letters.o Collect and organize data for final meeting reports. Get evaluations from staff, volunteers and consultants to determine what went right and what could be im-proved on so next time goes more smoothly.

The Roomo Location o Caterero Liquor o Bartenders o Linens (tablecloths, napkins)o Menu o Cakeo Votives and votive candleso Napkin rings o Table candyo Table games o Glitter or confettio Bathroom florals

giveaways/Prizeso T-shirts o Capso Tote bags/baskets o Pens, notepadso Theme-oriented itemso Premiums, with company logo for corporate eventOther o Photographer or videographer o Registration table o Gift table o Information table

Out-of-Town guests o Hotel reservationso Weekend-at-a-glance or itineraryo Maps to and from airport and other locationso Welcome gifts o Transportationo Other________________

Decorationso Sign-in board o Message booko Centerpieces o Welcome signo Band backdrop o Balloon bouquetso Buffets – decor and signageo Ceiling treatmentso Outside lobby areao Seating cards o Table cardso Directional signage o Easelso Theme-oriented signso Company display

Entertainmento DJ o Bando Music during cocktailso Other entertainment (caricaturist, magician, etc.)o Photo favorso Special presentation: Who to emcee? Who to present?o Roasts/toastso Audiovisual needso Other (theme-oriented)

Printed materialso Invitations to ceremony, party, benefit or main evento Invitations to reception (if applicable)o Response cardso Response envelopeso Seating cardso Table cardso Cocktail napkins o Matcheso Programs o Agendao Newsletter

Source: thegreatevent.com





EVENT

By Susan Levi Wallach

Greenville event planners will tell you that social media is fast replacing tra-ditional surveys, polls, and hunches

as the go-to analytics and promotional tool for event planning.

Professional planners such as Lindsay Ha-zle, senior event producer at Jackson Market-ing 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 challeng-ing. 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 busi-ness orientation. For Hazle, the main value in LinkedIn is the groups, such as the Con-vention Industry Council, many of which are available only to their association mem-bers. “They make sure their members have the same certifi-cation and pro-fessional stan-dards,” she said.

“Facebook for me is more per-sonal than busi-ness 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

Event Planners Take Charge of Social media Chatter




EVENT

and LinkedIn strictly for business. “I have a big network on Twitter to discuss event trends and different resources in different cit-ies that I can get help with,” she said.

Jackson Marketing also posts videos on YouTube, linking them to the company web-site. “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 me-dia tool. “We use Facebook analytics to get an idea of who’s talking about what and who’s interested,” said Debi Schadel, who with Tra-cie Broom runs Flock and Rally, in Colum-bia. 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 audi-ence much more precisely,” she said.

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

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

She can also see where subscribers are link-ing from and whether they found the page on Google or Twitter or somewhere else. “On the interaction side, I can tell what posts are get-ting 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 organization-al 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 to-gether. “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 plan-ner, this is both a real-time look at the percep-tion 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 plan-

ning mode we try to incorporate as many outlets as we can.” EVENT

The perfect location for your next conference

boutique hotel and event venue151 East Church Street | Anderson, SC 29624 | 864-225-7203 | www.bleckleyinn.com


http://www.bleckleyinn.com

18


Destination Meeting 20

Covering all bases – Thoughtful planning points to ensure success 22

Break Bread Not Concentration: The best foods for meetings 24

18

BUSiNESS CaSUaL





Business Casual


EVENT

Tired 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 innova-tive sparks flying. Fortunately, the sheer number of activities and amenities unique to South Caro-lina’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.

COLUMBIAThe 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 recreation-al lake, the capital city boasts an abundance of sunshine and an array of accommodations in-cluding 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 Mediterra-nean-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 plan-ners looking to feature experts for presenta-tions in the health sciences, nanotechnology, alternative fuels, the environment, and infor-mation technologies.

The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bu-reau’s (www.columbiacvb.com) sales profession-als 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 as-sisting with transportation and registration.

CHARLESTONHosting a business meeting in the Lowcoun-

try is certain to be unforgettable. The area’s his-toric charm, seaside vistas, and famous Southern hospitality combined with top-notch services can meet the needs of every planning profes-sional.

Located in the middle of South Carolina’s picturesque coast and fed by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, the nation’s “friendliest city” ac-cording 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

the Charleston Area Convention Center Com-plex. More than 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space as well as an adjoin-ing Performing Arts Center is all conveniently located a few miles outside of historic down-town 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 his-toric downtown Charleston. Facilities are also conveniently located near the Charleston Inter-national 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 ven-ues, lodging and more. Many hotel concierges can also help with business logistics, and suggest restaurants and team building ideas. EVENT

get Outta TownGreenville meeting planners find great places to host events across the Palmetto State

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

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


Business Casual


EVENTBMWPerformanceCenter

The UltimateDriving Machine®

bmwusa.com/performancecenter

1-888-345-4BMW

NEED A FAST GIFT IDEA?If you want to show that special employee or client that they truly are special, forget that bottle of

wine or coffee table book this year and consider a day at the BMW Performance Center. This is no

middle-of-the-road gift, this an own-the-road gift that will stay with them long after they’ve parked

the BMW and their heart has slowed down. Visit bmwusa.com/performancecenter.

BMWP-C7124 GreenvilleEventsPG_Inside.indd 1 9/17/10 3:46 PM


Business Casual


EVENT

The GoalBefore 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 un-derstanding of your overall objective includ-ing 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 BudgetThe economy has pushed many people into

planning who have no prior experience in coor-dinating events. Consequently, whether the func-tion 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 require-ments 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 DateTime 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.

InvitationsMake sure you have an accurate head count be-

fore 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 print-ing. 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 TimingIf your event is timed for just after work, con-

sider what your guests may be doing after the par-ty. 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 be-come 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 BeginningIf 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 men-tion 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 MiddleHave 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 entertain-ment so the event is always evolving.

Great FoodGreat food doesn’t have to be boring. Let

your guests guide appropriate choices. An all-female 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 combina-tions of bread or whole grain options, pro-teins 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

of the forthcoming meal provides an interest-ing, interactive touch.

Roaming EntertainmentIf 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-after-noon 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.

PrizesGuests 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 EndHave 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 UpAfter the event, have a meeting to deter-

mine the high and low points of the event. What worked and what would you do differ-ently. 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. [email protected]

Covering all the basesThoughtful planning points to ensure success



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

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATIONOrganization or individual name: ______________________________

What kind of event are you planning? ___________________________

How many people are you expecting? __________________________

What is the event date? _____________________________________

Where do you plan to host this event? __________________________

What is your audiovisual budget for this event? ___________________

EVENT DETAILSLoad In:____________________Date:_____________Time: ________

Rehearsal: _______________________________________________

Doors Open to Guests:_______ Show Start:_______ Show End: _______

Does your event have a theme or specific color choices? _____________

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

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

onto the walls, floor or building facade? _________________________

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

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

Will this event take place in more than one location?

(tents, rooms, buildings) ____________________________________

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

Do you have a room diagram for this event? ______________________

What elements would you like to use lighting for?

(stage, dance floor, decor) ___________________________________

Will this event be videotaped? ________________________________

POWERAre you familiar with the power available at this venue? _____________

If not, do you have a contact for this at your venue? ________________

AUDIOHow many people will be speaking? ___________________________

What kinds of microphones are needed for this event? _______________

Wired HH/Qty _________________________________ Wireless HH/Qty

Wireless LAV/Qty __________________________________________

Wireless Headset/Qty______ Specific other:____________ _________

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

Wired mic stand Head table mic stands Upright podium Tabletop

podium None

VIDEOWhat is the purpose of having video as an element of this event? ______

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

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

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

Do you need assistance with video design or production? ____________

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

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

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

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

Information provided by Production Design Associates

Technical Worksheet for EVENTS


Business Casual EVENT



EVENT

Eating the right foods makes a big differ-ence in how alert and content people are during a meeting or conference. Care-

ful choices need to be made when feeding large groups because the wrong foods can have nega-tive results. Keeping attendees sharp, interested, and comfortable are the goals.

Easy does itMany 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 di-rector 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. Vege-tarian 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 coordi-nator for High Cotton restaurant on Green-ville’s Main Street.

A successful chef doesn’t want to exclude any-one, 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 re-quests, Essich said.

Don’t forget to spruce up the setting, Stross-ner’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 suppli-ers. 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 salt-sensitive diners and guests happy.

Heavy foods = heavy eyelidsThe heavy ‘meat and potatoes’ lunch will

always slow things down and should be avoid-ed. Instead, choose lighter, satisfying foods for lunch like salads with side additions of nuts, dried cherries, grilled salmon or chicken.

Timing is everythingGrab-and-go is good idea when attendees are

rushed. Some guests may have spent the early morn-

ing 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 fa-vorite with women, she said, is a caprese finger food that includes a grape tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar.

Have fun with your foodFoods 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. In-stead 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 su-shi and side dishes like noodle salad and stir-fry. Local fare in the South is a platform for many popular themed events. EVENT

Business CasualEVENT

Break Bread not Concentration

The best foods for meetings


Business Casual


EVENT

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

WhiTE TiEMEN: 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

WOMEN: Formal (floor-length) evening gown

BLaCK TiEMEN: 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.

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

BLaCK TiE OPTiONaLMEN: 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 TiEMEN: Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsi-cal items such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund; black shiny patent leather or dressy black leath-er 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

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

shoes; and dark dress socks

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

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

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

DRESSY CaSUaLMEN: Seasonal sport coat or blazer; slacks; open-collar shirt

WOMEN: Street-length dress; skirt and dressy top; or dressy pants outfit

BUSiNESS CaSUaLMEN: Seasonal sport coat or blazer; slacks or kha-kis; open-collar shirt

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

SPORT CaSUaLMEN: 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 button-down shirt

hOLiDaY CaSUaLMEN: Same as “Business Casual” with some holi-day colors or designs.

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

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

Proper attire



26


Eco-friendly Event Planning 28

Event Calendar 30

26

LiFESTYLE




LifestyleEVENT

Considering 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 cost-effective, practical and good public relations.

Roper-Starch, a leading U.S. consumer marketing research and trends consult-ing company, recently reported that 80% of

people consider themselves environ-mentalists.

“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 fundrais-

ers – s i n c e

1 9 8 8 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 im-pact 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 con-

scious choices when it comes to décor. Floral ar-rangements, 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 reduc-ing waste and the key is to obtain an accurate headcount. Other eco-friendly elements in-clude 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 tak-en to the local soup kitchen.

When serving food, Shoepf suggest us-ing china and glassware instead of paper or polystyrene.

Green exhibitThe 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 dis-plays and retractable banner stands, to modu-lar 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 alumi-num, 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 cor-porate structure, that is OK with them,” Leck-enbusch 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, Lecken-busch 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 lodgingPlanning a tradeshow, conference or wed-

ding often includes making travel and lodg-ing arrangements and some planners offer to track all of the guests’ travel and arrange for carbon offsets. Carbon offsets can be pur-chased through companies like NativeEnergy.com or CarbonFund.org. These companies provide tools to calculate carbon emissions and opportunities to offset them through sup-porting various carbon reducing.

Planners can also arrange for attendees to stay at a green hotel, (a complete list is pro-vided by the Green Hotels Association, green-hotels.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 oc-casion can be meaningful and memorable. EVENT

Eco-friendly event planning



Lifestyle


EVENT

Whether planning for business or a special occasion,

make Summit Pointe your �rst choice for Memorable

Meetings & Unforgettable Events.

Meetings - Weddings Banquets - Receptions

864.699.2222www.spartanburgwestgatemallsuites.hamptoninn.com

Spartan Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC

864.699.7873 www.summit-pointe.com

Impeccable accommodations backed by the Hampton 100% Guarantee.

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.

Waste reductionMarketing/Advertising• Print all advertising on used paper or post-consumer recycled paper. • Advertise electronically. Use e-mail as your main source of communica-

tion; 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.

at the eventAvoid 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.

• 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.

Recycling and cleanup• 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.

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

gREEN TiPS


http://www.summit-pointe.com

http://www.spartanburgwestgatemallsuites.hamptoninn.com


http://www.trio-solutions.com

Lifestyle


EVENT

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

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

JANUARyThe 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/

FEBRUARyDisco 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/

MARCHThe Return to the Green festival celebrates Irish-style 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

APRILSpring brings the beauty of azaleas to the Upstate and it also brings the Azalea Festival to Pickens. Hundreds of blooming azaleas, arts and crafts, chil-dren’s games, a historical tour and an eclectic range of musicians highlight this mid-April celebration of spring’s arrival. 866-615-6603. www.pickenscham-ber.org/AzaleaFest

MAyThousands 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.cityof-spartanburg.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-

port this charity fundraiser weekend. 864-240-3400. www.blueridgefest.com

The month ends with the Pontiac GMC Freedom Week-end 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

JUNEThe 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 chil-dren and adults. www.greenvillegames.org/

JULySpartanburg 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 pa-rades, 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

AUGUSTThe 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 hands-on 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 increas-ingly successful. The event is at the Carolina First Center located in Greenville. www.upstatewomensshow.com

SEPTEMBERArt in the Park, sponsored by the Greenville Recre-ation Department and Upstate Visual Arts, is held on the Governor’s School grounds in downtown Greenville. This annual celebration features local and regional

Upstate Calendar of EVENTSSt. Francis Fall for Greenville.(Photo/Provided by Greenville CVB)


Lifestyle

31Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com Event & Meeting Planning Guide 2011 | www.gsabusiness.com

EVENT

843.554.3466 www.pdastage.com

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.

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

OCTOBERSpartanburg 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 restau-rants 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 Okto-berfest. 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 lo-cal 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 Pump-kintown the second Saturday of the month each year.

On Highway 8 about 10 miles outside Pickens, the an-nual Pumpkin Festival is celebrated on the grounds of an old schoolhouse. The event includes traditional mu-sic, 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

NOvEMBERThe 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 Ameri-can 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/

DECEMBERBeginning after Thanksgiving, Roper Mountain Holi-day 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

Street perfomer at Artisphere.(Photo/Provided by Greenville CVB)

http://www.pdastage.com



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




Lists & Directories


EVENT

Upstate Event PlannersRanked by No. of Local EmployeesCompanyAddressPhone/Fax/Website

LocalEmployees

Day ofCoordinator

Available SpecialtiesTop Local Official(s)

Year FoundedErwin-Penland125 E. Broad St., Greenville, SC 29601864-271-0500/864-235-5941/www.erwinpenland.com

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

events

Joe Erwin1986

Jackson Marketing Group2 Task Industrial Court, Greenville, SC 29607864-272-3000/864-272-3040/www.jacksonmg.com

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

Larry Jackson, DarrellJackson, Kevin Johnson

1988

Duvall206 Woods Lake Road, Greenville, SC 29607864-674-7188/843-763-6142/www.duvallevents.com

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

Caroline Heuring1978

Event Rentals225 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306864-591-1846/864-591-1944/www.event-rentals.com

35 INP Wedding and corporate event needs Wendell Christopher1995

Custom Production Services730 Sterling Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29316864-814-1221/864-814-1219

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

Wm. A. (Sandy) Morgan1987

Crawford Strategy200 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601864-232-2302/864-232-2306/www.crawfordstrategy.com

14 Y Press conferences, fundraising events, grand openings, ribboncuttings, galas, holiday gatherings.

Marion Rose Crawford,Sandy Linning

2009

Market Link Inc.301 Railroad St., Spartanburg, SC 29302864-582-1003/864-587-5623/www.energizingsales.com

12 N We provide telemarketing and email marketing services and supportfor any events a business may have.

Lisa Marshall2004

DNA Creative Communications LLC103 E.Park Ave., Greenville, SC 29601864-235-0959/864-235-1304/www.dnacc.com

8 YCorporate events, grand openings, client appreciations, open houses,

informational tours, realtor luncheons, press conferences, productlaunches, festivals, non-profit events

Debbie Nelson1997

Brett Inc.P.O. Box 2304, Greenville, SC 29602864-239-0616/864-242-9811/www.brett-inc.com

6 YEvents 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

JBM and Associates LLC14 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601864-250-9713/864-250-0434/www.jbmshows.com

6 INP Consumer show management and marketing Jacqui Bomar2001

Culinary Connection297-C Garlington Road, Greenville, SC 29615864-421-7881/864-458-9599/www.theculinaryconnection.com

4 Y Corporate, social, weddings Nancy Yeargin1999

Full Circle Public Relations148 River St., Suite 205, Greenville, SC 29601864-672-9614/864-672-9619/www.fullcirclepr.com

4 YGrassroots marketing, special events, social media management and

crisis communications, press conferences, sales meetings, socialmedia contests and in-store events for retailers

Liza Jones, Kim Banks2009

Upstate Wedding and Event Services1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6, Greenville, SC 29611864-220-1220/864-220-1224/www.upstateweddingservices.com

4 Y Weddings Patty Revels2004

Vass Markets Inc.5 Creekside Park Court, Suite H, Greenville, SC 29615864-288-2221/864-288-2221/www.vassmarkets.com

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

Kathy V. Vass, Leigh AnnSatterfield DeYoung

2003

Christine Faust Events14 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601864-590-2440/www.faustevents.com

3 INP Weddings and corporate events Christine Faust2005

Corporate Raves Inc.1430 Maryland Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29307864-585-8012/864-585-1820/www.corporateraves.com

3 YCorporate events, groundbreakings, grand openings, themed parties,holiday events, employee-related events, tours, meetings, seminars,

conferences, destination management

Carolyn Schoepf1988

Spartanburg Convention & Visitors BureauP.O. Box1636, Spartanburg, SC 29304864-594-5051/864-594-5052/www.visitspartanburg.com

3 N Visitor, conference and meeting assistance. Patricia Byrd1986

Communication Works LLCP.O. Box 27142, Greenville, SC 29616864-908-4744/www.communicationworksllc.com

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

Betty Parker Ellis1998

Southern Socials129 Colfax Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29316864-316-7732/www.southernsocials.net

2 Y Events, parties, and weddings Sheila Turner2005

Christa Hovis Special Events LLC3620 Pelham Road, Suite189, Greenville, SC 29615864-304-9085/864-297-3192/www.christahovis.com

1 N Award winning design, planning and production services for social andcorporate special events

Christa Hovis2005

Corporate Meeting and Event Management LLC131 Stewart Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681864-967-9722/864-228-1956

1 INP Corporate meetings and special events Bobbie MacIntosh2002

On the Go LLCP.O. Box 5204, Greenville, SC 29606864-325-2589/www.onthegoconcierge.com

1 Y Office, holiday, birthday, anniversary parties and more O'Zandra L. Floyd2004

Park-Way Meetings LLC213 Davidson Road, Greenville, SC 29609864-246-4560

1 Y Full meeting planning, budget to audit, for association and corporateclients; on-site meeting management

Brenda C. Park2003

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the top-ranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list atwww.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, SC29464, fax to 843-849-3114 or go to at http://www.scbiznews.com/data and click on Add Data.

Researched by Elizabeth Feather


Lists & Directories


EVENT


Upstate Alternative/Outdoor Event venuesListed Alphabetically

295 Complex-Southport RoadSouthport RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301864-595-5356Maximum Capacity: 1,500Capacity Outdoor: 1,500Capacity Reception: INPIn-house catering available?: INPzTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

Canaan Road Soccer ComplexCanaan RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301864-596-9000Maximum Capacity: 2,000Capacity Outdoor: 2,000Capacity Reception: INPSports facility offers 8 soccer fields with 2 restrooms, passive seating.In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

Centre Stage - South Carolina501 River St.Greenville, SC 29604-8451864-233-6733Glenda ManWaringMaximum Capacity: 285Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 200A 285-seat theater with three lobby areas and a patio.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.centrestage.org

Clemson University Outdoor Lab415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC 29670Clemson, SC 29634-0737864-646-7502Leslie ConradMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: 250Capacity Reception: 150Accommodations for conferences, meetings, workshops, retreats, camps, weddings, receptions located on Lake Hartwell.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Nwww.clemson.edu/outdoorlab

Cleveland Park Spartanburg141 N. Cleveland Park DriveSpartanburg, SC 29304864-562-4150Jon WoodsbyMaximum Capacity: 400Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPPublic 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?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

The Cliffs Valley Golf Course250 Knightsridge RoadTravelers Rest, SC 29690864-660-1100David SawyerMaximum Capacity: 350Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INP28,000-square foot clubhouse including ballroom, boardroom, dining room and tap rooms; 150,000-square foot well-ness center.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.cliffscommunities.com

Cowpens Park - Linda St.Linda St.Spartanburg, SC 29301864-595-5356Maximum Capacity: 200Capacity Outdoor: 200Capacity Reception: INPPark with 2 baseball/softball fields, 2 tennis courts, 1 basketball court, conces-sion/restroom building and playground.In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

Cross Creek Plantation130 Club DriveSeneca, SC 29678864-882-8337Mark ErnstMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 300Golf and country club located minutes from Lake Keowee and Clemson University.In-house catering available?: Y

Outside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.crosscreekplantation.com

The Duncan Estate840 Union St.Spartanburg, SC 29302864-529-7287Danielle Sanders, Barbara Barnes, Corey SandersMaximum Capacity: 200Capacity Outdoor: 200Capacity Reception: 200Located 1 mile from Downtown Spartan-burg, historic estate and scenic 4 acres for weddings and events. Open vendor policy.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.duncanestate.com

ECPI1001 Keys Drive, Suite 100Greenville, SC 29615864-288-2828Amy HickmanMaximum Capacity: 50Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPComputer lab and classrooms available for meetings.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.ecpi.edu

Fairmont Larkin Park - Nazareth RoadNazareth RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301864-595-5356Maximum Capacity: 50Capacity Outdoor: 50Capacity Reception: INP

Picnic shelter, no power, and bathroom facility.In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

Furman University Amphitheater3300 Poinsett HighwayGreenville, SC 29613864-294-3267Todd DukeMaximum Capacity: 3,000Capacity Outdoor: 3,000Capacity Reception: INPCanopy-roofed amphitheater with full sound system for concerts, performanc-es and weddings.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: Ywww.furman.edu/younts

Furman University McAlister Auditorium3300 Poinsett HighwayGreenville, SC 29613864-294-2124Danielle HernandezMaximum Capacity: 1,900Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPAuditorium for concerts, lectures and theat-rical performances for community events.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.timmonsarena.com

Furman University,Charles E. Daniel Chapel3300 Poinsett Highway

see VENUES, page 36

Thornblade (Photo/Provided)


Lists & Directories


EVENT

Greenville, SC 29613864-294-2390Bray Claire, Kay WilsonMaximum Capacity: 352Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INP27,000 square feet of space that in-cludes: an upper sanctuary that can ac-commodate 352 people, a bridal room, a garden room and meeting spaces.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Nwww.furman.edu/younts

Grant Softball FieldSpartanburg, SC 29301864-587-4267Tim WallaceMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: 200Capacity Reception: INPSoftballIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.smcsc.edu

Greater Pacolet Park

- Sunny Acres RoadSunny Acres RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301864-595-5356Maximum Capacity: 100Capacity Outdoor: 100Capacity Reception: INP2 baseball/softball fieldsIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgparks.org

Green Valley Country Club225 Green Valley Road

Greenville, SC 29617864-246-2141Garnette Brown, Gerald WeathersMaximum Capacity: 500Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPDining facility, pool, tennis courts, views of Paris Mountain, driving range, putting and chipping greens, full service country club.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.greenvalley.cc

Greenville County Library System

25 Heritage Green PlaceGreenville, SC 29601864-242-5000Maximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPMeeting spaces throughout the Green-ville County Library System for meetings, presentations, and information sharing. In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Nwww.greenvillelibrary.org

Greenville Little Theatre444 College St.Greenville, SC 29601864-233-6238Allen McCallaMaximum Capacity: 1,085Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 400A 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?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: INPwww.greenvillelittletheatre.org

VENUES, continued from page 35

Hollywild Animal Park (Photo/Provided)

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 relation-ship-building face time.

GSA BUSINESS


mailto:[email protected]

Lists & Directories


EVENT

Greenville Technical College (Event Facilities)506 S. Pleasantburg DriveGreenville, SC 29606864-250-8214Evelyn WestfieldMaximum Capacity: 250Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INP2 auditoriums with video projection and wireless microphones are available for event use.In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.gvltec.edu

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.Spartanburg, SC 29304864-574-7724Robin VollmerMaximum Capacity: 100Capacity Outdoor: 400Capacity Reception: INPA 10 acre public garden open during daylight hours. 50 seat outdoor amphi-theater, 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?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.hatchergarden.org

Holly Tree Country Club500 Golf Club DriveSimpsonville, SC 29681864-967-9511Joe Jackson, Penny J. PaterMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: 200Capacity Reception: 250Practice areas, 2,400 square foot ball-room, casual dining grill, courtyard for outdoor assemblies, full culinary team.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.hollytreecountryclub.net

Hollywild Animal Park2325 Hampton RoadWelford, SC 29385864-472-2038Mary Lee RollinsMaximum Capacity: 1,500Capacity Outdoor: 1,500Capacity Reception: 150100-acre animal park and zoo with

open-air covered pavilion, meeting rooms, covered amphitheater and mul-tiple picnic tables. Outside caterers only.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: Ywww.hollywild.com

ITT Technical Institute6 Independence Point, Independence Corporate ParkGreenville, SC 29615864-288-0777Josh BrownMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPComputer labs, conference rooms, theory rooms, and a partitioned room.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.itt-tech.edu

Limestone College1115 College DriveGaffney, SC 29340864-489-7151Walt GriffinMaximum Capacity: 973Capacity Outdoor: INP

Capacity Reception: 400Auditorium, dining hall, meeting rooms, and classrooms are available.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.limestone.edu

Mooneyham Baseball FieldSpartanburg, SC 29301864-587-4267Tim WallaceMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: 500Capacity Reception: INPBaseballIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.smcsc.edu

Moore Athletic Activities BuildingSpartanburg, SC 29301864-587-4267Tim WallaceMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPBasketball and indoor wrestling facility.In-house catering available?: INP

see VENUES, page 38

For advertising information and special sponsorship benefits, please contact Lisa Jones, GSA Business Publisher at 864-235-5677 x28 or [email protected] THE BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG & ANDERSON

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

YoU are a leader

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

tiered oPPortUnities Various sponsorship levels allow participation at any budget level.

HOUR

HOURHEROESHEALTH CARE


mailto:[email protected]

Lists & Directories


EVENT

Outside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.smcsc.edu

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University and at Heritage Green1700 Wade Hampton Blvd.Greenville, SC 29614864-770-1331Amy Basinger, Erin R. JonesMaximum Capacity: 49Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPExecutive conference room for board meetings, guest lectures/conferences, and staff leadership training. In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Nwww.bjumg.org

Nash Soccer FieldSpartanburg, SC 29301864-587-4267Tim WallaceMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPSoccerIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.smcsc.edu

Oconee Country Club781 Richland RoadSeneca, SC 29672864-882-8037Dick PaschalMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPIn-house catering available?: INP

Outside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INP

The Preserve at Verdae650 Verdae Blvd.Greenville, SC 29607864-676-1500David A. Nelson, Paul AlbertMaximum Capacity: 1,300Capacity Outdoor: 2,000Capacity Reception: 2,000Clubhouse Deck overlooking golf course, The Pavillion and The Terrace (covered outdoor venues), extensive manicured lawns, and over 23,000-sqare feet of flex-ible indoor event space with full food and beverage service.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.thepreserveatverdae.com

Richardson Park / City of SpartanburgN. Converse St. and E. Main St.Spartanburg, SC 29304864-596-3105Deborah McClaryMaximum Capacity: 75Capacity Outdoor: 75Capacity Reception: INPOutdoor park facilityIn-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.cityofspartanburg.org

River Falls Spa130 S. Main St.Greenville, SC 29601864-240-2136Maximum Capacity: 75Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPSpa services for relaxation and rejuvenation.In-house catering available?: Y

Outside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Nwww.riverfallsspa.com

Smithfields Country Club100 Pine Ridge DriveEasley, SC 29642864-855-3543Adam RelanMaximum Capacity: 487Capacity Outdoor: 487Capacity Reception: 200Olympic-sized swimming pool, six tennis courts, dining facilities, driving range.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.smithfields.cc

Solitude Pointe102 Table Rock RoadCleveland, SC 29635864-836-4128Rodney Ross, Amy RossMaximum Capacity: 100Capacity Outdoor: 100Capacity Reception: 100Log-sided event hall for weddings, recep-tions, family reunions, corporate retreats; six luxury cabins, three with hot tubs.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.solitudepointe.com

Southside Park-Groce RoadSpartanburg, SC 29304864-595-5356Maximum Capacity: 50Capacity Outdoor: 50Capacity Reception: INP2 softball/baseball fieldsIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.spartanburgcounty.org

Spartanburg Community College800 Brisack RoadSpartanburg, SC 29305864-592-4900Para M. JonesMaximum Capacity: INPCapacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPIn-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: INPTents allowed?: INPwww.sccsc.edu

The Davenport230 Trade St.

Greer, SC 29651864-848-7212Mark TuckerMaximum Capacity: 200Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 200Hardwood 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?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Nwww.davenportgreer.com

The Venue & The Renfrew15 Renfrew Ave.Travelers Rest, SC 29690864-303-5184Joan Buchanan, Joseph BuchananMaximum Capacity: 257Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 257Restored historic mill house for smaller events. The Venue, at 4,600 square feet, offers a larger space with a 40’ x 40’ dance floor.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.thevenue1.com

Thornblade Club1275 Thornblade Blvd.Greer, SC 29650864-234-5100Patricia CalderMaximum Capacity: 500Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPPrivate meeting and event space avail-able in all sizes, from board room to ballroom, professional event planning.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.thornbladeclub.com

TimbeRock at Hopkins Farm3717 Fork Shoals RoadSimpsonville, SC 29680864-907-0529Carol C. Hopkins, Agnew HopkinsMaximum Capacity: 500Capacity Outdoor: 500Capacity Reception: 500Family farm on the National Historic Register with gardens, grounds, gazebo, pavilion, bandstand and covered buffet for outdoor events, weddings, corporate

VENUES, continued from page 37

Zen (Photo/Provided)


Lists & Directories


EVENT

events and social gatherings, both indoor and outdoor.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.timberockathopkinsfarm.com

Upcountry History Museum540 Buncombe St.Greenville, SC 29601864-467-3100 x 128Kathy A. BarefootMaximum Capacity: 500Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: 500History museum with private meeting spacesIn-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.upcountryhistory.org

USC Upstate800 University WaySpartanburg, SC 2930864-503-5000Judy SrockMaximum Capacity: 400Capacity Outdoor: 400Capacity Reception: 400Variety of facility spaces for rent. Profes-sional catering staff offers complete services for banquets, breakfasts, lun-cheons, receptions, dinners, meetings and conferences.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.uscupstate.edu/campus_ser-vices/se/

USC Upstate Performing Arts Center800 University WaySpartanburg, SC 29303864-503-5880Barry WhitfieldMaximum Capacity: 400Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INP450-seat continental seating for unob-structed views, hydraulic pit lift, acousti-cally tunable chamber, state-of-the-art lighting system.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Ywww.uscupstate.edu

Walnut Grove Plantation1200 Otts Shoals RoadRoebuck, SC 29376

864-576-6546Zac CunninghamMaximum Capacity: 150Capacity Outdoor: 150Capacity Reception: 150Open-air pavilion with restrooms and ba-sic 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?: NOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.spartanburghistory.org

The Wilhite House604 S. McDuffie St.Anderson, SC 29624864-716-9910Lori MonroeMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: 200Capacity Reception: 300A historic home with 3,000 square feet of indoor space for weddings, recep-tions 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?: YOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: INPwww.wilhitehouse.com

Willow Creek Conservatory141 Old Ballenger Mill RoadLandrum, SC 29356864-498-2136Morgan GrahamMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: 300Capacity Reception: INPLocated minutes from Greenville, wed-ding venue with many structures.In-house catering available?: YOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.willowcreekconservatory.com

Wofford College429 N. Church St.Spartanburg, SC 29303864-597-4404John I. BlairMaximum Capacity: 300Capacity Outdoor: 300Capacity Reception: 300Features the Carolina Panther’s training facility and offers a computer friendly and wireless facility.In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: N

Tents allowed?: Ywww.wofford.edu

Wofford College Leonard Auditorium, Main Building429 N. Church St.Spartanburg, SC 29303864-597-4000Robinson R. Ron, Abbey L. BedenbaughMaximum Capacity: 800Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPAuditorium with state-of-the-art sound, A/V movie screen, lights and controls. Handicap accessible. Renovations com-pleted during summer 2006.In-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Nwww.wofford.edu

Wofford College,McMillan Theater429 N. Church St.Spartanburg, SC 29303864-597-4000John I. BlairMaximum Capacity: 90Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPA 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?: NOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Nwww.wofford.edu

Wofford College, Tony White Theater429 N. Church St.

Spartanburg, SC 29303864-597-4180Mark A. FergusonMaximum Capacity: 100Capacity Outdoor: INPCapacity Reception: INPBlack Box (versatile) theaterIn-house catering available?: NOutside caterers allowed?: NTents allowed?: Nwww.wofford.edu/theatre

Zen - An elegant space for hire924 S. Main St.Greenville, SC 29605864-235-5770Jeff H. RenowMaximum Capacity: 600Capacity Outdoor: 600Capacity Reception: 45012,000 square ft space in 2 rooms, the Studio and the Lotus Lounge, full com-mercial kitchen and Japanese garden. In-house catering available?: INPOutside caterers allowed?: YTents allowed?: Ywww.zengreenville.com

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the top-ranked 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.

The Wilhite House (Photo/Provided)


Lists & Directories


EVENT

Hotels with Meeting FacilitiesRanked by Square Footage of Event Space

Event CapacityCompanyAddressPhone/Fax/Website

Event SF/MeetingRooms Reception Banquet Theater Classroom General Manager

YearFounded

Hyatt Regency Greenville220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601864-235-1234/864-240-2789/www.greenville.hyatt.com

34,000INP 1,400 1,200 1,580 INP Domenick Buffone 1982

Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park299 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306864-596-1211/864-596-1219/www.spartanburgmarriott.com

28,00028 1,334 870 1,334 672 Akshay Bahl 2004

Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607864-676-9090/864-676-0669/www.embassysuitesgreenville.com

23,00020 2,000 980 1,300 750 David Nelson 1993

The Walker Course at Clemson University210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634-5673864-656-0236/864-656-7154/www.cuconferencecenter.com

17,00017 550 400 550 200 Jeff Martin, Sharon Franks 1995

Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg801 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301864-699-2222/864-699-2233/www.spartanburgwestgatemallsuites.hamptoninn.com

16,5009 500 350 600 330 Patti Wetherford 2004

The Westin Poinsett120 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601864-421-9700/864-421-9719/www.westinpoinsettgreenville.com

14,00010 1,400 300 350 INP Fabian Unterzaucher 1925

Clarion Hotel Spartanburg9027 Fairforest Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301864-574-2111/864-576-7602/www.clarionhotel.com

13,00013 400 200 300 230 Cosha Martin 2003

Hilton Garden Inn & Destination Pointe Event Center115 Destination Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621864-964-0100/864-964-0300/www.anderson.stayhgi.com,www.andersondestination.com

12,0009 400 360 500 200 Deborah Hord 2005

Hilton Greenville45 W. Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615864-232-4747/864-235-6248/www.greenvillesc.hilton.com

12,00013 450 500 500 250 Ryan Herron 1987

Marriott GreenvilleOne Parkway East, Greenville, SC 29615864-297-0300/864-679-1150/www.marriott.com/gspap

11,00014 450 400 450 300 John Deck, Brian Crowne,

Owen David 1989

The Bleckley Inn151 E. Church St., Anderson, SC 29624864-225-7203/www.bleckleyinn.com

11,0005 500 250 350 INP Shelby Clardy 2011

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown50 W. Broad St., Greenville, SC 29601864-451-5700/864-451-5701/www.marriottcourtyardgreenville.com

9,0005 400 100 125 60 Glen Williams 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel Greenville851 Congaree Road, Greenville, SC 29607864-297-6300/864-297-5793/www.crowneplaza.com/gsp-ropermt

7,600INP 600 315 500 247 Ghee Alexander 1983

Candleberry Inn B&B & Day Spa105 Marshland Lane, Greer, SC 29650864-201-1411/www.candleberryinn.us

7,200INP 200 100 150 150 Elaine Hufstetler 2002

University Inn & Conference Center1310 Tiger Blvd., Clemson, SC 29631864-654-7501/864-654-7301/www.universityinnclemson.com

6,2008 400 600 800 250 Hiten Patel 2011

Drury Inn & Suites Greenville10 Carolina Point Parkway, Greenville, SC 29607864-288-4401/864-288-4401/www.druryhotels.com

5,6766 200 150 180 100 Michelle Parks 2007

The Inn on Main319 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302864-585-5001/www.innonmainofspartanburg.com

5,000INP INP INP INP INP Susan Sease, Wayne Sease 2004

Holiday Inn Greenville4295 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605864-277-8921/864-299-6066/www.holiday-inn.com/gsp-southwest

3,7504 400 360 400 INP Bobbie Mercer 1976

Sleep Inn231 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607864-240-2006/864-672-2015/www.sleepinn.com

3,200INP INP INP INP INP Jack Desai 1997

Spartanburg Hotel & Resort200 International Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303864-576-5220/864-574-1243/www.spartanburginternationalhotelandresort.com

3,1805 300 225 300 300 Jennifer Rodriguez 1968

The Phoenix, Greenville's Inn246 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607864-233-4651/864-672-4704/www.phoenixgreenvillesinn.com

3,0203 275 180 300 90 Steve Moore 1971

Comfort Inn Millennium2756 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607864-288-6900/864-288-5935/www.choicehotels.com

3,0003 300 300 300 300 Naren Vivek 1996




Lists & Directories


EVENT

Upstate Golf CoursesRanked by USGA Slope Rating from Back/Pro TeesCompanyAddressPhone/Fax/Website

Slope Rating/Course Rating/

Yardage Manager Designer/Architect

No. ofHoles/

ParPublic orPrivate

YearFounded

The Reserve at Lake Keowee931 Reserve Blvd., Sunset, SC 29685864-869-2106/864-869-2110/www.reserveatlakekeowee.com

14874.57,112

Frank Santoro Jack NicklausSignature Course

1872 Private 2002

Musgrove Mill Golf Club772 Musgrove Mill Road, Clinton, SC 29325864-833-6921/864-833-3511/www.musgrovemill.com

14774.46,933

James R. Patterson III Arnold Palmer 1872 Private 1988

Greenville Country Club - Chanticleer239 Byrd Blvd., Greenville, SC 29605864-233-6227/864-271-3730/www.thegreenvillecountryclub.com

14675.16,864

Greg Hobbs Robert Trent Jones,Rees Jones

1872 Private 1905

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards824 Clubhouse Drive, Sunset, SC 29685864-868-7000/864-868-4777/www.cliffscommunities.com

14574.67,006

Brett Kist Tom Fazio 1871 Private 1999

The Cliffs at Glassy200 Fire Pink Way, Landrum, SC 29356864-895-8104/864-895-0230/www.cliffscommunities.com

14472.66,805

Sawyer David Tom Jackson 1872 Private 1993

Cross Creek Plantation130 Club Drive, Seneca, SC 29678864-882-8337/864-885-1582/www.crosscreekplantation.com

14473.26,902

Mark Ernst P. B. Dye 1871 Private 1990

Pebble Creek Golf Club - Linkside101 Pebble Creek Drive, Taylors, SC 29687864-244-8937/864-244-1022/www.pebblecreek-club.com

14274.27,012

Bradley Hughes Tom Jackson 1872 Private 1976

Thornblade Club1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer, SC 29650864-234-5100/864-234-5104/www.thornbladeclub.com

14274.97,024

Patricia Calder Tom Fazio 1871 Private 1989

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs141 Spring Cove Way, Six Mile, SC 29682864-868-0422/864-371-1864/www.cliffscommunities.com

14173.97,100

Brett Kist Tom Fazio 1872 Private 2008

Green Valley Country Club225 Green Valley Road, Greenville, SC 29617864-246-2141/864-246-7268/www.greenvalley.cc

14174.47,012

Garnette Brown,Gerald Weathers

George Cobb,Tom Jackson

1872 Semi-private 1958

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls700 S. Cherry Laurel Way, Salem, SC 29676864-944-8721/864-371-1845/www.cliffscommunities.com

14075.47,171

Brett Kist Jack Nicklaus 1872 Private 2007

The Carolina Country Club2355 Carolina Country Club Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306864-573-7540/864-580-2299/www.thecarolinacountryclub.com

13973.66,937

Tim Mervosh Tom Jackson 1872 Private 1984

Links O'Tryon11250 New Cut Road, Campobello, SC 29322864-468-5099/864-468-5339/www.linksotryon.com

13973.26,877

Eric Young,Eric Edwards Tom Jackson 18


The Preserve at Verdae B650 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607864-676-1500/864-676-0669/www.thepreserveatverdae.com

13873.76,847

David A. Nelson,Paul Albert Willard Byrd 18

72 Public 1993

Greer Golf & Country Club2299 Gap Creek Road, Greer, SC 29652864-877-9279/864-877-6599/www.greercountryclub.com

13771.46,350

Steven Gay E. Thomas 1872 Semi-private 1955

Smithfields Country Club100 Pine Ridge Drive, Easley, SC 29642864-855-3543/864-850-5961/www.smithfields.cc

13773.56,797

Adam Relan Willie B. Lewis 1872 Private 1983

The Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor200 Grand Harbor Blvd., Ninety Six, SC 29666864-543-2000/864-543-3279/www.grandharbor.net

13674.37,133

Tommy Thomas Davis Love III 1872 Private 2004

Southern Oaks Golf Club105 Southern Oaks Drive, Easley, SC 29642864-859-6698/864-306-0506

13671.66,495

Wayne Myers Willie B. Lewis 1872 Semi-private 1989

Falcon's Lair Golf Club1308 Falcon's Drive, Walhalla, SC 29691864-638-0000/864-638-9993/www.aaggolfgroup.com

13574.46,866

James McCoy Harry Bowers 1872 Semi-private 1992

Cherokee Valley Golf Club450 Cherokee Valley Way, Travelers Rest, SC 29690864-895-6758/www.cherokeevalleygolfclub.com

13371.36,612

Dave Maga P. B. Dye 1872 Semi-private 1993

The Walker Course at Clemson University210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634-5673864-656-0236/864-656-7154/www.cuconferencecenter.com

13372.36,911

Jeff Martin,Sharon Franks INP 18


Greenville Country Club - Riverside239 Byrd Blvd., Greenville, SC 29605864-233-6227/864-271-3730/www.thegreenvillecountryclub.com

13372.66,660

Greg Hobbs William Langford, BrianSilva, George Cobb

1871 Private 1905

The Walker Course at Clemson University210 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634864-656-0236/www.walkergolfcourse.com

13372.36,911

Brent Jessup D. J. DeVictor 1872 Semi-private 1995

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Because of space constraints, only the top-ranked companies are included in printed lists. For a full list of participating companies, find this list atwww.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, SC29464, 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



Lists & Directories


EVENT

Upstate Exhibition/Convention CentersRanked by Maximum Capacity

CompanyAddressPhone/Fax/Website

Maximum Capacity/Square Feet of Event

Space/No. of Meeting Rooms Description

TopLocal

Official(s)/Year Founded

Littlejohn Coliseum1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson, SC 29634864-656-0619/864-656-1414/www.clemsonmajorevents.com

10,000180,000

7

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

meetings, parties

Zach Kerns1968

Furman University Timmons Arena3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613864-294-3267/864-294-3267/www.timmonsarena.com

5,00043,180

1

Multipurpose arena offers meeting space, accommodatesspectators and trade shows, dinners and special events; houses 2

basketball courts and a permanent, elevated stage andcollapsible arena seating

Todd Duke1998

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium385 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29304864-582-8107/864-278-2003/www.crowdpleaser.com

3,24415,000

6

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

Steve Jones1951

Clemson University T. Ed Garrison Arena1101 W. Queen St.,, Pendleton, SC 29670864-646-2717/864-646-3362/www.clemson.edu/garrison

3,000100,000

0

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

Charles W. Williams1991

Peace Center for the Performing Arts300 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601864-467-3030/864-467-3040/www.peacecenter.org

3,0008,400INP

2,100-seat Concert Hall, 400-seat Gunter Theater, 500-personcapacity Huguenot Loft event space, outdoor amphitheater, open-

air Wyche Pavilion, and privatedining spaces

Carrie Moore1990

TD Convention CenterOne Exposition Drive, Greenville, SC 29607864-233-2562/864-255-8600/www.tdconventioncenter.com

3,000340,000

16

Features 280,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 30,000 squarefoot ballroom and 30,000 square feet of

meeting space.

John Wilusz,Elizabeth Lyons

1964

Chapman Cultural Center200 E. St. John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306-5124864-542-2787/864-948-5353/www.chapmanculturalcenter.org

2,60086,000

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 Evins2007

Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park299 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306864-596-1211/864-596-1219/www.spartanburgmarriott.com

2,20028,000

28Hotel located in downtown Spartanburg Akshay Bahl

2004

Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607864-676-9090/864-676-0669/www.embassysuitesgreenville.com

2,00023,000

20

All-suite hotel with 268 guestrooms, over 23,000 sq. ft. ofmeeting and event space, 2 covered outdoor venues, clubhousedeck, extensive manicured lawns, and The Preserve at Verdae

onsite golf course; all with full food andbeverage service

David A. Nelson1993

Hyatt Regency Greenville220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601864-235-1234/864-240-2789/www.greenville.hyatt.com

1,58034,000

INP

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

Domenick Buffone1982

Twichell Auditorium at Converse College580 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302864-596-9069/www.converse.edu

1,50025,000

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. Worley1899

Summit Pointe Conference & Events Center805 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 293011-877-477-0477/864-699-7867/www.summit-pointe.com

55019,000

10

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

catering team

Patti Wetherford,Meghan Wright

2005

Furman University Younts Conference Center3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613864-294-2390/864-294-3109/www.furman.edu/younts

5006,000

5

6,000 square feet of meeting space, featuring a large room for agroup meeting, lecture or wedding reception; room can be divided

to form 5 more intimate break-out rooms for smaller sessions;event coordinator available

Kay Wilson2005

Anderson Arts Center110 Federal St., Anderson, SC 29625864-222-2787/864-716-3840/www.andersonarts.org

400500

1

Accommodations for large weddings and receptions, aconference room for business meetings, classrooms for children's

birthday parties or other events. Kitchen facilities are availablewith gallery, atrium or special events bookings.

Leanne McBride1972

City of Greer Events Complex301 E. Poinsett St., Greer, SC 29651864-968-7005/864-801-2020/www.cityofgreer.org

4004,500

44,500 sq. ft. banquet room, venues in 12-acre park

Karl Rogozenski,Laurie A. Campbell

2008

The Showroom dba HUB-BUB149 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., Suite 2, Spartanburg, SC 29306864-582-0056/864-585-0377/www.hub-bub.com

2702,000

1Art gallery, theater, and performance space Celia Cooksey

2006

Spartanburg Art Museum200 East St. John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306864-582-7616/864-948-5353/www.spartanburgartmuseum.org

2253,000

9Art museum galleries may be rented during off hours Scott Cunningham

1969


Researched by Clayton Wynne


Lists & Directories


EVENT

Upstate Event RentalsRanked by Number of Local Employees

CompanyAddressPhone/Fax/Website

LocalEmployees Specialization

Top LocalOfficial(s)

Year FoundedLiquid CateringP.O. Box 465, Greenville, SC 29602864-248-4850/www.liquid-catering.com

40 Beverage services, full-service bartending, event staffing including event managers andday-of wedding coordination.

Tammy Johnson2011

Event Rentals225 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306864-591-1846/ 864-591-1944/www.event-rentals.com

35 Tents and party rentals for big events. Linens etcWendell

Christopher1995

Professional Party Rentals Inc.647 Congaree Road, Greenville, SC 29607864-627-8808/ 864-627-8807/www.professionalpartyrentals.com

26 Corporate events, weddings, community events, private partiesJeff Fann, Dorie

Fann1996

Corporate Connection LLC1200 Woodruff Road, F-19, Greenville, SC 29607864-627-4002/ 864-627-4006/www.corporateconnection.net

21 Furnished corp.apartments, furniture rental Charlene R. Knight2001

Greenville Rental3 N. Kings Road, Greenville, SC 29605864-299-0512/ 864-299-5973/www.greenvillepartyrental.com

15 Home, business, contractor, party, tents Dan McGee1977

JC Rose & Associates Inc.12 Park Place Court, Greenville, SC 29607864-299-4660/ 864-299-4669/www.jcrose.net

15Turn-key coordination of trade shows, sales meetings and corporate events. Design and

fabrication of custom displays (event decor, point of sale, kiosks, specialty storefixtures). Specialty furniture rentals, event floor coverings (rental and purch

John C. Rose1984

Skyline Exhibits & Design Inc.346 Feaster Road, Greenville, SC 29615864-234-7995/www.skylinexd.com

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

Steve Hoffman1980

Palmetto Sound WorksP.O. Box 1347, Spartanburg, SC 29303864-585-0085/ 864-585-8641/www.palmettosoundworks.com

12 Audio, video, lighting for concerts and corporate events; sound, video and lightsinstallation, staging and set design

Alan Hulsey1994

Hames Music Inc370 Peachoid Road, Gaffney, SC 29341800-669-0892, 864-595-1150/ 864-489-1135/hamesmusic.com

11 Music instrument retail INP1975

AARO Party Rental/Greenville Rental1205 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29605864-277-7787/ 864-277-7795/www.greenvillepartyrental.com

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

Barbara McGee,Dan McGee

1954

Asheville Hwy. Rental1101 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303864-583-6393/ 864-582-8188/www.ashevillehwyrental.com

10 Event equipment supplier, event planner Wayne Hurt2002

Expressions Unlimited Inc.921 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29609864-271-9972/ 864-233-6891/www.expressions24-7.com

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

Billy Bush, StaciBryant1982

Praise Unlimited Weddings Rentals & Florals2304 Secession St. Ext., Abbeville, SC 29620864-446-3157/ 864-446-3157/www.praiseunlimitedweddings.com

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

Nita Hozey2002

Dahlia A Florist303 E. Stone Ave., Greenville, SC 29609864-232-0112/ 864-232-1123/www.dahliaonline.com

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

Kristi Podsiadlo2000

ABC Party Rentals and Amusements286 Rocky Creek Road, Greenville, SC 29615864-675-6688/ 864-322-0253/www.abcgreenville.com

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

Scott Wiener2000

Audio Solutions Inc.311 Industrial Drive, Greenville, SC 29607864-250-7942/ 864-250-0811/www.audiosolutionsusa.com

7 Sound, video, lighting and staging; video presentation and production Alan Simonton1994

Centurions, Sound Systems & MoreP. O. Box 49275, Greenwood, SC 29649864-943-2319/ 864-941-9210/www.soundsystemsandmore.com

7 Systems integration, audio/video design, build and install; live sound rental with orwithout operator

Ronnie L. Carroll1998

Co-Op Gas Inc. — Master Helium & Balloon DistributorsP.O. Box 27, Pauline, SC 29374864-583-6546/ 864-948-0623/www.ballooncountry.com

7 Distribution of helium gas and balloons for business David Akins1997

Schafer Advertising & Marketing25 S. Laurens St., Greenville, SC 29601864-232-2544 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 Services1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6, Greenville, SC 29611864-220-1220/ 864-220-1224/www.upstateweddingservices.com

7 Wedding planning, event decor rental, setup and breakdown services and photography Patty Revels2004

The Flower Box Inc.8809-C Augusta Road, Pelzer, SC 29669864-243-9460/ 864-243-9460/www.theflowerboxonline.com

5 Weddings, big or small, you dream it we create it Paula Hendricks1999




Lists & Directories


EVENT

UPSTATE FLORISTS/EvENT DéCOR SPECIALISTSListed Alphabetically

All Occasion Flowers Gifts and Balloons2802 E North Ave.Anderson, SC 29625864-224-1922/ MailINPSpecialization: Gift items, floral arrange-ments, custom silk designs.Year Founded: 1984

And Why Not Balloons112 Holly Tree Cir.Duncan, SC 29334864-230-0321 or 864-595-3636/ 864-249-0875Joy Stern, ownerSpecialization: Certified balloon artist, arches, columns, dance floor decor, center-pieces, bows.Year Founded: 1997andwhynotballoons.com

Angel’s Flower & Gift Boutique738 Saluda Lake RoadGreenville, SC 29611864-246-8077/ 864-246-5077Angel AnfusoSpecialization: Corporate events, custom designs, funerals, weddings.Year Founded: 1999www.greenvillefloristsc.com

Asheville Hwy. Rental1101 Asheville HighwaySpartanburg, SC 29303864-583-6393/ 864-582-8188Wayne Hurt, ownerSpecialization: Event equipment supplier, event plannerYear Founded: 2002www.ashevillehwyrental.com

Botanica601 Palmetto Ave., Suite AGreenville, SC 29617864-553-3599Todd Jones, ownerSpecialization: Floral designs, linen, china, complete hands-on planning.Year Founded: 1999

Chez Julie’s Florist LLC1662 E. Greenville St.Anderson, SC 29621864-226-6261/ 864-226-6261INPSpecialization: Full service florist, wed-

dings, funerals, hospital deliveries, anni-versaries and birthdays, DJ services.Year Founded: 1983www.chezjuliesflorist.com

Coggins Flowers & Gifts800 N. Church St.Spartanburg, SC 29303864-585-6266/ 864-585-6223James Coggins, presidentSpecialization: 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: 1956www.expressflowershop.com

Crawford Strategy200 E. Camperdown WayGreenville, SC 29601864-232-2302/ 864-232-2306Marion Rose Crawford, presidentSandy Linning, principalSpecialization: Marketing, public relations, media relations, community relations, special events, corporate communica-tions, political relations and fundraising, graphic design, strategic planning.Year Founded: 2009www.crawfordstrategy.com

Dahlia A Florist303 E. Stone Ave.Greenville, SC 29609864-232-0112/ 864-232-1123Kristi PodsiadloSpecialization: Retail florist specializing in

weddings and events of all sizes and styles; daily floral deliveries, custom design.Year Founded: 2000www.dahliaonline.com

Event Decor & More101 E. Curtis St.Simpsonville, SC 29681864-967-7490/ 864-967-7490Joy Cox, ownerSpecialization: Customized fabric draping, linens, props, event decor and rentals, venue design and layouts.Year Founded: 2007www.eventdecorandmore.net

Event Design by Ric Singleton502 West Arlington Ave.Greer, SC 29650864-232-8983Ric SingletonSpecialization: Complete theme decor, props, lighting, balloons, floral, etc.; comedian Ric Singleton, family-friendly entertainment.Year Founded: 1985www.eventdesignbyric.com

Event Rentals225 W. Main St.Spartanburg, SC 29306864-591-1846/ 864-591-1944Wendell Christopher, ownerSpecialization: Tents, linens, and party rentals for large events.Year Founded: 1995www.event-rentals.com

Expressions Unlimited Inc.921 Poinsett HighwayGreenville, SC 29609864-271-9972/ 864-233-6891Billy Bush, vice presidentStaci Bryant, Wedding and Floral ConsultantSpecialization: Full service florist, balloon decorations, limousine service, helium tank rentals, event decor, personal and professional ceremony and wedding flower artists.Year Founded: 1982www.expressions24-7.com

Hick’s Florist3147 Union HighwayGaffney, SC 29340864-489-7540Mary Hicks, ownerSpecialization: Flowers for all sizes of weddings, funerals.Year Founded: 1982

JC Rose & Associates Inc.12 Park Place CourtGreenville, SC 29607864-299-4660/ 864-299-4669John C. Rose, presidentSpecialization: Turn-key coordination of trade shows, sales meetings and cor-porate 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: 1984www.jcrose.net

Pam Rowland & Design Co.1613 Danehower RoadPendleton, SC 29670864-642-7212Pam Rowland, ownerSpecialization: Award-winning floral de-sign, flowers, props, and linens.Year Founded: 2006www.pamrowland.com

The Powdersville Wren Florist3320 Highway 153, Suite APiedmont, SC 29673864-269-3044/ 864-269-3403Connie Baker, ownerSpecialization: Floral design, weddings, holiday and event decorating.Year Founded: 2000www.powdersvillewren.com

Praise Unlimited Weddings Rentals & Florals2304 Secession St. Ext.Abbeville, SC 29620


Lists & Directories


EVENT

864-446-3157/ 864-446-3157Nita Hozey, owner, wedding planner, floral designerSpecialization: Wedding planner, director, floral designer, wedding equipment rent-als, linens including chair covers, gazebo, pavilion, arbors, torches etc.Year Founded: 2002www.praiseunlimitedweddings.com

Pro-Tech Audio and Video SystemsPO BOX 1716 BAnderson, SC 29624864-353-3828INPSpecialization: Church audio and video installations.Year Founded: 1989www.churchsoundsystems.com

Professional Party Rentals Inc.647 Congaree RoadGreenville, SC 29607864-627-8808/ 864-627-8807Jeff Fann, ownerDorie Fann, owner, ownersSpecialization: Corporate events, wed-dings, community events, private parties.Year Founded: 1996www.professionalpartyrentals.com

Schafer Advertising & Marketing25 S. Laurens St.Greenville, SC 29601864-232-2544 x 12/ 864-233-9060Susan Schafer, president/creative directorChristy Souther, co-creative directorSpecialization: Creative, business-to-busi-ness, mass marketing for retail/service industry, Web design, logo/image creation.Year Founded: 1988www.schaferadvertising.com

Skyline Exhibits & Design Inc.346 Feaster RoadGreenville, SC 29615864-234-7995Steve Hoffman, presidentSpecialization: Exhibits and displays, graphic design and graphic production, installation and dismantle, staging, photo backdrops, product intros, road shows.Year Founded: 1980www.skylinexd.com

The Flower Box Inc.8809-C Augusta RoadPelzer, SC 29669864-243-9460/ 864-243-9460Paula HendricksSpecialization: Weddings of all sizes.

Year Founded: 1999www.theflowerboxonline.com

Touch of Class Ltd.306 Mills Ave.Greenville, SC 29605864-233-8542Merriann HartSpecialization: Weddings, funerals, corporate events of all sizes.Year Founded: 1982www.touchofclassltd.com

Twelve Gates Home Accents135 Mall Connector RoadGreenville, SC 29607864-297-8597/ 864-297-8596Vicki OdomGreg OdomSpecialization: Quality silk trees, custom arrangement, small accent tables, oil paintings, commercial-grade Christmas trees and lighting.Year Founded: 1988www.12gateshome.com

Twigs 1100 Woods Crossing RoadGreenville, SC 29607864-297-5112/ 864-297-4036Kate Tierney, owner

Specialization: Indoor/outdoor facility for corporate luncheons, dinners and meetings, event planning, florist, event décor/props.Year Founded: 1990www.twigs.net

Upstate Wedding and Event Services1225 Pendleton St., Suite 6Greenville, SC 29611864-220-1220/ 864-220-1224Patty RevelsSpecialization: Wedding planning, event decor rental, setup and breakdown services and photography.Year Founded: 2004www.upstateweddingservices.comwww.palmettosoundworks.com

INP=Information not provided. NR=Not ranked. N/A=Not applicable. Find this list at www.scbiznews.com/data. Al-though every attempt is made to ensure the ac-curacy 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.

Daily Upstate Business News from GSA Business

GSA DAILY

MORNINGBLENDGSA

tHe inside scooP.inside YoUr inBox.

sign up today at gsabusiness.com/resources/new


http://www.gsabusiness.com/resources/new

Lists & Directories


EVENT

Upstate Full-Service CaterersRanked by Largest Event Catered in 2010

CompanyAddressPhone/Website

LargestEvent 2010/

LocalEmployees Catering Services Top Local Official(s)

Bagatelle Caterers2514 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29615864-322-9001/www.bagatellecaterers.com

14,00010

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

Friends at the Cove & Catering1500 Providence Church Road, Anderson, SC 29626864-231-0663/www.friendsfoodwithaflair.com

3,60010

Using local ingredients, beautiful on or off premise catering. Buffets tobanquets. Katie Tillman, Valerie Lowe

Stax Catering80 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615864-627-1403/www.staxs.net

3,50025

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

Stax Omega Diner72 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615864-297-6639/www.staxs.net

3,500120 Full service catering, breakfast, lunch and dinner. George Koumoustiotis

Clemson Catering/Aramark CorporationClemson University, Clemson, SC 29633864-656-2058/www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSE/Clemson/Catering/

3,000500

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

Dan Davies, Pam Morgan,Jean MacDuffie

Culinary Connection297-C Garlington Road, Greenville, SC 29615864-421-7881/www.theculinaryconnection.com

2,5004

Full service catering and event planning for all types of occasions; includingcorporate, social and weddings, Contemporary American cuisine Nancy Yeargin

Henry's Smokehouse240 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29609864-232-7774/www.henryssmokehouse.com

2,50040 Full service catering/buffet. Tiger O'Rourke

Café Verdae at Embassy Suites670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607864-676-9090/www.embassysuitesgreenville.com

1,20040 INP Bill Groves

Carolina Barbecue No. 17115 Lone Oak Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301864-503-0542/www.mycarolinabbq.com

1,20025

Can deliver your catering, stay and serve it, or have it ready for pick up at ourrestaurant Michael R. Hicks

Chef360 Catering6 Summer Glen Drive, Greenville, SC 29681864-242-5578/www.chef360catering.com

1,200INP Corporate catering, social catering, full-service event planning Peter Collins

Larkins on the River318 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601864-467-9777/www.larkinsontheriver.com

1,20090

Full service catering, specializing in outdoor events, off site events and premierwedding and dinners, concerts, corporate recognition events, company picnics,

rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions

Bob Munnich, KimberlyAdams, Jessica Latif, BillyWatson, Kristina Murphy,

Whitney Kohout

Saffrons West End Cafe31 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601864-241-0401/www.saffronssidewalkcafe.com

1,10020 Full service from hors d'oeuvre parties to sit down dinners Glenn Patrick Sawicki

Little Pigs BBQ of Mauldin LLC110 W. Butler Road, Mauldin, SC 29662864-288-6615/www.littlepigsbbqcatering.com

1,0006

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

menu items.Robert K. Powell

Strossner's Bakery, Florist, Catering, Café21 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC 29607864-233-3996/www.strossners.com

80050

Specialize in corporate lunches and functions; salads and home-style mealsand desserts from the bakery; service includes plates, utensils, condiments

and clean upDick Strossner, Mary Strossner

Chili's3801 Clemson Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621704-942-6494/www.chilis.com

70020 Delivery and set up of party platters Lori Ann Stewart-Johnson

Soby's On the Side22 E. Court St., Greenville, SC 29601864-271-8431/www.sobysontheside.com

60010 Full service catering and corporate delivery for any size and any event. Jessica Tollison, Lauren Van

De Water, Kristen Cleveland

Wilhite House Catering604 S. McDuffie St., Anderson, SC 29624864-716-9910/www.wilhitehouse.com

600INP

Fun and fanciful to grand and glorious, unique and artistic design is brought toevery event with custom carved fruit and vegetable designs, revolving and

elevated displays, food towers and floral masterpiecesLori Monroe

All J's Catering208 Winterberry Lane, Seneca, SC 29678864-985-8020/www.alljscateringsc.com

5009

A full service catering company serving Oconee, Pickens, Anderson andGreenville counties specializing in corporate meetings, small and large events,

weddings, fundraisers and home deliveryJoAnn Johnson

Hare and Hound Pub101 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356864-457-3232/www.hareandhoundpub.com

50030

Full event planning, sit down or buffet options, tent specialists, flowers, fulltransportation needs. Events for 2 to 1000, equipped for do multi-day catering

events with travel if needed.Sandra Lawson, Patty Otto

Main Street Deli112 N. Main St, Anderson, SC 29621864-222-3893/www.mainstdeli.us

5003 Full service catering Jeff Morris

Hilton Garden Inn & Destination Pointe Event Center115 Destination Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621864-964-0100/www.anderson.stayhgi.com,www.andersondestination.com

40050

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

Marriott GreenvilleOne Parkway East, Greenville, SC 29615864-297-0300/www.marriott.com/gspap

40090 On site and off site full service catering John Deck, Brian Crowne,

Owen David




Lists & Directories


EVENT

295 Complex-Southport Road ......................... 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Co-Op Gas Inc. & Master Helium & Balloon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corporate Meeting and

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

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

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown .... 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

iNDEx OF COmPaNiES

iNDEx OF aDVERTiSERSBleckley Inn ........................................................................ 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

see iNDEx, page 48


Lists & Directories


EVENT

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

Embassy Suites Golf Resort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food With A Flair dba Friends

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

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

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

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

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

Furman University Younts Conference Center .. 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greenville Technical College (Event Facilities) .. 37

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilton Garden Inn & Destination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praise Unlimited Weddings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spartanburg Marriott

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

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

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

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

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

Summit Pointe Conference & Events Center .... 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wofford College Leonard Auditorium, Main

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

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

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

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

iNDEx, continued from page 47


PLAN FOR ELEGANCE AT YOUR NEXT MEETING.

®

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsmc-charleston-marriott/

BMWPerformanceCenter

The UltimateDriving Machine®

bmwusa.com/performancecenter

1-888-345-4BMW

HAVE YOU SEEN OURCONFERENCE VROOMS?

Whether your team-building or just looking for a truly motivating off-site, the BMW Performance

Center will shift any meeting into a high energy, heart-palpitating event. We’ll work with you to

customize unforgettable agendas ranging from half-day to multi-day programs. True, you could

have your meeting in an ordinary conference room, but an event at the BMW Performance Center

will figuratively, and literally move your team ahead. Visit bmwusa.com/performancecenter.

BMWP-C7124 GreenvilleEventsPG_BkCover.indd 1 9/7/10 5:26 PM


GSA Event 2011

Documents

Transcript of GSA Event 2011