Midlands Regional Convention Center Authority

Interested in serving? Apply for a position.

Purpose

  • Engages in all aspects and/or activities related directly or indirectly to design, development, management, operation, or any other functions pertaining to a regional/convention facility;
  • Participates in similar activities with respect to parking and other facilities that directly or indirectly support the operation of the Center; provided no Tourism Development Fees or other funds of the Authority shall be expended with respect to any lodging facilities unless fully reimbursable to the Authority;
  • Participates in the management, operation and marketing of the Convention Center to the extent deemed appropriate by the Authority and Richland County;
  • The Authority is exclusively charitable. No part of the net earnings of the Authority shall inure to benefit of, or be distributed to its trustees, directors, officers, or other private persons;
  • The Authority shall not attempt to influence legislation;
  • The Authority shall not participate in, or intervene in, political campaigns on behalf of any candidate for political office.

Meeting Schedule

Frequency: Monthly on the 4th Tuesday

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201

Duration: 1.5 hours (approximately)

Membership Details

Nine directors appointed for three-year terms.

  • Each member appoints two directors with the City entitled to appoint an additional three directors because of the City’s additional financial exposure with respect to the bonds.
  • The member’s average annual commitment is 18 hours.
  • Each director shall be required to attend in person at least 75% of the regular meetings.
  • Members shall not serve more than two consecutive terms; however, upon service of two consecutive terms a member may be eligible for reappointment after one year of non-service.

Preferred Qualities

  • At least one director by each Governmental entity shall be employed in the Lodging Industry.
  • Specifically, one of the Richland County seats is required to be an Hotelier.
  • The other seat can be from other areas of work but should have understanding of tourism and hospitality.

Current Members

Kim Crafton
Appointment: March 4, 2025
Reappointment: March 4, 2029

Amber M. Martin
Appointment: March 4, 2025
Reappointment: March 4, 2029

Contact

Linda Cannup, Executive Assistant
lcannup@experiencecolumbia.com
803-545-0008

Council Liaisons

  • Paul Livingston
  • Gretchen Barron
  • Jesica Mackey