Event Manager - Columbia, SC
Posted on October 24, 2025
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (MACST) is a premier convention and event venue located in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. Operated under the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism, this state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for regional conventions, trade shows, sports events, and tourism activities. The Authority itself is a South Carolina nonprofit corporation that oversees several key regional assets including the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Regional Sports Council (Experience Columbia SC Sports), and the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. This collective effort serves to enhance the local economy by attracting millions of visitors annually and promoting the vibrant culture and business environment of the Midlands region. The Authority is governed by a nine-member board representing the City of Columbia, Lexington County, and Richland County, ensuring diverse regional collaboration and strategic oversight. With a mission to manage and develop the convention center along with related regional tourism activities, the Midlands Authority aims to maintain a clean, attractive, accessible, and well-managed environment beneficial for both community members and visitors alike. 
The Event Manager role at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is a highly responsible and dynamic position focused on planning, producing, and managing larger and more complex events such as multi-day conferences, trade shows, and large client events. Reporting to the Director of Events, the Event Manager works closely with clients to oversee all pre-event details, ensure smooth onsite coordination, and maintain constant communication with internal teams, preferred service providers, and outsourced contractors. This role is essential in ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly with attention to detail, client satisfaction, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The Event Manager prepares final event settlement paperwork, manages work orders and event diagrams, and supervises client services during event execution. In addition, the manager handles onsite event troubleshooting, quick turnarounds, and unexpected situations by leading planning and operational meetings. Close coordination with community and city officials for logistics such as street closings and parking arrangements is also a key aspect of the role. Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, excellent organization and time management, and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of progressively responsible event management experience along with excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills. A flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends is necessary to meet the demands of the role. The Event Manager will play a critical part in shaping the future development of the events department and contributing to the overall success of the convention center and regional tourism initiatives. The compensation for this position is approximately $43,701.37 per year. The Riverside Metropolitan Convention Center embraces equal employment opportunities and fosters a workplace free from discrimination or harassment, adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
                - Bachelor's degree in related field
 - 3-5 years of event management experience
 - Good interpersonal skills
 - Excellent communication and teamwork skills
 - Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
 - Flexible schedule with availability for evenings and weekends
 - Proficient computer skills
 - Ability to work independently and in a team environment