About Columbia

Home to the South Carolina State Capitol and the University of South Carolina, Columbia embraces its historical charm and reputation as a leading business and research center. The city has plenty of activities to offer throughout the year. Come experience firsthand why the new city motto is "Famously Hot" - hot attractions, hot meeting spaces, hot happenings, hot sports, and hot spots (and hot weather... but not too hot in May!)

A beautiful climate makes Columbia a perfect destination any time of the year. Average temperatures for May are 84 High/ 58 Low (National Weather Service).

Columbia Tourist Information:

• Calendar of Events

• What to see and do in Columbia
  • Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
  • EdVenture Children's Museum
  • Historic Columbia
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • Colonial Life Arena
  • Koger Center for the Arts
  • Lake Murray
  • Township Auditorium
• Dining, Nightlife, and Shopping
  • The Congaree Vista (location of conference)
  • Five Points (2 miles)
  • Village at Sandhill (15 miles)

South Carolina Tourist Information:

• The Official Tourism Site of South Carolina
• South Carolina Information Highway
• South Carolina State Parks
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Chartered in 1801 as South Carolina College, the University of South Carolina continues its commitment to teaching, research, scholarship and service. The flagship campus, located in Columbia, features 15 degree-granting colleges and schools, including more than 350 undergraduate and graduate courses of study, an enrollment of more than 27,000 and approximately 1,450 full-time faculty. Programs range from liberal arts and sciences to business, law, medicine and other professional studies.

A member of the Division-I Southeastern Conference in athletics, the Gamecocks have a long tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Approximately 450 student-athletes compete in nine varsity men's sports and twelve varsity women's sports. USC's mascot Cocky is one of the most dynamic in all of college athletics, evident by his earning 2003 Capital One Mascot of the Year honors.

Please click here for more information about USC and USC Athletics.