Myrtle Beach CVB Earns Prestigious 2020 ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award
Award Underscores Vital Role of Group Sales in Boosting Tourism
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBACVB) has received a 2020 Readers’ Choice Award from ConventionSouth. Among 380 CVBs, meeting facilities, and hotels across the South, MBACVB is one of only 19 honorees in South Carolina. This marks the ninth time MBACVB has earned this distinction since the award began in 2001.
Nominations come from meeting professionals who recognize exemplary service for group events, with winners determined by votes from peers and fans.
“This award spotlights the crucial efforts of our group sales division in attracting major events like conventions, meetings, reunions, and sports tournaments to our destination,” said Karen Riordan, MBACVB president & CEO. “Their contributions often fly under the radar but are essential to tourism growth.”
Led by Bob Harris, executive vice president of group sales, the MBACVB team promotes the Grand Strand at conventions across the U.S. and Canada. They also host familiarization tours and site visits for event planners year-round. Currently, they are securing leads for events from 2021 through 2024, plus last-minute 2020 bookings.
Key successes include the annual Shriner’s Convention in September and the North Carolina Petroleum & Convenience Marketers conference. The division has also built a thriving sports tourism program in the Grand Strand.
Though many events shifted to virtual formats or were postponed in 2020, group sales remains a cornerstone of tourism promotion and will play an even bigger role ahead.
“The pandemic has strained the hospitality sector, with many local businesses facing tight budgets and staffing shortages,” Riordan noted. “Our sales team steps up to support partners, aiding a robust tourism rebound in 2021.”
Fellow Myrtle Beach winners include Breakers Resort; Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach-Oceanfront Resort; Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront, Myrtle Beach; and Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Stephens
Communications Manager
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
O: (843) 916-7295
C: (843) 582-6932
Sarah.Stephens@VisitMyrtleBeach.com
About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has championed the Grand Strand's business community as its unified voice. It holds the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's five-star accreditation—a rare honor in South Carolina. Serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Socastee, and Carolina Forest. Visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com for more.
