Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, June 18, 2013) - Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST), the governing arm over Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Columbia Regional Sports Council (CRSC), is pleased to announce Sarah Katherine Shearin, director of marketing, was named a Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) 30 Under 30, a prestigious honor recognizing leaders in the tourism industry.

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"This is very exciting for Sarah Katherine, and we're proud to have her on our team," said Ric Luber, president and CEO of MACST. "She has helped grow our online presence significantly and it's my belief her keen understanding of the destination marketing industry, social media, branding and the Columbia region is what sets her apart as a leader and so deserving of this recognition."

For the last three years, the DMAI program has identified and developed the talent of the industry's future destination marketing professionals, aged 30 and under, through increased access to top-level networking and professional development events year-round. DMAI will honor Shearin, and the other recipients, at the association's 99th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., July 15 -17.

MACST is also pleased to announce Grayson Miller has been promoted to sales manager of Columbia Regional Sports Council. Miller joined MACST as a sales and events intern for the convention center in March 2012 and was quickly promoted to full-time status as a sales assistant for the Columbia Metropolitan CVB in June of 2012.
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"I am extremely confident in Grayson's ability to attract and secure participant based sporting events to the region," said Scott Powers, executive director of CRSC. "During her time with the Midlands Authority, Grayson has proven she is passionate about the area and has a tremendous desire to make Columbia, SC The New Southern Hot Spot for unique sporting events. Her ability to proactively garner new business will benefit our efforts in encouraging visitors to travel here and contribute to the region's flourishing tourism economy."

As the new sales manager for CRSC Miller, a graduate of College of Charleston and South Carolina native, will be responsible for attending trade shows, booking room nights and recruiting sports events to the Columbia region.



About Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling of the entire Columbia region, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

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