Save the date for SEPA – MAPS 2019 Conference in Columbia, South Carolina!
Conference Dates:
June 4-8, 2019
Host Information:
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium, South Carolina State Museum, Columbia, SC
In August 2014 the South Carolina State Museum added an observatory, planetarium, telescope gallery, and 4D theater as part of an expansion project. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium is a tilted 55-foot, 145-seat fully digital theater. Current shows include live and pre-recorded programs and laser shows. The Boeing Observatory houses a 1926 12 3/8-inch Clark Refractor and is open daily for solar viewing. The telescope gallery consists of rare American-made telescopes and astronomical equipment donated by Robert B. Ariail.
Accommodations:
The conference hotel will be the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia Greystone, 2.5 miles from the State Museum. Book your room at this link.
200 Stoneridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Travel Information:
Airport: The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 7 miles (~15 min) from the State Museum and 10 miles from the conference hotel. The hotel has a free airport shuttle.
Alternative Airport: The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is larger and is about 90 miles, or 1.5 hours, away. However, we expect that Columbia’s airport will meet the needs of most delegates. I have not met any locals who have found it more cost-effective to fly out of Charlotte.
Driving: Columbia is at the intersection of interstates I-77, I-26, and I-20.