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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) proudly celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day, and the importance of the meetings industry to the local economy, with a special event honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the region’s tourism sector.
“Today is recognized across the globe as a day that celebrates the real impact meetings and events have on people, businesses and the economy,” said Tracy Conner, Interim President and CEO, MBACC and CVB. “Group-based tourism generated more than $282 million for the Myrtle Beach area last year, helping to support thousands of jobs and fund essential public services.”
Bob Harris, the chamber and CVB’s Executive Vice President of Group Sales, presented Myrtle Beach Area Tourism Champion Awards to six members of the community for their contributions to group business.
2025 Tourism Champion Awards were presented to:
- Rusty Watson, South Atlantic Shrine Association (SASA), recognized with assistance for several Shriner events held in the Myrtle Beach area, including the SASA Fall Festival, which brings over 10,000 visitors to the area annually.
- Susan and Eldred Johnson, Southeastern United States Masonic Grand Masters Conference, honored for their joint efforts in securing events to the region such as the General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Grand Master Conference of North America, delivering over $4 million in combined economic impact.
- Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Nash, Horry County Fire Rescue, honored for his role in securing the 2025 Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Conference, which will bring an estimated $600,000 in economic impact to the area.
- Corporal David BeLue, Myrtle Beach Police Department, recognized for his invaluable assistance in ensuring safety and logistical success during large group events and for his help in supporting high-profile meetings such as the Joint Service Air Traffic Control Symposium.
- City of Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, commended for her steadfast leadership and support of tourism, including her advocacy that helped secure the 2027 Municipal Association of South Carolina Conference for Myrtle Beach.
“Each of these individuals has demonstrated a true commitment to the Grand Strand by going above and beyond to bring meetings and conventions to Myrtle Beach, strengthening our region’s reputation as a premier destination for group travel,” Harris said.
Global Meetings Industry Day is an international initiative that highlights the impact of meetings and events on local economies. In the U.S. alone, meetings and events support nearly 6 million jobs and generate $119 billion in annual labor income.