COLUMBIA, S.C. - (Tuesday, October 22) - The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST), the governing entity over the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia Sports Council and Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, is pleased to announce the promotion of Renee Williamson to director of marketing and the addition of Dayna Cantelmi as the new marketing and communications associate.

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Renee Williamson HeadshotWilliamson, MACST's former marketing associate, is now responsible for the development, implementation and management of all marketing efforts for the organization. Williamson will also effectively promote the entire Columbia region through website management, social media, search engine optimization and community relations projects.

"Having joined the marketing department only eight months ago, Renee has clearly demonstrated her ability to step up to the challenge of Director of Marketing," said Ric Luber, president and CEO of MACST. "We are more than confident in her expertise of the industry and fully trust she can effectively guide the marketing efforts in telling the story of the Columbia region."

Williamson received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Erskine College in Due West, S.C. where she also served as editor-in-chief of the college's newspaper, The Mirror. While earning her Master's in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina, Williamson completed a public relations internship for the Palmetto Health Foundation, a nonprofit who aims to engage community partners to enhance healthcare for patients and families served by Palmetto Health in Columbia, S.C.

Before joining MACST as the marketing associate, Williamson gained experience working for Donehue Direct, a political Internet firm with offices in Columbia, S.C. and San Francisco, Ca. Williamson's duties included copywriting, email marketing, social media and online advertising for Congressional, U.S. Senate and other statewide and local campaigns across six states.

MACST is also pleased to announce the addition of Dayna Cantelmi as the new marketing and communications associate. Cantelmi's responsibilities will include assisting with marketing, public relations and social media projects and programs to promote the Columbia area.

Dayna CantelmiA graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Cantelmi served as the Public Relations Chair for Relay for Life at USC. During her time in this role, Cantelmi raised interest and awareness of the event through multiple public relations and marketing efforts.

"Dayna has a solid background in marketing, and specifically public relations, that will enhance the efforts our marketing department is doing on a daily basis," said Luber. "We're excited to have her on our team."

Prior to coming on board at MACST, Cantelmi previously completed a public relations internship with EJ Media Group in New York City where her responsibilities included the pitching and promotion of events, products and personalities, media outreach, media relations and assistance with public relations materials.

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 the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling Columbia, 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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