Visit Myrtle Beach recently recognized several Grand Strand residents and nearby supporters as Destination Tourism Champions for their efforts as advocates and work to amplify meetings, conferences and events within the Myrtle Beach area. The annual recognition highlights the vital role meetings and conventions play in supporting the local economy and advancing Myrtle Beach as a premier destination for group travel.
This year's honorees are:
- Nick Blake of RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar (pictured front right),
- Kathryn Hedgepath of Myrtle Beach History Trolleys & Step-On Tours Presented by Carolina Limousine and Coach (pictured front left),
- Ken Ivey of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, and
- Toronda Webb of Alore Meetings & Events.
"Meetings and conventions generate significant economic impact for our community while showcasing everything Myrtle Beach has to offer," said Bob Harris, Executive Vice President of Sales for Visit Myrtle Beach. "These award recipients have each played an important role in helping us attract, host and enhance events that bring visitors to our destination and create lasting impressions."
Visit Myrtle Beach's meetings and conventions team works year-round to attract meetings, conventions, sports events and group travel opportunities that generate economic impact and support local businesses throughout the Grand Strand.
About The Honorees:
Nick Blake, representing RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar, was honored for his partnership and support in hosting key industry events in collaboration with Visit Myrtle Beach. Under Blake's leadership, the RipTydz team helped deliver successful experiences for attendees of the Rendezvous South 2026 opening reception and the opening reception for South Carolina's Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel. These events showcased Myrtle Beach to meeting planners, tourism professionals and hospitality leaders from across the Southeast while highlighting the destination's ability to host premier meetings and events.
Kathryn Hedgepath of Myrtle Beach History Trolleys & Step-On Tours Presented by Carolina Limousine and Coach was recognized for enriching the attendee experience through educational tours highlighting the area's history, culture and community. Her expertise was featured during South Carolina's Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel and the Arrowhead Conferences and Events staff meeting and familiarization tour. These experiences provided meeting professionals with a deeper understanding of Myrtle Beach and the unique stories that help distinguish the destination from other coastal communities.
Ken Ivey and the Municipal Association of South Carolina selected the Sheraton Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach Convention Center for their August 2027 annual meeting, generating more than 2,000 room nights. The conference will be hosted in Myrtle Beach for the first time after historically being held on Hilton Head Island. In addition to this event, the Municipal Association of South Carolina continues to book several meetings and events throughout Myrtle Beach at properties including the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Myrtle Beach and other area hotels.
Toronda Webb of Alore Meetings & Events was recognized for bringing the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA) conference to Myrtle Beach in March 2025. The event generated more than 1,300 room nights at Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Kingston Resorts. The conference rotates among destinations and is expected to return to Myrtle Beach within approximately three years. Webb also plans and manages several additional meetings and events throughout Myrtle Beach annually.
For more information about hosting a meeting or event in Myrtle Beach, visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Meetings.
