Responding to input from members at an advertising summit held last fall, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is increasing its participation in consumer trade shows.

A tentative schedule includes more than 20 shows in nine states this year, as well as Toronto and Montreal. In addition to travel shows, the roster includes camping and RV shows, bridal/honeymoon shows, boat shows, women's shows, and others.

Chamber members who took part in the daylong Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Advertising Summit during November recommended the stepped-up effort.

"Advertising remains the No. 1 tool for marketing the Myrtle Beach area, but trade shows fill an important niche," said Sara Shell Moore, vice president of the chamber's visitor centers division. "We're talking one-on-one with people who are ready to travel, including some who have never visited the Myrtle Beach area before and others who haven't visited in 15 years or more. They're amazed at what we have to offer."

Moore has been coordinating the schedule and represents the chamber at the shows, along with staff members Faye Creel and Nevely Graham, To date, they have attended shows in Atlanta, Nashville, Richmond, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Pontiac, Mich., and they are preparing for shows in Knoxville, Tenn., and the Boston area. Additional shows are being confirmed on a regular basis. "We're targeting markets that offer direct-air service to the Myrtle Beach area, markets that have proven to be strong for us, and some promising new markets," Moore said.

At some shows, the chamber is working cooperatively with the Myrtle Beach Family Campground Association and the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR). "Working together enhances our marketing efforts and theirs," Moore said.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood for 63 years as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The chamber serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, LittleRiver, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island.

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Media Contact: Holley Aufdemorte +1 843-916-7218 aufdemh@mbchamber.org