Discover a career that combines creativity, leadership, and organization.
Adventures in Event Planning introduces students to this exciting, high-demand field in South Carolina’s growing
economy. Explore in-demand careers in the event and convention industry. Learn how
to design, budget, market, and manage events while visiting top local venues and meeting
industry professionals. Through interactive modules, hands-on projects, and guest
speakers from South Carolina’s thriving hospitality industry, students will learn
how to transform ideas into unforgettable experiences. Dive into the fast-paced world
of meeting, convention, and event planning. From weddings to world-class conferences,
every great event starts with a great planner.
Program Dates and Audience
- July 12-17, 2026 (Rising 9-12 grade students)
Program Fees
| Residential | Commuter | |
| Early Bird (1/28 - 2/28) | $1,150 | $675 |
| Regular (3/1 - 4/30) | $1,200 | $700 |
| Late (5/1 - 7/6) | $1,250 | $750 |
$25 field trip fee
Meet Your Instructor
Hilary Dyer Brannon
As executive director of Continuing Education and Conferences, Hilary Dyer Brannon is responsible for professional education, personal enrichment, and pre-university programs; CEU documentation; conference and event planning services; and the management of the University Conference Center.
In her 18 year career with the university, Hilary has directed some of the most visible university-wide events including Family Weekend, University Awards Day, New Student Convocation, and Imagine Carolina. Additionally, she oversees the management of ~30+ university conferences each year.
Hilary has received numerous accolades for her work in the community, including the Columbia Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year, The State’s 20 Under 40, and the Columbia Regional Business Report's 40 Under 40. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia and the United Way’s Blueprint for Leadership. Beyond the Horseshoe gates, Hilary has served as a board member for the Columbia Chamber; chair of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board; board member for the Junior League of Columbia; chair of the USC Young Alumni Council; and was named National Collegiate Advisor of the Year by Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Hilary earned a Bachelor of Arts (visual communications) and a Master of Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina.